I recently reformatted an older (5 years) laptop and installed Windows XP (which is was previously running, but with issues).

Computer was working fine...but my roommate dropped it...

Now when it turns on, the normal Dell screen comes up (with the option to go into setup), then the screen goes blue and gives this prompt:

"Enter Primary Master HDD User Password: [________]
[S/N: 3KW1DGGG]"

I have zero recollection of ever setting a password for this computer. In setup it labels this password as locked, but gives the option to change it. Obviously, I would need to know the current password in order to do this.

Any help would be appreciated!

Hmmm.

Sorry, but You say the laptop was "dropped"?

Best then you seek out a qualified local technician to help you first off.

Until you are sure it's not a "dropped" problem, we'll not be of much help.

This doesn't souund like a software problem that we might help with now.