brought a used laptop that needs to be cleaned out

I brought a pretty decent laptop from someone on-line and unfortunately I can't return it. My problem is that the previous owner had it set up to require a password to get into the computer (which i was given so i could re-set it) but now as i started using it, i am finding that I cannot add or remove things because I am not the "administrator"?? I have a desktop that I have not had this issue with so I am wondering if maybe this is a personal security feature the previous owner had set? Anyway, he did not send me any install disks so i am afraid I'm stuck with a lemon. Does anyone know how i can wipe this computer clean (back to factory shell status) without the install disks? Hopefully I have made some sense (I'm not as computer savvy as I would like to be) and any suggestions would be much appreciated! :banghead

 

Contact the manufacture they usually sell recovery disks. I bought a refurb from MicroCenter and had to contact Sony to get recovery disks.

 

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421 http://www.howtohaven.com/system/createwindowssetupdisk.shtml The second page is difficult to do, but it can be done, as even I have, after trials and errors The slipstream option and the selection of a file format were the difficulties, IMGBurn has improved since then, making the process easier The disk created is limited in that you can only use it a set number of times, so back up your system to a remote location before you try anything. I believe the Microsoft link is what would be the easier option.................................................................. Bug

 

There would be limitations placed on "other users" via the administration account. Ask the person you bought the system off for the original "Administration" password, otherwise it sounds like you need to re-set the Administration Password within your BIOS or do you have the option to boot into the Administration Account during your start up?