Business computer windows

[Beef Boss]

I got a bunch of drives from a closed down store, before anyone asks yes I did obtain these components and computers legally and legitimately, and they all have windows on them but it's strange. One boots up with windows 7, but looks like windows XP. And the rest have XP. Would there be a way to completely reset these computers so I could just use them normally? No, I'm not after any information and no I'm not trying to circumvent anything. I'd just like to try and use them. 

[Theguywhobea]

Reinstall Windows.

[Beef Boss]

9 minutes ago, Theguywhobea said:

Reinstall Windows.

I would've done that, if I had a windows key. 

[Mutoh]

Step 1: Reformat drives

Step 2: Download a Linux Distro of your choice! 

[KenjiUmino]

11 minutes ago, BadluckBrian said:

One boots up with windows 7, but looks like windows XP.

does it look like this? 

 

 

that's the "classic theme" - it can be set back to the default theme 

 

 

but if you got these drives with data on them i would safe erase anything regardless. 

 

you can use a tool to read out all the activation keys - write 'em down, wipe the drives and reinstall

[Electronics Wizardy]

7 minutes ago, BadluckBrian said:

I would've done that, if I had a windows key. 

there are programs that will remove the key from windows, use those.

[Beef Boss]

21 minutes ago, KenjiUmino said:

does it look like this? 

 

 

that's the "classic theme" - it can be set back to the default theme 

 

 

but if you got these drives with data on them i would safe erase anything regardless. 

 

you can use a tool to read out all the activation keys - write 'em down, wipe the drives and reinstall

Yes it looks just like that, I just can't change graphics properties or anything. These were cash register machines I'm pretty sure. The newer computer I bought from the lot doesn't have any keys on the outside, but an older one has a Vista business key lol. What tool would I use? I tried booting from my Linux drive (external) but it doesn't work. 

[KenjiUmino]

4 minutes ago, BadluckBrian said:

Yes it looks just like that, I just can't change graphics properties or anything. These were cash register machines I'm pretty sure. The newer computer I bought from the lot doesn't have any keys on the outside, but an older one has a Vista business key lol. What tool would I use? I tried booting from my Linux drive (external) but it doesn't work. 

i assume these machines have been locked down by the admin to avoid being messed with by the people working the cash registers.

 

first thing you'd need to do is get admin access. then you can read the activation keys from the registry with a tool

(on the win 7 machine at least - don't even bother with windows XP) 

 

you may also need access to the BIOS to enable booting from external/removable drives. 

 

there is plenty of information on the internet how to get this done.