Got a used laptop from storage locker has user/password needed to access from prior user can't get far enough to reformat how do I wipe off old info. And reinstall xp

Make sure that boot priority is CD/DVD drive, insert disc > restart PC > XP cd loads > Install XP, this will wipe out all things!

Actually, from the DOS menu provided by the xp cd, you will have to format the disk partition and then move on to the installation. That will wipe out everything. Just select the partition, press "L" for delete and then press enter up on it. You will be asked to decide which format you would like for your disk partition, select "NTFS" (NOT NTFS fast). Hope this helps

Is this a power on password? Are you prompted for the password before it loads Windows? If so, then your previous answers are incorrect. You need to reset the CMOS. How to do that depends on what laptop model you have.

P.S. this isn't a programming issue so I moved it to laptops forum.