Can't get into the computer, i am locked out, help me!!!

Question

I just bought this computer on ebay for like $150, a dell latitude c400 and it seemed to belong to an association who was getting rid of their old computers.  when i turn the computer on it brings up someones user name and then a password space.  I don't know the password so i can't get into the computer.  It has windows xp professional but it came with no books on security and i can't get in touch with the company...how do i get on to this computer ... did i just lose 150$?

Ed C · Answer

If it is a BIOS password you more than likely lost your money!!!

But if it is a operating system password all you have to do is format the hard drive and reinstall a operating system on it. Yes you will have to BUY a copy of a operating sytem like Windows 2000 or XP or get a open source, free, operating system like Linux.

JersWork · Answer

Reformat the HD and install a new copy of XP on it,  then you will know the password.  If they seller didn't provide you with all of the materials,  then they may not be the true owner.  Most companies do not leave an OS installed,  much less any other applications or data when they 'liquidate' their old computers.  If that information is still on the PC you bought,  the seller might not be the owner...

unencumbered2 · Answer

Is it hard to reformat your computer?  is there anywhere online to download instructions?  it did not come with a dell latiture owners manual...also, can i reformat it if i can't get to a start menu?

Rijko · Answer

BTW, Dell offers downloadable guides for re-installation if you wish to re-install. Just look into the downloads for your C400.

Rijko · Answer

Hi,

i would freshly install XP but maybe the current installation will do ? That's up to you ofcourse.

If you wish to try using the current XP version, get a copy of ERD Commander and reset the password using the Locksmith tool. You can always make up your mind later.

I assume you are looking at a XP logon screen since you mentioned it gives "someones username" .. If this were a bios issue it would just ask for a password.

Hope this helps.

JersWork · Answer

No, it is not hard to reformat.

Put your XP install CD into the CD-ROM drive and re-boot. During the POST, hit F12 and select to boot from the CD-ROM. The OS install procedure will wolk you through the rest asking questions along the way.

To be honest, I would never keep the OS already loaded on a used PC when I bought it unless I knew it had been freshly formatted. It would be too easy to get a system that already had viruses and trojan horse/back door apps already loaded. It is too big of a "security risk" to my other computers...

unencumbered2 · Answer

Thanks for all the helpful information.  this laptop does not have a cd drive, where is an inexpensive place to buy one or an online place to purchase one?  is one of those external cd/rw machines good enough?  Thanks again

JersWork · Answer

Go to Dell Spare Parts and order one. They can tell you which one you need by asking you the appropriate questions about your system model, etc.

From the price you paid, I am betting that your system wil not boot form USB, so you would need a CD drive specifically designed for your system.

leduke30 · Answer

You will need a D P/N 3G265 IDE Cable which connects to the IDE port on the back of the laptop and a C-Series CDROM/CDRW/DVDROM or Combo Drive. The C400 uses this special cable in lieu of a Modular Bay which it does not have. The cable will work with 2nd Harddrive Modules and Floppy Drives also. Here are several of the cables.

http://search.ebay.com/3G265_
W0QQfromZR18QQfsopZ1QQsspagenameZADMEQ3aBQ3aTB2Q3aUSQ3a2

Ed C · Answer

What you need is a 'C' series (older latitude) or 'I' series (older Inspiron still the C series chassis) type modular/media bay CD drive of any flavor, CD, CDRW, CDRW/DVD whatever.

unencumbered2 · Answer

thanks alot for all the info, so i was able to buy the cable i need on ebay but i still can't find the externa; cd drive that i need, not on dell...anyone know who to buy one from?

unencumbered2 · Answer

when you say modular bay?  is that the same as just buying an external cd/rw/dvd drive?  the laptop does not have any space for a disk drive to go into it, so i figured i needed an external one, so i just ordered the wire that the person above me told me about..so what does that wire attach to?  can someone tell me the devices name or part number....i really appreciate this...thanks alot

Ed C · Answer

No you need a CD drive that WOULD fit into a "C" series media/modular bay!!!! The slot on the front of the notebook. It is a Dell C series specific drive.

Like this one.

http://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=item&id=365&prevaction=category&previd=18&prevstart=60

leduke30 · Answer

EdC is 100% on target. The C400 originally when new came with a External Media Bay AND the 3G265 cable, but only the cable is needed. The External Bay was pure cosmetics, as the cable plugs directly into  the connector on the Drive when using the bay. The cable and the external bay was made to use any modular C-series Drive, and not some special, hard to find External drive. I presently have a CSx which uses the same setup, but the cable is different-a 10NRN.

Locked Topics – Laptops General

Can't get into the computer, i am locked out, help me!!!

Was this post helpful?