How do I log out of an old PC besides for erasing all data? I found it in my late grandma’s storage

[RoloTheBunny]

I am using an old HP pavilion slimline series and can’t find any way to logout besides for wiping the computer. It was my grandma’s and I found it in her storage unit. I am probably going to eventually delete a lot of stuff but I might want to keep some photos. Is there any way I can open the computer without wiping all of her files? I know this might be hard because it is there to prevent theft and opening someones computer with all of the files would usually be considered theft. I would really like to try and upgrade this computer and have it be my desktop instead of buying a $1000 computer. I would be ok with wiping the drive if it will let me back in because most photos are probably on another drive I found.

[savvy2]

not of executor of the will or with power of attorney? if are you are god of GM. (as I gave my son, but me still kicking.)

NO PC told only w7

I guess you have GM's , password to desktop windows/ y/n???

remove the hDD ,

put it in HDD $10 USB enclosure  USB. done.

put in new SSD, to PC dead. and

install windows fresh , problem 1 done.

problem 2, data

plug in hdd 2 external usb and get your data now.  if lucky it is all there, even search *.JPG.

nobody guess what is on the HDD nor if bitlocker locked out.

this post is not hacking , your are executor or was gifted 1 PC from one.(the WILL) >>> assumed.

[RoloTheBunny]

So I take out the old HDD, buy a new one, put it in, and then try to use the old one to get all of the files on it? Also she’s dead and telling us her computer password probably wasn’t too high on her bucket list so I don’t think we’ll find it.

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

@RoloTheBunny 

You sound really distressed and are using several terms improperly, so I wanted to provide some additional feedback.

First, regarding "login" and "logout" -- those are the functions you perform when you boot into a Windows desktop and then, when you are done, shut down the PC.  These have nothing to do with wiping or otherwise damaging personal files already on the drive.

Second, regarding "wiping" the computer -- that requires special software which am sure you are not using.  So, there is no way the drive is going to get "wiped" with anything you are doing.

Third, regarding data recovery,  @savvy2 is correct when the recommend removing the drive and connecting it to another PC.  You need to do that in order to retrieve the files from the drive.  Once you connect the drive to another PC and boot that PC, it should see the drive and assign a drive letter.  You then should be able to open that using File Manager, find the files and folders you want to save, and copy those to another drive.  If you can not do that, you will need special data recovery software to do that -- and need to mention that so I can supply you those details.

Fourth, as long as the PC is turned off, opening the computer case to get at the drive is going to do nothing to the drive.  So, you don't have to worry about that damaging the files on the drive.

Fifth, if this were mine, I would not bother upgrading it -- as you can't buy Windows 7 anymore and Windows 10 will probably not work very well on hardware this old.  My own preference would be to look into refurbished PCs.  A few months back, I bought a refurbished HP Elitebook that originally cost $500. from MicroCenter for $120.  It came with all the hardware already included and Windows 10 preinstalled.  You should look into this option since you don't want to spend a lot of money.