PC user/domain questions

[Snprphnx]

The company my mom works for upgraded all the computer systems, and they gave away the slightly old systems, maybe 2-3 years old, to employees families.

I got one of these, but since it was previously a business PC, it had certain users and domains set up in it, and they didnt bother to remove any of these. I have partial admin control over the system. I have the previous users login name and password, and he was listed as an admin. however, i cant add any new users, nor can i change the password to something simpler.

my question is, is there any way to delete the old users and domains, and have it setup so that its just me in the system with 100% admin rights?

also, the system came with no disks for a system recovery/reformat, just the tower, small monitor, KB and mouse.

thx

[Buffy]

The company my mom works for upgraded all the computer systems, and they gave away the slightly old systems, maybe 2-3 years old, to employees families.

I got one of these, but since it was previously a business PC, it had certain users and domains set up in it, and they didnt bother to remove any of these. I have partial admin control over the system. I have the previous users login name and password, and he was listed as an admin. however, i cant add any new users, nor can i change the password to something simpler.

my question is, is there any way to delete the old users and domains, and have it setup so that its just me in the system with 100% admin rights?

also, the system came with no disks for a system recovery/reformat, just the tower, small monitor, KB and mouse.

thx

If you have admin rights, the simplest thing to do is to un-join it from the domain. Once you do that, life becomes simpler. I can talk you through it if you want, but the short answer is leave the domain and life is peachy.

Assuming it is an xp machine, go Start > My Computer > Properties > Computer Name tab > I forget cause I only have xp home at home, not xp pro.

I think it is Change > Domain > delete everything > it will ask for administrator name and password > restart.

[Snprphnx]

its not win xp, its win 7, if that makes a difference

[Buffy]

its not win xp, its win 7, if that makes a difference

Steps should be similar, but it might be under system settings > advanced system settings. If you open the start button and type computer name in the line, it might pop up right away.

[Snprphnx]

not working. I click Advanced System Settings, and a box pops up to input user id/password. i put in the info i have, and it denies it, saying "The requested action requires elevation". my guess is that any system altering changes required approval from a higher lvl of admin. any ideas?

[Buffy]

not working. I click Advanced System Settings, and a box pops up to input user id/password. i put in the info i have, and it denies it, saying "The requested action requires elevation". my guess is that any system altering changes required approval from a higher lvl of admin. any ideas?

You are correct, you do not have high enough admin rights to leave the domain. There is no 'official' fix for that. However, it is like a 2 minute fix, I bet if you took it up there the system administrator would be happy to do it for you. In fact, he'd probably be embarrassed he forgot.

[Arkanna]

You can't remove a machine from a domain without having domain admin credentials. You'll have to figure out the local admin credentials or use one of those boot discs that lets you reset the local admin pw. I'll see if I can dig one up.

*edit* Obviously wiping and reloading Windows is an option.

[Buffy]

You can't remove a machine from a domain without having domain admin credentials. You'll have to figure out the local admin credentials or use one of those boot discs that lets you reset the local admin pw. I'll see if I can dig one up.

*edit* Obviously wiping and reloading Windows is an option.

Yah, if you could find a copy of Windows 7 to do a clean install, it might be nice. Windows 7 is a wicked easy install from scratch. Although I know you said you didn't have any disks, a friend might?

[Snprphnx]

thx for the help. the old admin left all the PCs that were given away like this for some reason. prolly to damn lazy to go through and clear them out, while working on incorporating all the new gear they brought in

[Arkanna]

Honestly I'd recommend just wiping and reloading Windows as opposed to changing the local admin pw with a boot disc. If you don't reinstall Windows, the machine will always be connected to the domain, and any policies enforced on that domain will affect the machine.

What flavor of Windows 7 is it, Professional?

*edit*

DMCA-ed.

Install the OS without entering a product key (choose Ultimate). After installing, use the activator to crack it. After you reboot, do the Windows Updates but make sure to find and HIDE the one centered on "Windows Activation Technologies".

[Caiyuo]

DMCA-ed by MS, sorry.

[Toxictaru]

As far as I remember, Microsoft legitimately released the discs for Windows 7, for anyone to download. They have and obviously still do, only care about selling you the sticker. If you have the key on the box, just grab a copy of whatever Windows 7 you need and move right along. Would probably be faster than trying to find someone to help you do it.

[Ratatapa]

You can't remove a machine from a domain without having domain admin credentials. You'll have to figure out the local admin credentials or use one of those boot discs that lets you reset the local admin pw. I'll see if I can dig one up.

*edit* Obviously wiping and reloading Windows is an option.

Um when i need to remove a PC from a domain i always did it with Local admin credentials

[Aevis]

you may re-read your quote or OP, because OP only has a domain account without enough permissions.

[Ratatapa]

indeed reading the first part only is not good