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I apologize if this is the wrong place to put this, I was redirected here by Microsoft support after I asked this very same question because "Data migration is not supported on the Microsoft Answers forum." I will restate my question, and if this is the wrong place please correct me.
While trying to access a very old Laptop to view old files and transfer them to a new computer, I have discovered that it no longer allows me to input my password (which I do know) and instead asks me for a PIN that I know I have NEVER set before. This laptop operates using an email I no longer have access to and it is very likely that this email simply no longer exists since it has been inactive for 2+ years. I have attempted to retrieve said email through 2 recovery forms with data I believe is relevant to the account but both were denied.
I have attempted to input PIN's I have used on other devices to no avail. The only thing I know for certain about the email attached is the 3 security questions associated with it and the email itself (not the password, phone number, etc.)
I have attempted to uninstall the latest feature update in order to roll back whatever update caused this, but as with every other solution I've tried it asks me for the password to the email attached (of which, again, i do not know)
I am not willing to reset this computer since there are countless files I cannot bare to lose, I prey that I won't lose my laptop because of a sudden switch to a PIN that I know that I (nor anyone else) have set before in this laptops 5+ years of life.
I appreciate any help offered.
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Some things to try here.
https://4sysops.com/archives/reset-a-windows-10-password/
otherwise a simple solution may be to remove the disk, insert in a USB cradle to recover your files, or try using one of the many offline nt password reset tools you can search out.
--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--
the links you offered provided no solution, as i am looking to be able to enter my password instead of a pin rather than reset the password (of which i cannot do).
i assume removing the disk is a physical process that includes taking apart the laptop? and if so, would i be able to transfer the disk from an hp laptop to one of a different brand (such as dell, etc.).
searching for a "USB cradle" has been fruitless, since it only gives me advice for "how to recover lost files from a usb" which is not what my problem is,
and an offline nt password reset tool seems to be much too complicated for me to attempt without damaging my computer or possibly losing the files i really don't want to risk losing, so unless i trust a shop with it i don't believe it is an option for me.
i appreciate the help though! i just wish there were an easier solution to what appears to be a simple (but horrifically complex) issue
Sounds like this process may be beyond your level of experience. If that's the case then take it to someone to help you with this.
--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--