Computer Help

[cliffords]

Did there used to be a forum??

I have just found an old work laptop Compaq in the garage that I did not return when I changed jobs! Very naughty I know.

It has safe boot , but I do have the password and a window sign on, again I do have the password.

Is there a way I can take everything off and build it as a home laptop for my son's school work..

I would need to take of the security that stops me doing anything.
It was a Bank laptop . Wants admin pass-codes and sign on etc.

[stevee8]

Depending on how it was set up originally, reformating the HD might be desired or required followed by installation of the operating system & software - all properly licensed of course.

[cliffords]

Originally Posted by stevee8

Depending on how it was set up originally, reformating the HD might be desired or required followed by installation of the operating system & software - all properly licensed of course.

Happy to go the proper route
How would I go about reformatting , do I take it somewhere ?

Thanks

[shadow]

All you should need is a windows disk, boot from CD rom and follow the instructions on the blue screen to set up windows. There will be options to clear partitions and format, then install windows. That's how I have done it many times with XP.
HTH

[cliffords]

Did try but can't get past safeboot 4.
Too clever for me if there is no alternative I will own up and give it back to them !!

I still work for the same company just a different area.

[kayjayd]

David, it sounds like there's a BIOS password on there from what you're saying. I used to get round this by "flashing the BIOS". To do this you'll need to download a BIOS image from the Compaq support site. If this is an old laptop it may difficult to get hold of said image. Basically you put this image on a floppy disk and boot the laptop from the floppy. It erases all of the setup information and will allow you to boot from CD and re-install the operating system.

If you still work for the company I would call the IT support manager and explain what happened. Most companies have a 3 year hardware renewal program and allow employees to buy kit older than this. I've just bought my 3 year old laptop for £50 from my company. Also if you ask the IT bods nicely they may even put an operating system on it for you, they did for me

[kevchard]

It doesn't sound like it is trying to boot from CD. Safe boot 4 sounds like it may be the windows startup menu (safe mode, last known good config etc).
With compaqs to enter the setup you have to push one of the 'F' keys when a white blob is in the top right hand corner of the screen (long before you get to the windows boots menu). I think it is either F5 or F10.
How old is the laptop (pentium III,IV, celeron etc?).
Kev your company is good if they offer old kit for £50, our company would prefer to pay a disposal company as apposed to letting us have them .
There could be a business opportunity for second hand laptops if you can get them every now and again .
Cheers
Kevin

[purge98]

If I understand correctly SafeBoot 4 is a HDD data encryption tool. It will prevent access to files and folders. It has nothing to do with BIOS.

If you can't reformat then why not junk the HDD and install a new one?

Not quite sure why you can't boot into a CD or Floppy though? Do you understand what this process is?

[cliffords]

Originally Posted by purge98

If I understand correctly SafeBoot 4 is a HDD data encryption tool. It will prevent access to files and folders. It has nothing to do with BIOS.

If you can't reformat then why not junk the HDD and install a new one?

Not quite sure why you can't boot into a CD or Floppy though? Do you understand what this process is?

Yes it is a data encryption tool.
The reason I can't get it to boot from a cd or floppy is that it loads Safeboot first and then goes to the drive, by that time it wants the safeboot passwords and then I am stuck again.

[purge98]

I'd erase the CMOS memory by removing the battery on the motherboard for at least ten minutes. Remove mains supply first.

If that doesn't work then you will have to use the jumper on the motherboard to clear the CMOS. Can you get into the laptop case? Do laptop motherboards have jumpers even....??? I'm not sure....

Instead it could be a dip switch in the memory hatch underneath the laptop.

Beware of ESD though