Question Alienware 17 R2 no password?

[ArkadiaReaper]

I just picked up a used Alienware 17 r2, but the original owner forgot their password. What is the best way around this? I am not sure whether to trust the password cracking services, and I worry that I will loose important system data (like the OS) if I just replace the hard drive. Alienware forum has been no help since the system is out of warranty.

 

[USAFRet]

1. You ask Alienware. Tom's Hardware will not assist with any password circumvention.
2. For any used system, you personally need to do a full wipe and reinstall of everything. Password involved or not. You have no idea what the previous users had in there. Full wipe and reinstall.