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I am locked out of my computer after entering safe mode for a DDU

Anonymous
2019-12-26T07:58:30+00:00

Hello, So I got a new graphics card for Christmas, and I wanted to replace the one I have right now, so I downloaded a DDU and it said I should put the computer in safe mode. I said yes and my computer restarted, but when I enter my password it does not say it is correct, even though I know it's the right one. I know this has something to do with the PIN not working for safe mode, and I tried holding shift then restart and entering the computer in safe mode with networking but the problem still persists. I have been trying numerous passwords and still no luck. Will I have to factory reset my computer? Can someone please help

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows Hello, lock screen and sign-in

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  1. Greg Carmack 24,770 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2019-12-28T03:26:02+00:00

    You need to trigger the media before Windows has a chance to start so that error doesn't come up and you're not prompted for a password.  That's the whole point of using the bootable media, because it doesn't require a password you can't supply. 

    Then you can try to repair the error and the other repairs I gave you earlier.  To try to repair the error choose Repair Your Computer on second screen after booting media, then Advanced Troubleshooting Options, then access the Command Prompt to run SFC and DISM as shown in this tutorial for the blue screen error:

    https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/critical-process-died/

    If you don't want to bother then use the media to Clean Install following the steps I gave earlier.  If you have files that aren't backed up you can use the same bootable media to try to rescue your files using these methods:  http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki/windows\_10-update/rescue-files-when-windows-wont-start/862c143f-9239-4e63-8968-635e8ba9efd6

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-12-26T18:26:55+00:00

    Are you able to get out of Safe Mode by any of the methods I gave?

    You'd need to buy or borrow a spare ethernet cable, plug it into one of the numbered ports on the router and then into the PC ethernet port.

    Since this is only temporary to sign in you could unplug from the router and plug the ethernet cable directly from modem to PC, or if you have a Gateway combination router/modem, plug the existing cable from the other PC into this one.

    You can also boot into Windows media to access the Command Prompt on second screen > Repair Your Computer > Advanced Troubleshoot Options > Command Prompt to run the commands without needing to sign in. You can also try System Restore there.

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-12-26T08:29:32+00:00

    So I looked around at my router and there is one ethernet cord but it is connected between two towers, and if I unplug that ethernet cord the internet turns off. Also I followed the cord from the router and it goes into my wall, so im not really sure how im supposed to move it close enough to connect to an ethernet cord.

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  3. Anonymous
    2019-12-26T08:09:10+00:00

    Hi thank you for helping, unfortunately when I try to open command prompt it asks me to sign into my account but yet again the password doesn't work. Also I do not think I have an ethernet cable and my wifi modem is in another room. I chose ”enter safe mode with networking” and the icon in the bottom right has a little x next to it so I think it still isn't working. Also how would you securely get my password? I could try to find an ethernet cable but im not sure where to connect it

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  4. Anonymous
    2019-12-26T08:02:34+00:00

    Hi Sleepy. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

    Are you in Safe Mode with Networking so it can connect to the MS Account to get your password? If not, try that. Observe the network icon in bottom corner of Sign-In page to see if it's online, if not plug in ethernet cable.

    If further problems I'd exit Safe Mode and just install the driver normally for your new card. DDU is an old tool that is rarely needed any longer.

    Here's how to get out of Safe Mode if you're stuck:

    https://www.isumsoft.com/it/get-windows-10-comp...

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you will wait to choose if I solved your problem, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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