no access to anything in XP Pro

I just picked up a computer from a big box store going out of busniess. I was told that it was part of there point of sale system.

When I booted it up after the windows xp started All i have access to is a network icon and internet explorer. Even in the start menu there are no programs, no mycomputer, or control panel ect..

I am assuming that they had the unit locked out so the employees can not play with the system.

I am looking for a way to make this a working computer. There is a windows product key on the side of the unit. I have not contacted MS to see about getting replacement disk and reformat the drive which would be ok, But would like to see if there is another way to gain access and have the xp boot up as normal instead of this limited mode.

Have tryed to start in safe but still nothing. Any help would be great, thanks.

sailor899

 

Just curious, can you connect to the internet through internet explorer?

 

have not hooked it up to the net yet, just booted it up. I does have Explorer on it but. now I am thinking about it may only look for connection their network.

IF i get on the net is there some way to get access to full operating system

 

If you right click Start button can you select Properties>Customize>Advanced and get My Computer or Control Panel or Run command? Or don't you have permission?

In Safe Mode do you have an option of Administrator account or can't you get into Safe Mode?

 

guess that computer was used in store for POS to keep track of inventory, etc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_of_sale
Probably has bare bones windows system on it with the stores sales software.
If the original i386 file is on it you may be able to create another Windows disk for it, although the process is a bit involved, then it should register with MS.
Personally would make a Linux box out of it rolleyes, or purchase an XP Home CD and install from that, make sure it is running well before registering. If it is a name brand PC (Gateway, Dell, HP, etc.) drivers for hardware are usually available online from the manufacturers web site. Try a Linux live CD or two, no harm done if you don't install. Do you have access to the BIOS?

 

I think you have a threat or virus on your system so scan it.

 

nothing happens when you right click on desktop or the start menu. just do not have access. get a promp if click on the cd/dvd access icon but the passwords I got from the store do not work

I think I am looking at reformatting the unit and installing XP pro and using the keycode on the side of the unit.

The uint is a p4 IBM desktop unit. very nice just need to get operating system running has a 40gig hard drive.

 

what would making it a linx system get me if I want to use it as a windows desktop for either my self or to turn it into a computer for my kids games and internet.
Just really trying not to reformat and go though all the steps needed for divers ect.

know how just rather not go though it is all.

 

Boot into safe mode, log in as the Admin.

When your at the desktop, try pressing Ctrl + shift + esc at the same time, this should open taskmgr (unless it gives you an error and says you don't have access, many IT groups forget this step). If it opens then you should be able to go to File>New Process> gpedit.msc.

Once you have gpedit open delete every policy that you see, reboot and hopefully you'll have admin access back

 

it would get you a full working pc - for free,
its free to try, free to install and free to use

nearly everything that can be done on windows can be done on linux,
i know - i have windows 2000, xp pro and mandriva linux,

no need to hunt around for drivers, they come with the package
an added bonus is you can try before you install - if you don't like it, try another
all it costs is the time to download and 1 cd (to burn the image to)

pclinuxos is a good starter choice
http://docs.pclinuxos.com/PCLinuxOS

ubuntu is also a good choice
http://www.ubuntulinux.org/products/WhatIsUbuntu/desktopedition