Pawnshop laptop

[Jumpingfish]

Hello,
I was able to buy a laptop from a Pawn Shop (outside a casino) but it is Password protected. How do i get past the password to use the laptop? if nothing else i would like reformat the drive and reinstall the OS.

 

[Guest]

If the password is at BIOS level -- rather than just a Windows password -- I would get your money back -- the laptop may be stolen.

If it's just a Windows password, Google the problem there are fixes.

 

[Jumpingfish]

No I don't think it was stolen, I think it was pawned so someone could continue gambling. The pawn shop was right out side the casino.

 

[NapoleonDK]

Okay, this is how horror/stalker/slasher movies start. Phsyco drops laptop at pawn shop, J. Random Netuser picks up laptop, and one of the following happens:
1. Laptop explodes while J.R.N. excitedly boots laptop in parking lot, firey death.
2. Laptop electrocutes J.R.N., he dies in a convulsive seisure.
3. Laptop works great, while SkyNet runs in the background getting smarter and smarter.
4. Laptop works, J.R.N. enjoys browsing Tom's Hardware while watching TV from the couch, laptop overheats and burns certain "family jewels".
5. Laptop is in fact stolen and the whole thing is a setup.
6. Laptop webcam is remotely activated, J.R.N. is blackmailed for who-knows-what.
7. ...
8. Profit

I don't like the sound of it at all, but then again I don't usually trust a pawn shop for anything but secondhand tools or golf clubs. But hey, if you got a great deal and you want to keep it, go ahead! Tell us the model number and where this password is, (BIOS/Operating system/whatever) and we'll help you as best we can.

 

[Jumpingfish]

Best answer selected by Jumpingfish.