From an official stance, XP and Vista is the options, with Linux.
I agree with #17, I think this may be more trouble than its worth.
Dell Inspiron 530s Desktop Locked Out From No User Password
Hello, I recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 530s desktop from an auction in like new condition. It's still on Windows Vista and had been sitting for 10 years. I got it powered up and able to go online using the guest user option but I cannot run anything due to the previous owner's user password I do not have. I cannot even set the current time and date without it requesting the previous user's password. I understand that I would not be able to update Vista, but I would like to upgrade it to at least Windows 8.0 or 8.1. or Windows 10 if it's capable. Everything I try and enter or change it keeps asking for that previous password. I've tried all the common fixes including entering the BIOS and changing the BIOS password and it's still requesting the original password. I tried removing the CMOS battery, unplugging the blue jumper wire off of the motherboard and letting it sit overnight then starting it back up but it will not clear the previous owner's user password.
Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
John
Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
John
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Frank is one of the people who has been trying to help you.I've never heard of Frank's link or Rufus either.
His Link is in post #12 it is blue writing that says HERE.
Reproduced below here
From what I can determine, the Dell Inspiron 530s originally came with Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit.
Its 3.6 GB size ISO file which contains Service Pack 2 can be downloaded from HERE, which you can then use to create a bootable install DVD.
Rufus is a program for making a bootable usb stick and adding the windows vista operating system instead of using a dvd.Rufus
I gave a link to Rufus in post # 15
Her it is again below in Blue
You click on what is in blue and it will take you to the program and how to use the program.
Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way
Yes you can. Click on the blue link below and it will take you to Microsoft Windows 8.1 ISOSo let me ask you this. Is it possible to create and install Windows 8.0 or 8.1
And also the Microsoft tool to create the bootable usb or dvd.
Download Windows 8.1 Disc Image (ISO File) (microsoft.com)
You will also need a windows 8.1 product key which are still available on the internet for around $10.00
It is up to you to check the site you choose as to whether it is a legitimate site or not.
The 8.1 iso can be burnt to either a 4GB DVD or a usb.
You need to check in the bios to see if the computer will boot from usm.
Normally under the Boot tab
Have you also tried factory restore
See attached file
See attached file
Attachments
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Also you may not find any programs which supports Vista. All newer programs are for Windows 7 (maybe) up to Windows 11.
Not sure if you can install Windows 11 unsupported OS in it. You can use it until MS decides to turn it off. Linux may be your best bet as previously stated.
Not sure if you can install Windows 11 unsupported OS in it. You can use it until MS decides to turn it off. Linux may be your best bet as previously stated.
For the future, if you ever purchase a computer or laptop that has been used, it is always important to request the information regarding the information about accessing the Administrator account you need to have. Normally, Administrator account passwords should be disclosed or erased upon a sale of a computer. However, this may not always be the case. When running into a password issue related to a second-hand computer and cannot access the Administrator account, before attempting to take the effort to reinstall Windows, it is best to try to contact the previous owner of the computer or laptop to obtain the Administrator password. This way, you will save time and be able to keep the saved files of yours on it. The option other than what I just mentioned is to take the computer to a computer repair shop for a computer technician to reset the Administrator password for you. However, this is not cheap to do. Beyond what we have mentioned, we are unable to assist with password issues related to unknown passwords.
21 - 25 of 25 Posts
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