Unlocking bitlocker on hp elitebook 840

I feel really dumb because im sure im going about this wrong. I apologize. Im a total novice at most everything associated with PC repair or updating. However u want 2 say it. I was just given a Hp elitebook 840 with windows 7. At least it has the windows 7 sticker on it. I haven't been able 2 open it 2 actually find out. It has bitlocker on it. And I went 2 a previous thread that has the step by step how 2 unlock bitlocker. And I understand what it says 2 do and see the same things it shows n the "how 2", so here's my silly little question. There are letters n every recovery ID shown and I can't enter letters only numbers. And that's it. That's my issue. There also seems 2 b a problem with the battery where I have 2 let it charge FOREVER and then only have about 10 minutes b4 it dies and have 2 start the whole charging process again. Since the laptop was free I was wanting 2 make sure it works (system wise) b4 dropping the cash 4 a new battery. Or if maybe the bitlocker may have something 2 do with its issue of shutting down?? I ddoubt it but with my limited knowledge I have no idea. Any help is better than me left 2 my own devices. Thank u

U r correct. And like i said it was just given 2 me so I have no desire 2 save or even view anything that's on the drive. And I really only watch movies, play a few games (nothing with with great graphics) and MSG occasionally. Do u think with my limited knowledge and understanding I could do this myself? Or would u suggest I take it 2 a PC repair place?

They will tell you some thing similar to what Layback Bear has said. Best bet is to go buy an inexpensive HD for the laptop and do a clean install of W7. After that you can go to the HP download center and download all the needed drivers for your model.

Awesome. Thank u guys 4 the assistance. And 4 being cool. U might not know it but not all sites like this r the folks as nice ...shocker huh?! Thanks again and take care all