Reclaiming old HP/Vista/Win 10

websquad · 26 Mar 2017

Several months ago a friend told me she was getting a new desktop machine since the old Vista machine was sick beyond repair. She asked if I would I like the old box. I agree and planned to use this as a Linux/Mint platform.

When I powered up, I found Win 10 Home, four months behind on updates, and no other problems. So I started updating. Now I need the password (didn't need it until now), to login after the update.

So, even if my friend can find the password, is there a way I could transfer the OS to my Microsoft account?

The old Vista registration code is on the original sticker affixed to the computer. Can I use that code to transfer to my MS account?

NavyLCDR · 26 Mar 2017

If the Windows 10 is activated on the computer and is the latest version, all you have to do is set up a Microsoft Account login on it and it will show up in your list of devices on your Microsoft account and the digital license for Windows 10 will get linked to it.

The VISTA product key won't be good for anything other than installing VISTA onto the computer.

mrgeek · 27 Mar 2017

So I started updating. Now I need the password (didn't need it until now), to login after the update.

Good news that some 10 Updates even installed, so no activation issues, machine is digitally entitled for device life. How has she been signing in all these yrs after a reboot or did she set it up to bypass ? Was she using dual boot Vista or Win10 ? If she REALLY can't find it, you need to enable the built-in administrator to reset the password. Follow this tutorial for built-in admin activation, Option 4, and second one, Option 1, if you need to create installation media.

Enable or Disable Elevated Administrator account in Windows 10

Create Bootable USB Flash Drive to Install Windows 10

So, even if my friend can find the password, is there a way I could transfer the OS to my Microsoft account?

After restart with built-in admin, go to Action Center\All settings\Accounts and create a Local Acct with admin privileges under the User name that you want (if you use your MS acct, your files may have an undesired name based on your email address) and then elect to 'Sign in with my MS acct instead'. You may be prompted to verify the acct via a code sent by text to your phone or alt email. You're all set. Don't forget to disable built-in admin. Good Luck