I can’t log in to my Laptop, user profile password doesn't work

ils · 14 Apr 2021

Help. I can’t log in to my Dell Latitude E5440 (Windows 10 Home, version 2004) and it’s my fault.
Up to several days ago, I logged in by entering a 4 digit password into the password box that showed up after each reboot. I decided I wanted to get rid of the password altogether, and that’s when everything went to hell.
First, I logged in and tried to remove the password using several recommended methods, including running netplwiz to remove password, but it didn’t work.
When I rebooted, however, there were two user profiles showing in the lower left screen. The first was my usual simple ‘password’ box. The 2nd required email and password.
I tried the 2nd with my MS live email and password. It worked. So did the simpler 4 digit password.
That’s when the screw up started.
First, I wanted to get rid of the MS live user account. I was finally able to delete it from the user account.
Secondly, I wanted to remove the password from the simple user. I tried many methods, including changing the 4 digit password to ‘no digits,’
Then I rebooted the laptop and saw both user accounts. But I couldn’t log into either account.
1. I tried the MS Live account. The email and password were again incorrect.
2. I tried the simple account and got “the password is incorrect, try again.’ I’ve also tried every simple password I can think of, but nothing works.
3. I tried to reset the password here, but the message said I needed a removable media with a password reset disk. I never made such a disk.
What can I do? I can still log into my MS Live account with a browser on another computer. HELP

dalchina · 14 Apr 2021

Hello, dealing with such matters should be done rationally from the beginning.

For example:
The password of a MS live id account can even be reset if you have online access.
But this is irrelevant if you've deleted that user on your PC.

A MS account can be coverted into a local account and vice versa- tutorials available.
But this is irrelevant if you've deleted that user on your PC.

A password can be reset.
Reset Password of User Account in Windows 10

What user accounts and of what type have you actually left yourself on that PC?

Note that using a PIN or password or fingerprint or facial recognition does NOT replace the password, which is always still required in certain cases.

Before hacking a PC or delving into sensitive or unfamililar areas always make sure, as is endlessly recommended here that you have a current disk image of all Windows partitions e.g. using Macrium Reflect (free).
Then you can always restore your PC to 'as was'.

System Restore can also be useful.

ils · 14 Apr 2021

Dalchina, Thanks for your advice. Unfortunately, the 'Reset Password of User Account in Windows 10' did not work for me. What did work for me was what you last mentioned: system restore. I learned how to do it in a chat with the microsoft people.

- - - Updated - - -

Solved. Tosan at Microsoft Chat walked me thru the steps to be able to log onto my computer. He got me to an earlier restore point by the following steps:
1. I was at the log in screen where my password didn’t work.
2. I clicked the Power button and held down the Shift key and click restart.
3. I continued to hold the Shift key down when Windows was restarting and didn’t release it until I saw the first screen with the troubleshoot option.
4. I selected ‘troubleshoot’
5. There were 6 advanced options. I selected ‘restore system’
6. I chose a restore point before I screwed up the PC, and after 20 minutes or so, I could log on.

Try3 · 14 Apr 2021

So now would be a useful time to create one or two additional local, password-protected Admin user accounts for which you have written the passwords down somewhere secure yet accessible.

User accounts generally only get corrupted when they are used. These additional ones would be largely unused so are unlikely ever to suffer.
- I log into one of my additional ones when I'm investigating faults so I never add additional folder access permissions to my day-to-day account.
- I never log into the other one. I keep it in reserve - unused, pristine, uncorrupted..

Denis

dalchina · 15 Apr 2021

Great that System Restore worked for you - this time. It is notoriously unreliable in that you may find that suddenly restoring always fails to complete- then weeks or months later is fine again.

Remember that the password is always there and will be needed at some point even if you use other means to log in.

There are many very helpful tutorials here:
System Restore Windows 10
then
Create System Restore Point in Windows 10
See List of All Available System Restore Points in Windows
Add Create Restore Point Context Menu in Windows 10

and I would suggest you set a schedule to create one daily as their creation is somewhat erratic:
Automatically Create System Restore Point on Schedule in Windows 10

The ultimate fallback and complete backup is to use disk imaging regularly and routinely as is so very often recommended here, so even if your disk fails you can boot your PC and restore a disk image of all your O/S partitions (and any other imaged partitions). E.g. Macrium Reflect (free) + large enough external storage for image files.