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.

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...

BTW, Dell offers downloadable guides for re-installation if you wish to re-install.

Just look into the downloads for your C400.

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.

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...

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

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.

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.

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

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.