Got a dell at a government surplus sale was suppost to be ready to go. Tried to start it up found that i needed a user name and password as well as the "domain" wasnt avalible.Im no geek and this computer is only 1 1/2 years old .help??!!! Can I buy some software that will clean it out without loosing the operating system .Or am i screwed. thanks

What is the model number of the Dell? They often have a System Recovery partition on the hard drive that you can access at boot time to restore the computer to it's factory installed state (like new). It's often access by pressing Ctrl+F11 at boot time as soon as you see the Dell logo.

With the model number we can look at the Users manual to see exactly what options are available to you.

Ok I did as you said ctrl+ f11 . Nothing. I tried the reinstall disk that came with the computer didnt work Called dell they said its out of warrenty but for $60.00 / 1/2 hr they could help NOT anything else I can do Thanks It still ask for the administraors name and tells me Im not connected to the domain .I even have the operating system disk !!

You still didn't tell me the model number. I may be able to help but I need that information.

I hope this is it 526F771 DHMDHM

That's a Optiplex GX280 Mini Tower. It does not have a recovery partition so you will need to request the Recovery CD from Dell.

Drivers & Downloads

Contact Dell and you should be able to get the Recovery CD, usually around $20. I can't find the link at the moment, will check more later, have to leave now.

Ok got it to reinstall the operating system but now it wont let me conet to the internet. Go support from comcast but it didnt work .Help Im going figin nuts with this.

Check Device Manager. I believe you need to install some of the drivers from the link I provided to the Dell web site, especially the Broadcom 57XX Gigabit Integrated Controller:

NetworkDriver.jpg

You may need other drivers as well. Device Manager will indicate what you need with a yellow mar for each one.

To open Device Manager, press WinKey+R to open the Run box then type b and press Enter.