"Open Box" lap top with 7...can't sign in

chip6795 · 27 Dec 2009

Hello all

I just purchased a Toshiba laptop. It has Windows 7 Premium Home and it was an open box purchase. I am guessing the original buyer had created a user name which was password protected. My question is if there is a way to either enter as the admin or any other solution to my problem. I can take it back to the store and have the techies fix it, but I was wanting to be able to mess with it tonight. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

mckillwashere · 27 Dec 2009

Chip,
Due to the situation,
Your best bet would to be to re-install.
This could save you from legal issues.

But on the other hand it is illegal to resale returned electronics such as laptops, ipods, etc in the united states.
This is due to the chance of sensitive data, and or the potential of offensive materials.

Also on the legal side of me helping you,
If you have a stolen laptop, and are trying to access the information on the laptop.
If I helped you I could be help partially liable for helping.

chip6795 · 27 Dec 2009

mckill

Thanks for the reply. So if its illegal do I have any recourse with the store? Because of course if you go to return it they want to dock you a restocking fee.

I would have no problem reinstalling but there was not a recovery disk in the box (which I thought was odd). One thing I did notice was the hologram on the Windows tag looked as if it were rubbed off. I wasn't too thrilled about that being that I still spent 550 on the thing. Any other suggestions would be awesome. Thanks!

mckillwashere · 27 Dec 2009

To start off,
It may not be illegal,
The retail store I work for said it was but I cannot find any facts to back that up.

Take it back to the store at which your purchased the laptop, and request that they reinstall the os for you.
If they wont, Request a copy of the media.
If that doesn't work request a manager.

I will Continue my research on the laws behind it.
But most manufactures will provide a copy of the media when requested.
If you have no luck with the retailer contact Toshiba.

Research, and a Duh moment.
It is not illegal to sell a returned computer,
But it is illegal to sell a returned computer as new.

"I should know this..... I own a computer repair business...."

But, I wouldn't trust the previous owner, You never know they may have installed a key logger.

Then again, it could just be the a store display...

richc46 · 27 Dec 2009

I do not think there is a restocking fee for an item bought that cannot be used. Every State has a law that indicates that when you buy an item there is an implied warranty that states, the product must be in a condition that makes it usable in a way that can be reasonably expected.

chip6795 · 27 Dec 2009

Thanks so much for your help. Updated specs (from the box because I can't log on to see everything else). Plan on taking it back tomorrow. Have a good night.

richc46 · 27 Dec 2009

chip6795 said:

Thanks so much for your help. Updated specs (from the box because I can't log on to see everything else). Plan on taking it back tomorrow. Have a good night.

Night, and I truly wish you good luck.

MacGyvr · 27 Dec 2009

Being a Toshiba, you should have the option to recover the system to factory settings (basically the same as a complete wipe and reload) at the time the machine boots up. Normally it is an F key that you need to press BEFORE the Windows startup is seen.

I don't see a real need to return the machine since, even if the recovery partition doesn't work, you can order the recovery discs from Toshiba at a nominal cost (under $30) and still have a working computer at a reduced cost.

Riley · 27 Dec 2009

If it was a store demo or display, you should be able to just call them and ask for the login info. If it was actually returned, the store tech or someone should have verified the the machine was still in working condition.