Hi,
If I understand you correctly you inherited a laptop but do not know the password to access it? There are a couple of options you have at this point.
1)If the computer is running Windows XP or Vista you can use a password recovery tool called OphCrack. You install Ophcrack on a CD or USB media device. Then you change the boot order of the computer through the BIOS so it boots into the media device. Ophcrack will run and crack the password so you can gain entry. You can find the software and read more about the program by clicking
here.
2) If you have the factory recovery disk you can do a factory reset of the computer. You need to boot the computer into the factory recovery disk and it will reinstall the operating system. Alternatively, if you do not have the factory restore disc you can install a new operating system on the computer in the same manner.
3) Some computers come with a separate recovery partition which is used to do factory resets. When the computer is booting up you will briefly see options. It may say something like "press f9 for system recovery" or "press for recovery". Look for a recovery option. This option should restore the laptop to factory defaults which will clear the password.
Unfortunately, the BIOS will have no factory reset options.
Please comment back if you have any questions.
Regards,
G33k