BitLocker/Reset/PC Done For?

Question

I am having issues with a BitLocker error. When I start my PC, I get the blue screen asking for a recovery key. I have found (and properly matched) the recovery key and entered it- failure to unlock. I have tried about every option in advanced troubleshooting, I can’t reset the computer to factory settings, I’m stuck in an endless repair loop with seemingly no end. I have googled, tried YouTube and nothing has helped so far. The key is correct, but my computer seems like it is completely done for. At this point I don’t care if my files are gone, I just need my computer fixed. I don’t have a recovery DVD or disc drive, and I don’t know how to create a windows recovery USB, we have tried to reset by a system image recovery (by putting the Media Creation Tool on a USB drive) but when I selected the tool it said that the specified location does not contain information about my hardware.

I am getting SO frustrated. This PC has been working fine until this BitLocker appeared last night. Dell Inspiron 15 7000 2-in-1. The power cable has been causing issues and not wanting to charge properly, but not sure if that would cause any of these issues.

Someone please help me! I really really need my computer operational as soon as possible, I’ve been trying to fix this all day 😭

Answer 1

Hi Ja. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.

I understand that you have found the Bitlocker key but it doesn't work after repeated tries. I'll give you everything possible to try based on handling hundreds of these cases in Windows 10, one of which will always work even if you have to wipe the drive to reinstall Windows.

Try removing or turning off Bitlocker by one of these methods:

https://www.repairwin.com/how-to-remove-bitlock...

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/37060-turn-...

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/36701-turn-...

Manual for managing Bitlocker:

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-bitlocke...

If you cannot find the key or turn off Bitlocker then you'll need to try to recover your data by one of the methods shown here:

https://www.howtogeek.com/263561/how-to-recover...

http://woshub.com/data-recovery-on-a-damaged-ha...

A few have tried this method successfully to Rescue files using bootable media so WIndows isn't running and has no say:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

If nothing else works then wipe the drive to reinstall WIndows as shown here:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/85819-erase...

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Due to number of similar cases with files lost I would have a secondary backup just in case. You can periodically drag my User folders to external USB which you keep unplugged to protect against ransomware. Then I would also have a method using the cloud which is fire-, ransomware- and theft-proof:

You can drag 5gb for free into OneDrive app to store in the cloud or backup your Documents, Pictures and/or Desktop to capture real time changes using OneDrive Backup here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/116029-turn...

If you install Google Drive Desktop, you can use their new Backup to choose User folders (Documents, Pictures, etc.) to sync up to 15g for free to their cloud: https://support.google.com/drive/answer/1083812...

If you want to report this to Microsoft use the Feedback Hub app in Start Menu where developers are tasked to process consumer feedback. They will not even see it here. This is a tech forums staffed mostly by volunteers trying to help others with your problems.

If you want to post back a Share link from your Feedback here others who see this thread can vote it up and add to it.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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