Locked Out of My New Computer

Today I purchased a new laptop. As I was running through the set up process I was asked for lots of information my Microsoft. I thought they have no need for this information so I provided them with nonsense.

I've just ran de-crapifier to get rid of any unwanted software. To complete the cleaning process it asked me to restart the computer. When it restarted it asked me for a password. I don't know the password.

It gives a website to reset the password. I cannot reset the password because they tell you to fill in as much information as possible. I have filled in the only boxes I can. The others are irrelevant but Microsoft won't reset the password because it says I haven't provided enough information.

I've been to Microsoft's website to get help but they won't give you any contact details unless you have an account with them. I dont have one.

My laptop is made by HP. The operating system is Windows 8.1.

Any suggestions as to what I can do to access MY laptop that Microsoft have, with absolutely no right, locked me out of.

 

You had better start racking your brains to recollect whatever nonsense you entered, because that has been accepted as your Microsoft account credentials, and without those details you won't be able either to log in or to change your login from a Microsoft (online) account to the sort of local machine account you've always been used to in the past.

You may need to revert the machine to 'as delivered' state using its recovery procedure.

 

Sorry, that is incorrect. You can use any valid email address to create your Microsoft account. It does not have to be hotmail etc.

 

I thank both of you for taking time out on Easter Saturday evening to help me.

Being asked for info by Microsoft was just the last straw. The service I'd received in PC World wasn't the best. The guys working in there seemed more interested in larking around and screaming like school girls.

I tried a number on the list of support numbers that came with the PC. Fortunately there was one for HP PCs purchased from PC World and the other companies in the DSG group. Which is handy for anyone reading this to know. I tried the contact details for domestic customer's on HP's web site on two PCs and both PCs the site just timed out every time.

If you've got a new HP laptop this is how to set to factory settings. Power the PC off if it's switched on. Then when it has completed Shut Down switch back on. Immediately after switching on with the Power On button hold down the Esc key until a menu appears. In the menu choose System Recovery. You'll be taken through a number of steps. In each case choose System Recovery until it starts the process. The very helpful guy on the phone told me it'd take about 40 minutes. It took about 15 minutes. I guess that's because I'd done nothing and therefore it had less to reset and recover.

 

Yes, a factory reset was the obvious answer. If you don't want an online Microsoft account it can, as I said, be changed to a local account but you need your Microsoft account password to do so.

 

It asks you to use you Microsoft Account to log in with. If you don't have one it offers to set one up for you. If you read the "small print" it lets you use any email account.

I'd never set up a Windows 8.1 PC prior to this occasion. I wasn't anticipating this.

 

Yes reset sorted it out. I still don't know why Microsoft even want to have any info about us. I shall certainly need to take my time over the next few days as Windows 8 isn't as challenging as I thought but it's certainly a new experience to explore.

 

PC World were far more interested in selling me a care plan than the PC. Please don't ever anyone take out a care plan with them. In general any form of extended warranty is not worth it. From this company they're more worthless than most.

I've had Apple change two iPhone handsets. They wanted me to pay for them. The law says anything like this (PC, TV, mobile phone, fridge, freezer, washing machine) should last at least 5 years. Just ask to speak to the store manager and explain what the law says. Both times Apple gave me brand new handsets.

 

If you don't plan to download apps from the Microsoft Store or request help from them, you really don't need a Microsoft account at all. I don't have one, and never will. It's none of their business who I am or what my email address is.

 

There's a bit more to a Microsoft account than just Store apps. What about syncing, and OneDrive? If you run more than one system, or have a smartphone I'd say a MS account is a real asset.

 

What's OneDrive do? Is there any other advantage to a Microsoft account?

 

As well as backup OneDrive makes file sharing between computers and phones so easy, no more USB cables or flash drives. It will also sync settings you choose between your computers, such as making it easy to have one Favorites list instead of one per system.

Take it more slowly Mark. 8.1 and a Microsoft account are a whole leap forward from older systems and it does take time to appreciate just how clever and useful they are.

 

Just trying to learn about the basics. With all previous machines had to come here and sometimes back trap to resolve mistakes I'd made due to my IT ignorance. I want to start well with this new machine. It's always useful to ask experienced users rather than rely on any company's info exclusively.