Bitlocker recovery key not working (I am using the correct key)

Question

I'm experiencing a persistent issue with my relatively new ROG laptop. After attempting to restore my computer to a point just before a recent Windows update (which was affecting my mouse), I encountered the following problem:

1.  steps and Symptoms

   - Bitlocker: I was Prompted for recovery key after signing in, entered the correct key string

   - next it reads, "Diagnosing your PC" screen.

   - Blue screen appears with "Automatic Repair" message.

   - Error message: "Your PC did not start correctly."

Clicked advance options: You device ran into a problem and needs to restart…. Q-code with the follow details also appear

   Stop code: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL.

   Faulting module: ntoskrnl.exe.

-   Restart doesn’t work, it just starts the cycle again.

2.   Troubleshooting

   - I only have Access to command prompt via advanced options.

   - Tried various solutions recommended by Copilot.

   - Manage-bde prompt issues (incorrect password or syntax).

   - Ran chkdsk /f, but received "cannot lock current drive" error due to write protection.

3. Laptop specs

AMD Ryzen 7 8-Core processor  windows – not sure if I restored to 10 or if its upgraded. Cant check systeminfo prompt doesn’t work

Any advice on resolving this issue would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Thank you

Robin

***moved from Windows / Windows 11 / Security and privacy***

Answer 1

Hello

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

It sounds like you're dealing with a complex issue involving BitLocker, Windows recovery, and potentially corrupted system files or drivers. Now that you have entered the correct BitLocker recovery key and have access to the command prompt, there are several command line tools we can try to diagnose and possibly fix the problem.

1.Disable Automatic Repair Loop

Sometimes, the automatic repair loop can be disabled to gain more direct access to the system.

Disable Automatic Repair:

bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No

Reboot and see if you can access Windows normally.

2.Check Disk and File System

Since chkdsk was unable to run due to write protection, let's try another approach.

Check Disk for Errors:

diskpart

Inside diskpart, list the volumes:

list volume

Find the volume letter of your Windows partition, then exit diskpart:

exit

Attempt to remove write protection:

attributes disk clear readonly

Run chkdsk again:

chkdsk C: /f /r /x

Replace C: with the appropriate drive letter if it's different.

3. Attempt to Repair Boot Configuration

Issues with the boot configuration can also cause problems.

Repair Boot Configuration:

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

Reboot and check if the issue persists.

4. Analyze BSOD Error

The IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error usually points to driver issues or hardware faults.

Check for Driver Issues:

Since you only have access to the command prompt, you might not be able to directly update drivers. However, you can try to identify problematic drivers:

verifier /query

This command can show problematic drivers. Unfortunately, fixing these often requires booting into Windows, but at least you'll know which drivers are problematic.

5.Last Resort: System Restore or Reset

If none of the above steps work, you might need to consider a system restore or reset.

System Restore:

Try restoring to an earlier restore point:

rstrui.exe

Reset Your PC:

If you have a backup of your important data, consider a full reset:

Go to Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.

6. Backup and Reinstall

If all else fails, consider backing up your data using a bootable Linux USB or other recovery tools and then performing a clean reinstall of Windows.

If you still encounter issues, it might be helpful to contact ASUS support or visit a professional repair service, as persistent hardware or software issues might require more in-depth diagnostics and repairs.

Best Regards,

Wesley Li

Answer 2

Thank you! I followed all of your instructions and then finally the system restore. I choose a different date than the first time and it worked! I'm not sure what the actually fix was but it was definitely something you suggested. I did work with the ASUS team, but they could only suggest a reset, knowing I didn't have a backup. I am grateful for your help. I am in process of backing up my data and I want to disable BitLocker.

Cheers!

Robin

Answer 3

I had the same problem. Thank you for the suggestions.

Reset to an earlier date with an older automatically saved system restore point worked using cmd!

Thank you.