Windows 10 stuck in loop after reset to factory settings....

lgreenwood · 09 Feb 2017

I have a Dell laptop Windows 8 upgraded to windows 10 about a year ago. I started having some issues with it so I decided to reset back to factory settings. When I turn it on a blue screen pops up saying, Hi there, lets get a few basic things out of the way. Asking for keyboard setting, time zone etc. , next page is to set up settings.
I can choose customize or express. I have tried every option possible, and I cannot get past these settings. It says just a moment with the spinning round dots and the computer just completely resets itself. I have accessed my troubleshooting and I am not able to select any option because of an admin password that I never set up. There for I am not able to access command prompt, system image reset, or safe mode.
I have checked my Microsoft live for passwords....I have changed boot options, I have created the media recovery disk and I cant seem to get anything to work. My husband and I have been researching for hours on end trying various suggestions, every time we think we may have the answer, something goes wrong. We called local computer guy and explained to him...he told us that we are going to have to buy a new windows 10 disk and reinstall that way. Are their any other suggestions??

Caledon Ken · 09 Feb 2017

Welcome to the TenForums @lgreenwood.

First off you do not need to buy Windows 10. Your machine is licensed and will activate once you install.

Please follow this tutorial. If you have another Windows 10 you can create USB key using media creator. Otherwise you need to create ISO and burn to CD. Watch warnings about how to set BIOS. No big deal but if you want success you have to do.

Before you do this what is the status of your data. Is it backed up safely? I assume it was all backed up off device as you were going with reset.

Windows 10 - Clean Install

lgreenwood · 09 Feb 2017

I followed the instructions step by step via control panel. I am not sure were the back up is. I know that my husband had enabled home group a couple weeks previous and somehow all of my files and data I guess copied itself to his cp. I have questioned if maybe it backed up to his cp over network??

Caledon Ken · 09 Feb 2017

Before you do a clean install you need to back up your data. Being part of a homegroup does not mean a backup. If you turned on file history and directed to his machine then you history.

Please make a backup.

If you want to run a Windows process type Backup and restore in Cortana, click on app at top of list. Has the name (Windows 7) in brackets.

You only need your data. Of course you could use copy and paste to USB key.

lgreenwood · 06 Mar 2017

I am running a back up onto my usb drive, I have found and upgraded my old hp windows 7 to windows 10. I am scared my bios is out of order, how can I find a way to change it back?

Caledon Ken · 06 Mar 2017

Hi lgreenwood

Please update your system specs.

System Specs - Fill in at Ten Forums

In particular what is the model number of the unit in question. This helps people search vendor databases and manuals.

Most devices run with the default settings in BIOS. Not sure what key you press when your machine is starting to enter set up. I think it is F2 for a Dell, could also be esc or delete. My old Dell laptop is F2

Once in your BIOS there is usually an option to load defaults. Now if you load defaults it is good to already know what options you are using, like Raid.

Before you go changing BIOS could I ask what makes you think you have a BIOS issue?

Ken

lgreenwood · 06 Mar 2017

I have a dell inspirion 15 -3537. My husband has messed with it also setting passwords in my bios. When I click load defaults, nothing happens after I save and exit. My biggest issue is getting past the admin password in advanced settings, without that password I am unable to use command, restore, safe mode etc. I have tried every password I can think of.

NavyLCDR · 06 Mar 2017

@lgreenwood, what exactly are you trying to accomplish? The first major question is, can you boot the computer from a USB flash drive or DVD?

lgreenwood · 06 Mar 2017

This while process started by trying to reset my computer to factory settings after a virus attack. I don't have any files that I need to save, I just need my computer to work. I have not been able to boot from cd or USB, still trying to figure that out. When I do access my advanced settings I am not able to accomplish anything bc of an admin password that I don't know.
In the mean time I have booted up my 8 year old Hp windows 7, wiped it clean and installed windows 10 on it. Trying to use my hp to create a fix for my dell.....

NavyLCDR · 06 Mar 2017

To boot from a USB flash drive or DVD, you are going to have to get into the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings and either use the boot override menu or change the boot order to boot from USB or DVD first. Then the solution is easy from there. Looks like F2 is the fairly common key to press on a Dell when turning the computer on to get into Bios/UEFI.