Windows 7 reinstall

[napaman187]

Hi Guys,

We did a bit of work for the World Cup last year with a German company last year who left behind a few laptops. The deal was we were not allowed to wipe them for 1 year cause they might need data from them. Well a year has passed and i want to re install windows 7 on the (they downgraded them to XP for security purposes). I have all the windows disks. the problems are.
1. We dont remember the admin user and passwords so i cant install Win7 withing windows
2. the Bios is password protected so i can set up do boot from CD, again cant find password.

The only thing we can do is log into xp using the general passwords with minimal permissions.

Any advice?

 

[Diesal]

Hi Guys,

We did a bit of work for the World Cup last year with a German company last year who left behind a few laptops. The deal was we were not allowed to wipe them for 1 year cause they might need data from them. Well a year has passed and i want to re install windows 7 on the (they downgraded them to XP for security purposes). I have all the windows disks. the problems are.
1. We dont remember the admin user and passwords so i cant install Win7 withing windows
2. the Bios is password protected so i can set up do boot from CD, again cant find password.

The only thing we can do is log into xp using the general passwords with minimal permissions.

Any advice?

Well as far as I know, you cannot upgrade to Windows 7 from within Windows XP, so that pretty much rules out the first option.

and would it be possible for you to flash the bios?

 

[NeonNinja]

Yes you can't install a.k.a upgrade Windows XP to Windows 7. You just can't. You need to boot from disk. As for passwork, you can try stuff like BartPE, Hiren's or others, to remove the password, or you can try dismantling it and reseat CMOS battery.

 

[ponder]

Providing the make & model of laptop might also help, just an idea...

 

[kooldude]

Changing the boot order usually does not need boot password.

May be try that.

Sent from my Desire HD using MyBroadband Android App

 

[bubbatentoe]

I'd remove the hard disk from the laptop, insert it in an external housing + connect to another machine & remove the partitions.
Put it back in the laptop, boot from DVD & install windows 7 from scratch. (The laptop won't boot from the HDD but it'll try the DVD next)

To get the bios password wiped you'll have to open the laptop case and remove the motherboard battery or flip a jumper/dip switch.
Maybe check the laptop model online and see how to reset the BIOS.

PS: You can't "upgrade" XP to Windows 7 but you can start the 7 installation process from within XP.
So it's kinda like an upgrade. but not really.