Leave A Domain - How?

My laptop, a Windows Enterprise 32-bit, is stuck in a domain which imposes a group policy and prevents me from doing many basic stuff, such as downloading Skype. I've looked around and I know that you should be able to leave a policy by "Change Settings" in the "Properties" tab of "Computer". The only problem is that the group policy prevents me from even opening the "Change Settings", i.e I have no administrative rights.

Is there a way for me to leave the domain without administrative rights?

Even if you left the domain, those policies would still apply. You can't fix this without admin rights.

I'm a teacher and was given this computer by the municipality. Therefore, I doubt that I can contact the admin(s). Is the only other way to format the laptop and install a new OS?

Oh, you can format it and do whatever you like. The domain only applies to the currently installed OS.

I see, thanks. Is it possible to re-use the Microsoft Office Product Key?

There are programs available to reset the administrators password...but since the computer was given to you by the municipality, you might not be wise doing that as you would no longer be able to go onto the domain once you get off it. This is because you would need to be a domain admin to "join" you computer back onto the domain. On the other hand if you do not need to get back on the domain you could use the downloaded program to reset the password and then move the computer to a "homegroup". We are, unfortunately, unable to give you the links to the "password rest" programs but a google for it would see you right complete with instructions on its use.

I see. I'll try doing that. Thanks for the help.

Don't forget to report back and let us know how you get on..also if you need any further help!!

The first step in resetting the password is to boot the PC with a Windows RE. Since the OS came with the PC, would it work if I used the Windows Boot DVD from another Windows 7 OS?

You are best using the correct OS disk if you can get a loan of one. I only use the pro version as I don't need the "BitLocker" facility so I'm not sure how doing a "startup repair" using an installation DVD that is of a lower standard will affect you if BitLocker has been activated. If it hasn't, I guess you should be OK....