(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); I have recently been given a laptop by a friend who got it from work. They left the job but the company let them keep the laptop, they could not unlock it so i said i would have a go.

The problem is when i turn the laptop on it is not a windows log on screen it is one put there by the network admins. This means that there is no way of me getting on, so i cant use CMD or any programs to help. (His account must have been deleted form their server when he left because it no longer works with his username and password)

I would like to know if there are any practical ways to get this laptop working again, preferably without paying anything

The idea i have had is to change the bios and boot windows from a USB and see if that allows me to log on. If i change the BIOS to boot from a USB, would i be able to use the computer without the network log on screen coming up? And also, if that does work would i be able to run a full system restore and get rid of that screen for good so that i can then re-install and operating system and the laptop would work fine?

Any help would be appreciated, thanks

then they really knew what thy were doing, so all you can do is is get to the logon screen and thats it?

Yeah they were part of the nhs so I am guessing they had an allocated tech team. But yeah login screen and bios, which is why I thought about the bootable USB method...

if you change the bios why not just get a windows install disc and format the computer? that should wipe the companys log in and anything they left behind

1. Don't have a disc
2. Isn't that the same as using a USB?

If worse comes to worst you can always go buy a bigger hard drive

well thats what i meant

Be careful when you buy the HDD. I had a similar problem and couldn't boot to anything. Essentially I had a locked computer.