Unable to login

[pourman]

Hello there,

My son got a free corporate PC from a friend of mine, PC has window XP and is ~ 4 yrs old. He says that I won't be able to use it since the company has removed/disabled the admin account.

I tried to get in via safe mode (to get to admin account) and it confirmed the admin account has been disabled.

What is the best way to get this PC to work?

[PrntRhd]

It seems likely to me the PC would be looking for a connection to the old domain.
You may be able to make a local account to the PC itself (local).
Other than that, a wipe/install of an OS is the best course. You get the hardware, not the license for the OS the corporation used.

[pourman]

Thanks for the response.
Is wipe/install meant remove the harddrive, use another computer to format it then re-install OS (which I don't have)? I could not go pass the logon screen to do anthing with formatting nor installing!
I'm kinda in the "money tight and knowledge poor" situation, but most of all, such a waste to see working PC goes out like this.

[mjc]

Yes, the wipe/install will totally remove what is currently on the drive.

Does this machine have a sticker on it with a Windows license (COA) number on it? If so what version of Windows is the number for...XP Home, Pro, 2000?

If there is a sticker, then you would probably be fine reinstalling the OS using that number...but you would need to match versions to do so.

If there is no sticker then the version of Windows on the machine is a bulk license deal and it needs to be removed, as there is no legitimate way for anyone other than the original purchaser of the bulk deal to use it.

You can also abandon Windows and use Linux on it...Linux comes in many 'flavors', some easier to install/use than others. These flavors are called 'distros'. A good distro to use to get your feet wet with is one of the Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/) varieties. Most machines that run XP can run one of the 'full' distros, Ubuntu (Gnome desktop) or Kubuntu (KDE desktop). KDE is more 'Windows like', Gnome more "Mac like"...

[PrntRhd]

me:
You get the hardware, not the license for the OS the corporation used.
mjc:
If there is no sticker then the version of Windows on the machine is a bulk license deal and it needs to be removed, as there is no legitimate way for anyone other than the original purchaser of the bulk deal to use it.
exactly,
Corporate PCs are usually XP Pro which is required to join the corporation domains, and yes the license for their software is a bulk license handled differently than any consumer OEM or Full version you would have access to.

[pourman]

Thanks for the responses.

PrntRhd is right. It is XP pro and does not have a sticker.

MJC,
Could you please tell me more how "Linux" would work in my case and where do I get it? cost and how to use it..ect.

Thanks a bunch.

[mjc]

The first 'Ubuntu' in my last response is a link to the main Ubuntu site.

Linux is a free, Open Source (the source code is available along with the compiled, ready to run software) operating system. This allows anyone the ability to change/enhance/customize the program (or operating system). The various 'distros' do just that...customize the basic Linux operating system into something that appeals to their target audience. In Ubuntu's case that target is pretty much Windows users, so everything is pretty much set up to be familiar to the average Windows user.

Also, part of the philosophy behind Open Source software is that not only should the use/developer be free to make changes and then contribute those changes to improving the software, in general, but that at least at a basic level, software, like knowledge should be available to everyone. This often means that not only is Open Source software free as in freedom, but it is also free as in 'beer'...that is, no cost. Many of the larger distro providers do make money, but do it not so much by selling software, but rather by selling support for that software.

So, what it boils down to, is that the operating system and most software is freely available for legal downloading.

On the Ubuntu site, you will be able to download an ISO image of either an installation CD that would require a network connection to complete the install or a DVD image that contains everything and can do a complete local install without a network connection.

The basic package contains the OS and enough other software to be able to do at least as much as your average 'bundled' computer from somewhere like Best Buy. Often, there is much more included.

Specifically, in your case, you are in need of an OS...since the Windows install on this machine is 'locked' up and in order to reinstall you would need to purchase a copy of Windows. In order to make the computer useful for something more than a paperweight, it needs an operating system.

[pourman]

MJC,

Althought, I wanted to get my feet wet under the computer world but as of now, I don't have much time and buget to play around this PC. My son' school has started and I think getting him a new one from a local retailer is a must.

I will re-visit the PC and this forum in the near future.

You're great.

Thanks.
steve pourman