Cannot logon to "new" used laptop - missing password

[baertracks]

I just purchased an off lease used T400 for a colleague in Africa.
In testing the laptop, I booted and was prompted to "Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete" to begin the log-in process.
In doing so I am then taken to a Windows XP Pro log-in screen with user "administrator" and password.
Leaving the password "blank" and trying to log-on simply gives me an "unable to log-on" error message.
I'm trying to get the password from the guy who sold this laptop to me.

However, if I am unsuccessful in obtaining that password, is there another option for me to remove the requirement of the "Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete" and for entering a password (without, of course, logging onto the laptop)?

FRANK

[rkawakami]

Best suggestion would be to re-format the drive and re-install the OS of your choice. This would protect the security of any sensitive documents or information which might still be on the disk drive. I would also try to access the BIOS and see if there's a supervisor password. If so, you would need to get that information from the previous owner if you want complete control over the system. The forum rules state that we cannot assist any further on circumventing password systems.

[baertracks]

Best suggestion would be to re-format the drive and re-install the OS of your choice. This would protect the security of any sensitive documents or information which might still be on the disk drive. I would also try to access the BIOS and see if there's a supervisor password. If so, you would need to get that information from the previous owner if you want complete control over the system. The forum rules state that we cannot assist any further on circumventing password systems.

OK, thanks for that assistance.
I'm still hoping the seller will respond with the required information.
FRANK

[Neil]

Sellers of these off lease laptops probably don't have any more info than you do about passwords. They didn't set the passwords, use the laptop, or have any contact whatsoever with the party that set the password(s). Just re-install an OS and have a clean start with you "new" laptop.

[Brad]

Perhaps the recovery partition is intact which would allow for an easy OS reinstall.

Try pressing F11 at startup.

Brad

[EOMtp]

Read the Private Message (PM) that I sent you.

[rkawakami]

5. Passwords: No discussion on how to defeat the password or Security Chip on thinkpads specifically or lenovo/IBM branded computers in general will be allowed. The structure of the security system and how to best secure a thinkpad, etc. is allowed as long as it does not touch on bypassing such security systems. The judgement of the Admin or Moderator in this regard is absolute. There is no appeal except to the Admin or Moderator involved should your post be deleted or moved out of sight.

My interpretation is that this covers any password system that's present on a Thinkpad system, regardless if it's a BIOS password or Windows password. My aim is to protect any sensitive information that might still be on the disk drive. The OP is free to Google about this issue. Remember who you are talking to .