I have my network password, but computer has password not allowing. Can I get ar

[wolfman]

Our neighbors moved and I found a laptop in their garbage.(Don't ask) I actually did score alot of Xmas decorations and a Dell XPS M1210 laptop which fired up. It has Windows XP on it, it showed 2 users, 1 was password protected and the other wasn't. So I was able to check some things out, no personal data or documents were on there. The computer picked up that there was a wireless network in my house, so it asked for the network password and tried to connect. But it wasn't able to through the Intel(R)Proset wireless program. It said something a password needed to connect to a network. Is there a way to get around this? What about using the computer in general, just go under the other user? Of course with no network connection, not sure what to do? Do I end up clearing the whole hard drive? But then I loose my OS? Any help woul dbe appreciated, haven't really had to deal with issues like this. Thanks

[Geek-9pm]

You can use the Ethernet connector get into then wireless router. The diret wire does not need a security code.

As you getting into other users, you should check with you neighbor.  The fact that he protected part of the computer implies he has stuff he does not want you nto use.

In general, this forum does not offer help within getting around other people's security. I am not  saying your are a evil-doer. .... It is just CH policy.

Reference:. For evil-doers reading this, you would do better ton search on the Internet for you filed of internist. Example: Using Yahoo, search on the phrase
"How to Commit Credit Card Fraud and Identity Theft"

They have some interesting ideas.   

[Chrisxs5]

Sounds like you need to put in your wifi password. If it were me, I would wipe the laptop and start over. I wouldn't want anything to do with other peoples data.

[wolfman]

 I guess I never thought about my questions looking like I was engaging in criminal activity. Just would like to be able to use it. I don't know the neighbors, they have left and the new tenants are cleaning. I guess I could search, but how would I go about clearing the hard drive completely? Is there a way to keep the OS on? Or how can I install one? I would have complete access then correct?  Also, I think I saw the windows/or Microsoft sticker on th ebottom of it. Would this help me or is this protected also?

[Chrisxs5]

You would need to get an Operating System disk and a drivers disk for the laptop. You can download all online. Then install the OS and update the drivers.. You should be good to go.

Want a free operating system, install a free Linux operating system. Just do a Google search on that topic.

[Salmon Trout]

Our neighbors moved and I found a laptop in their garbage.(Don't ask)

1. You don't know where your neighbours got this laptop, I guess if it was "hot" they would not have just dumped it in the trash, because it might get traced back to them. Anyhow, items in someone's trash are not really legally yours.

2. It isn't really "your" OS, for a similar reason.

3. I suppose it's possible that someone might dump a 6 to 7 year old laptop.

[Calum]

If it were me, I would wipe the laptop and start over. I wouldn't want anything to do with other peoples data.

This is your only real option.  We can't help you with getting the password for the laptop in order to get it working properly for you, and in all honesty do you really want to pick up where someone else left off?  Wiping and installing from fresh is the only sensible choice.  If it has a license key on the bottom, then so much the better for you

[wolfman]

I'll briefly explain the deal again. Someone in our neighborhood moved, the new people left a wooden chest out at the road, it caught my eye, also a box of Xmas ornaments and a box of old college papers/books with a laptop case that contained the Dell. So I don't believe it's hot and yes, I'd like to be able to use it. I have no intention of trying to crack it to seek out their files, so wiping it clean is definitely fine with me. I have done some searching, but am confused by the different methods and programs I am seeing and the exceptions that take place if there are partitions? I have built a few desktops and do basic maintenance, but am not good when dealing with OS's, bios, safe mode etc. Can someone direct me to a link of a very detailed step by step procedure of the best way to do this. I don't want to beat this post to death, since it's not really a password issue after all. Thanks for everyones input. One other question, if I do have the windows/microsoft number, how would that help me if I don't have the disk. Sorry for my lack of knowledge on this

[Chrisxs5]

Just download the matching OS, a quick Google search should get you going on that. Burn it to disk then pop it in and boot the Laptop to it. Follow the prompts. Thats all you need to do. If you run into problems with things like video quality or sound issues. Just go to Dell and download and install the proper drivers.

[SuperDave]

Just download the matching OS, a quick Google search should get you going on that. Burn it to disk then pop it in and boot the Laptop to it. Follow the prompts. Thats all you need to do. If you run into problems with things like video quality or sound issues. Just go to Dell and download and install the proper drivers.

This is what I would recommend. If you have the codes, just try to borrow a similiar disk and re-install the OS. If you can't borrow one, it will be necessary to find on on-line.

[kyle_engineer]

Admin rights are needed for anything system related (like adding a Wifi connection or altering TCP/IP settings). Since you're not allowed to do that, it is obvious that the user you're on doesn't have those rights.

That said, I mostly agree with the others. A new OS is what you need/want. Personally, I'd say get a free linux distro unless you want to buy a copy of Windows. Technically you don't own the product key for that copy of windows... So technically you shouldn't be using the key. Not to mention, that if that key has been registered/used before, it may not work again.

It's just safer and easier to go with a linux distro.

[wolfman]

Thanks for everyone's input. I did try to install an older version of XP I had, but am having some problems. I started that under a new thread, to avoid getting off topic. I'm not sure if that's allowed by the administrator, but it seemed like the logical step.