locked out of my laptop

[y2dgone]

I got a pretty sweet deal on a laptop from a national pawnshop chain. But here's the problem, it is locked with a password on the Windows Vista start screen. It isn't a BIOS lock, but the windows log-in user screen. The pawn shop doesn't know the password and didn't supply me with the Vista Recovery CDvd. So any ideas on how I can get into this thing? It's a Dell PP33L

[ontarian_frog]

I got a pretty sweet deal on a laptop from a national pawnshop chain. But here's the problem, it is locked with a password on the Windows Vista start screen. It isn't a BIOS lock, but the windows log-in user screen. The pawn shop doesn't know the password and didn't supply me with the Vista Recovery CDvd. So any ideas on how I can get into this thing? It's a Dell PP33L

If you know a little bit about Linux, try this

http://4sysops.com/archives/free-tri...s-using-linux/

[thehunterooo]

i would clear the hard drive and install windows xp, and you can get the complete system disc pretty cheaply

i have not heard of anyway to get into it unless maybe its in safe mode, but you would have to try that

[subachad]

i would clear the hard drive and install windows xp, and you can get the complete system disc pretty cheaply

i have not heard of anyway to get into it unless maybe its in safe mode, but you would have to try that

With XP home, you can boot to safe mode and it will login as the admin... I suspect this is fixed with Vista. Use the above link to create a rootkit CD.

As for the XP suggestion, Vista looks better, just doesn't run too well. You have a vista key already on the laptop, look into a windows 7 upgrade. 7 is sexy and runs good too. I have been using it for my HTPC for a few months now.

[thehunterooo]

windows 7 works good? i might have to get that in the future, i hate vista

yeah i used to do all that kind of **** on xp home but once i lost my boot up files, i just bought another laptop

[4g63gst20]

i would clear the hard drive and install windows xp, and you can get the complete system disc pretty cheaply

i have not heard of anyway to get into it unless maybe its in safe mode, but you would have to try that

With XP home, you can boot to safe mode and it will login as the admin... I suspect this is fixed with Vista. Use the above link to create a rootkit CD.

As for the XP suggestion, Vista looks better, just doesn't run too well. You have a vista key already on the laptop, look into a windows 7 upgrade. 7 is sexy and runs good too. I have been using it for my HTPC for a few months now.

vista wont let you boot in safe mode to override pasword, only XP and i have downgraded 2 computers to XP because they just run faster on XP. vista seems to require too much RAM

[thehunterooo]

yes vista uses around 4 times as much as xp, thats why i love xp lol

[XJCasper]

So when I get my new 4 gig ram laptop, downgrade to XP.

[Wolfman AK907]

Yes, vista is bull****. It just looks pretty.

[AveoRob]

Yes, vista is bull****. It just looks pretty.

Not True. Vista is the beginning of the next gen OS and overcomes many shortfalls of XP, such as addressing memory. Yes it is always difficult to move to a new OS and the only real way to work it out is release it. As others have already said, the next gen, 7, is much better.

As for installing XP, it will be a PIA to find the drivers cause Dell will only list Vista drivers, you have to go to the manufacturer's site for the drivers.

The linux tool listed above will be the cheapest and easiest way. You could probably contact Dell (you're sure this isn't stolen,right?)or go online and order the installation media from them, since you have the key code already. This may be best for a clean install. I would want a clean install myself.