Please post the exact model of the system and when you say locked out does it prompt you for a user password?

Model # and size of your Optiplex?  Knowing size helps speed troubleshooting in most cases as components vary.  Please see images below.

Was your Optiplex used for public use, like at a library?  Libraries have security measures that lock public users out of certain areas of Windows, like the Control Panel, My Computer, and sometimes even the Start menu.  No password prompt.  User is already signed in and not admin.

It doesn't sound like you had trouble accessing Windows itself.  This is still early in the game and answers might be preliminary.

You might need to do a fresh reload of Windows and possibly on a fresh SSD is the best bet.

The seller should've been smart enough to reset Windows before selling.

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I bought it off a guy who worked for a business that closed down.

It is the micro processor 

The seller was not tech savvy and didn't know how to override the company's security measures. Yes once turned on the computer automatically signs into a presaved user

All I know is it's a Dell optiplex with win 8.1 ops

And the control panel is greyed out so I cant access it 

i have a laptop with win 8 on it 

ok

That might be due to company security measures already in place on your PC.  The only way we're going to be able to override that stuff is to reload one way or the other.

Not to worry.  That's what Dell Community is here for.  One of our other experts may also chime in.

Sometimes it can get a little confusing because there isn't just one way to do things, but we'll make it clear as we can.

Hi @jayk52, I believe by "micro processor" you meant you have the MFF (micro form factor) of the Optiplex.  Optiplex's typically have it stated on the front what model they are, like "Optiplex 3070," and so on.  Good news is we won't need the model # to help you with this case.

Do you have a previous working PC with Win7 or better?  If you have what you need to hook up a 2nd drive, this could be used to format a new SSD (unless you prefer HDD).  Then you could put it in your Optiplex and do a fresh install of Windows.

Best bet is Win10 since Microsoft ended mainstream support for 8.1 over 2 yrs. ago.  Extended support does go until Jan. 2023.

Hi @JOcean,

If you don't mind me tagging you in since you were already involved in this thread...

Is it possible to work around what I said and erase the drive and reload it?  Your thoughts in this case are appreciated.

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i have tried loading a recovery tool on my portable usb drive and when i try to use it it tells me its in valid