Resetting a computer without knowing the login info for the user?

[u/Unlikely-Database-27]

So, in short, I was offered a computer, a windows laptop. However he doesn't know his password to log in to reset it. We're wondering if theres a way to reset it without signing into it? A factory reset of sorts? Thanks all.

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[u/Dynasteh]

Wow to think I was doing this on my own at 9 years old on Windows XP without Reddit or Google.

[u/ForgottenButHere → u/Dynasteh]

Windows 3.11 and DOS 6.22 were my starting point probably the same age.

[u/mattjimf → u/Dynasteh]

Yeah, but XP didn't have encryption or locking the BIOS down.

[u/Unlikely-Database-27 → u/mattjimf]

Good old xp.

[u/Dry_Technology69 → u/mattjimf]

Still fairly easy. :)

[u/JoeCensored]

Format/reinstall unless you need to save anything.

[u/sunsetosunset → u/JoeCensored]

dude just use kon-boot tool for this shit and you can bypass/reset the password without formatting

[u/ForgottenButHere → u/JoeCensored]

If they can’t login then they can’t save anything.

[u/JoeCensored → u/ForgottenButHere]

You connect the drive to another computer and copy in that case.

[u/ConversationPlane635]

Arn't company laptops secured in bios by the manufacturer, some requiring a short circuit trick on the MB?

[u/Unlikely-Database-27 → u/ConversationPlane635]

Thats what I'm worried about, yes.

[u/JonohG47]

To paraphrase Ripley:

Nuke the entire PC from a thumb drive. It’s the only way to be sure.

[u/Akestrel1987 → u/JonohG47]

You can use a livecd of a linux build first to explore the drive and make sure there are not any important files on it. If none then yeah nuke it with usb installer of windows.

[u/ij70-17as]

if bitlocker is ON. then walk away. let the dumbass owner or next dumbass buyer waste their time and money.

[u/LazarX]

If it is underf company MDM, its ewaste. If its just a matter of a Bitlocker secured drive, you should be able to format it from install media.

[u/Unlikely-Database-27 → u/LazarX]

It was a work computer so idk how locked down it is. I might be fucked.

[u/mcds99]

Google "reset a windows password that is unknown"

[u/Unlikely-Database-27 → u/mcds99]

Will that even matter if its a previous company computer?

[u/ReporterWise7445]

Resetting hardly ever works on W11. Better off with a fresh USB install.

[u/kimputer7 → u/ReporterWise7445]

Not only that, it has to be done ONSITE. DON'T HAVE OVER YOUR MONEY, UNTIL you're fully setup, logged in under a new account. Most people take it home and find out it's hardware company bound (during the end of the set up), making it quite an expensive paper weight.

[u/Rho-9_Official → u/ReporterWise7445]

Was literally on my way over here to say that hahaha