Need to hack into Windows 7

[mcantar]

So, I got a pretty nice laptop and PC from work that we were throwing away. I'd like to use the PC at home and put the laptop in the garage to run the laser table with (or maybe put my old laptop in there and use the new one for whatever).

But the geniuses at work didn't wipe anything. At all. Which... yeah... probably should have been done, as there may or may not be sensitive info on there.
This means that the accounts are still present.

At work we use some kind of centralized thingy where everybody can log in on any computer and get to their desktop, though a few things like Mastercam are tied to a specific workstation as far as I understand.
So when I fire up the computers, I'm prompted for my work login. Which, not being connected to the servers anymore, doesn't fucking work.

I'd like to wipe all personal info but leave some of the programs (e.g. Mastercam and stuff) if possible. I'd imagine that would mean gaining access and manually deleting stuff.
Alternatively, I'd like to confirm that's not in fact possible and then do some kind of factory reset that at least leaves the Windows 7 operating system and native programs intact.
I do not have a Windows boot disc. Or a product code.


I tried the safe mode >> "Administrator" thing and it didn't work... and that's pretty much the extent of my computer skills in this regard.


Any of you know what to do?


Our IT people and other corporate types are in another building like 10 min down the road. I can talk to them if it comes to it, but they work different hours and it's just a pain in the ass if it isn't necessary.

[SEBSPEED]

Take them back to work, connect to network and log in? I would get in contact with the work people first. Everything being legit(not saying it isn't), they won't mind taking a few minutes to get you in and take care of business.

[Mattson]

Ancient one but...

https://www.riemurasia.net/kuva/Wind...-hukassa/48179

[MikeGyver]

Did you try rebooting it first?


That's the extent of my IT knowledge.

[JamesHambleton]

If you can get to windows 7 recovery and run Regedit.exe you should be able to find "domain" I think it's either

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\Tcpip\Parameters\Domain
or
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Group Policy\History

I can't remember off the top of my head, I'd need to check on my laptop as it was pretty much the same as yours a installation of windows done by deployment server.

You need to empty the data within that registry area it'll be something like name.network
then scan the rest of the registry (ctrl + F) for this network name - empty all of the entry name.network texts and this should resolve your issue.

Side note: it is most likely that your company's network will have as WSUS which means your computer will look to their server for updates, if you do not remove the entry for it then windows will not update from the microsoft server as a normal home installation would.

[mcantar]

Well we had a random company BBQ on friday and some of the corporate types showed up from down the road. Was able to chat with one of the IT guys and he said there's no way to save the fancy programs, but walked me through how to basically do a factory reset on em.

[JamesHambleton]

You want to know why he won't tell you how to save the programmes?

It's because they get a licence that can only be used on x amount of computers. These have to be listed so if the software vender says pick this machine and it is marked as not having the software and it has it then they usually get fined. But obviously if your computer isn't there it can't be tested so shouldn't be an issue.

You can save the software as it's all in the registry, you just need to remove the computer from the >> network domain << key words.

[mcantar]

The software isn't a HUGE deal, I have personal licenses to everything that they have installed (more actually). It just saves me the time/energy of setting up the compooder from the ground up.

How do I remove it from the network domain without being able to get into it in the fist place?

[onesight1]

Usually with work computers the have passwords at the Windows Log in, or Bios


pretty sure you're shit outta luck doing it the way you'd hope by keeping programs.

At best you'll have to format the HDD via re-installing windows, or factory reset.

if it prevents you, the HDD is locked- requiring a new HDD to be used, or reseting the bio by removing the motherboard battery if I recall

its been yearsssssss......

[Fight Everything]

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...load/windows10

Go there, download the tool, make a bootable windows 10 install with a usb thumb drive. Install it using the Windows 7 sticker on the back of the laptop.

When you get to the screen asking which drive to install to, delete all partitions, create new partition, and install.

Done. You will have a totally fresh install that will legitimately activate, runs great, etc.


I do this all day at work....