[dmuk]

I've been given an old laptop from a friend that he got from work ages ago, it has a username and password set up, can I get rid of this by formatting and reinstalling an OS?

[max99]

Assuming it's the Windows username and password, yes you can - as long as you know what you're doing. But first look for an option to restore to Factory Settings, it'll be the easiest method.

[Stig]

Originally Posted by dmuk

I've been given an old laptop from a friend that he got from work ages ago, it has a username and password set up, can I get rid of this by formatting and reinstalling an OS?

You could just create a new user account if you know the password of the old one.

A factory restore would be better. What make/model is it?

[Maxatoria]

Best bet is to dban the drive so theres nothing left of the old drive and the reinstall the OS over the top

[Daedroth]

Unless you want to specifically remove sensitive data from being recovered, a simple format will do what you need. Just get the operating system disc, boot from it and install it.