Buying used laptop

Someone is selling L412 for $150 locally but the person says it's password locked.
Does it mean it could be stolen possibly?

I asked if the person has A/C adapter and such but what are some things to watch for when buying an used laptop? Thanks!

 

Make sure they take the password off!

Did they mention what kind of PW it had? Hard drive? BIOS? If it's the BIOS have them disable it. You can't do anything with the laptop once the BIOS locks down the laptop. It'll just be a paperweight after that!

When I shop for a used laptop I always ask if there is a supervisor password enabled. I had bought an R40 once and it locked up on me after I attempted to enter BIOS and change settings. Luckily I got the password soon after but your seller may not have or be able to get you the password.

When you have your laptop and enter BIOS you can set a password for BIOS so no one can tinker with your ability to flash the ROM or alter other security protocol settings. The password will need to be entered to access these privileges. The laptop you are mentioning may have been a corporate or work laptop and the owner may have forgot to disengage the password. You may want to read this thread.

 

This is what the seller is saying. I haven't received his reply yet. It sounds more like Windows password to me.

But I'm wondering how one can accidentally set up password and get locked.

If is Windows password, can I just wipe (clean install) it with new OS installation via DVD drive? Or do I need the password to clean install?

 

If it is a bios or supervisor password, i would avoid the system.

If it is windows password it is little easier to deal with, and what you suggest may work.

But this topic is not something we should discuss openly, as there is a forum policy against that.

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Regarding buying a second hand laptop, depending on price and time available for inspection you may try the following.

1. Look at the hinges, are they stiff and not damaged in any way.
2. Look for any missing screw.
3. Look for any major cracks around the area where the hinge is. Or major cracks in general.
4. Password, can you change any of the BIOS settings? If there is supervisor password you may not be able to.
5. Look at LCD condition, dead pixels? white spots? scratches? brightness (backlight will degrade overtime).
6. USB ports are all functioning?
7. Is the keys, trackpoint and trackpad all functioning?
8. Optical drive functioning? (if you have one)
9. Battery condition?
10. If the seller allows, take off the keyboard and look for any white oxidation that may occur after water spill.
11. Also, check the fan and whether it is clogged with dusts.

 

Everything works? If you can't start it up then NOTHING works.

!0 to 1 its stolen. But even if it isn't it still won't be any use except possibly for spare parts. Walk away.

 

Easy: Watch them cold boot the laptop(power completely off, then press the power on button). If the laptop boots all the way to Windows, you're good to go; if not, run, don't walk, away...

If the pw problem is in Windows, you could just wipe the hard drive and reinstall Windows or whatever you want.

 

Seller didn't e-mail me back but he updated his listing -

 

whoa accidentally passworded and no power supply? too much of a coincidence.

 

Definitely wouldn't touch the laptop if he won't tell you if it's Windows or BIOS password and he doesn't have the AC and he's avoiding your emails.

If you happen to meet him again, look for the laptop's serial number. Record it, and ask the police if there's a report for it.

 

Always bring your own AC adapter to test it out. BIOS or HDD password, no go.

 

$150 is a lot to pay for a door stop. You can buy a proper rubber one for a few cents.

 

Considering it sounds stolen, I'd almost be willing to buy it and try and find the owner through the serial number (Lenovo/Police). Keep the guys contact information (cell phone, get his license plate when you meet to buy) and turn him in.

I'd pay someone $150 to return my stolen laptop. $150 is a lot less than most insurance deductables.