Unable to get out of safe mode and no networking.

macuser1298 · 24 Dec 2016

I'm using an Alienware 17 with Windows 10 installed on the SSD and an HDD installed for storage. I was having problems with a key, so I set it to safe mode using msconfig. It booted when I restarted, but when I tried to log back in, it asks for a password instead of a PIN and when I try to use my Microsoft password, it doesn't work. I assume that it needs to verify the password with the Microsoft servers, so I held down Shift and was able to get to the boot options menu. I selected safe mode with networking but nothing seems to be different. I am able to boot to a recovery drive, as well as Ubuntu, but neither of them even recognize the Windows SSD, even though it is still able to boot, just not log in. Is there any way to re-enable access the drive, or is there something else I can do to log in? I have also tried to get an Admin account but you need access to System32 from the C: drive as far as I know.

Caledon Ken · 24 Dec 2016

Welcome to the TenForums

You didn't say this so I will ask. When you booted into safe mode with networking, through boot options, did you re-enter msconfig and remove the safe boot check mark you installed?

macuser1298 · 24 Dec 2016

Caledon Ken said:

Welcome to the TenForums

You didn't say this so I will ask. When you booted into safe mode with networking, through boot options, did you re-enter msconfig and remove the safe boot check mark you installed?

When I try to boot into safe mode with networking, I am never actually able to connect to the network and login, so I'm not sure if there's any way to get into msconfig. Perhaps it isn't actually going into safe mode with networking after all?

macuser1298 · 24 Dec 2016

I managed to load advanced troubleshooting and attempted to get the command prompt so I could disable safe mode, as seen here How To Force Windows To Restart in Safe Mode [15 Min] (how to stop a safe mode loop) but it just asks me what language I want to use and then goes back to the login screen.

Caledon Ken · 24 Dec 2016

Okay. Its likely you removed safe boot but just to be sure. Boot through trouble shooting, advance options, enter startup settings, safe mode, with or without networking.

It presents you with a login, can you login and get into Windows with your password?

If yes, right click on the Windows Start icon, lower left, click on Command Prompt as administrator. At the prompt type msconfig. It should open. Ensure check mark is removed.

Exit safe mode.

If there was a check mark see if it now boots normally and more importantly you can log in. If there was no check mark then this is what I think we should do next. Others may have a different answer.

Assuming those bcdedit commands didn't change your boot significantly we could try restoring from a restore point from a week ago.

Hold the shift key down, click on restart, then click on trouble shooting, then advance options, upper left icon is system restore.

I will say I don't exactly know which commands you entered with bcdedit however I'm hoping they did not change things such that restore won't work. Hoping the elves are with us.

macuser1298 · 24 Dec 2016

I actually never ran bcdedit because it isn't even going to the command prompt . no luck with the password, even though I tried to use safe mode with networking.

TrustMe · 25 Dec 2016

Try booting from Windows 10 install media or Rescue disk. Then try System Restore. Option one

System Restore Windows 10

By default Windows 10 has System Restore turned off. Hopefully you turned it on.

macuser1298 · 25 Dec 2016

I don't know if system restore is on. I tried a system reset and a reinstall but it doesn't seem to even recognize the main drive ( it definitely doesn't show up on my recovery disk or Ubuntu) even though it obviously is booting from it.

Caledon Ken · 25 Dec 2016

Please follow my directions into safe mode and see if msconfig still has check mark.

If that doesn't work follow my instructions to get to system restore and you will see if restore points are available. TrustMe has an alternate to invoke.

Thanks

macuser1298 · 25 Dec 2016

Caledon Ken said:

Please follow my directions into safe mode and see if msconfig still has check mark.

If that doesn't work follow my instructions to get to system restore and you will see if restore points are available. TrustMe has an alternate to invoke.

Thanks

Command prompt never came up (it just asked me what language I wanted and then went back to login) so I'm not sure how to get to msconfig. I potentially make a Windows recovery drive again but last time I tried I don't think I could get msconfig either.