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Recently, my husband found a laptop in an apartment (he does maintenance and this person left behind all kinds of electronics). The laptop works, but it has ubuntu installed and its asking for a password. How can I either bypass the password or install a new operating system?

Sony Vaio model # PCG-71312L Was running Windows 8 from what I can tell but I think it was replaced with ubuntu. There is no option to boot the windows op system anymore.

fossfreedom
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Haden McKee
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2 Answers2

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You should be able to boot from a CD or bootable USB and install a new operating system (eg. Windows), unless the BIOS/UEFI is password protected.

meetloaf_newb
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just a brief summary of the steps to do:

  1. forget to bypass the "ubuntu-password"...! - you don't need to, if you don't want to read the stored data.

  2. create a bootable medium with an other pc: i would suggest a usb with a current lts-version of ubuntu or its derivatives; or if it has to be windows, take 7 or up (windows xp is likely not to work - beside the security-concerns)!

  3. go to the locked pc an attach/insert the bootable medium.

  4. try to access the BIOS/UEFI or at least choosing the boot-medium with pressing F2, F9, F10, F11, F12 or also DEL is used by some manufacturers, before booting right after pressing the power button.

--> if there is also a password needed to access the BIOS/UEFI (it looks different than the known ubuntu-prompt) it gets pretty complicated.

  1. in the BIOS/UEFI change the boot-order, save changes and exit; or if you entered a little menu for just selecting the boot-medium, choose the right one and your system will start your chosen OS.

  2. format the whole harddisk (btw: use GPT, not MBR like now) and install your OS.

  3. if you changed the boot order via "full BIOS/UEFI", i suggest to change it back to boot from the harddisk.

DJCrashdummy
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