Windows 10: Factory Reset without recovery key

One of our employees left and did not unlock their laptop. We now cannot access it as it is asking for a PIN to open or access to their email to send the reminder.I have tried to factory reset it but it is asking for a recovery key - which we do not have. I have tried to factory re-set via the cmd but it opens with X: and I believe the drive I need to reset is C: but as it is locked I cannot reset it.Cannot contact the ex employee.Any workround to allow us access?Cheers

:)

 

Factory Reset Win 7 (without disc)

Download an ISO of the Avira AV boot CD, burn it on your own computer, and then boot from that CD on your mom's computer and run a cleanup.

Seriously, you should just download a Windows disc and format the laptop. Best and easiest course of action.

"Information:
Many Toshiba laptops come with the factory software recovery image stored in a special (hidden) area on the hard disk. From this special hidden image, you can restore your computer to its factory-fresh software condition by following these steps:

To restore the original factory software image on your computer follow these steps:

• Make sure the computer is turned off ("Shut-down" from the Windows Start menu)
• Remove any peripherals such an external mouse, keyboard, monitor, USB flash drive etc.
• Make sure the AC Adapter is plugged in and working.
• Press and hold down the 0 (zero) key on the keyboard while powering on the computer. Release it when the recovery warning screen appears.
• If the recovery process offers a choice of Operating Systems, select the appropriate one for you.
• A warning screen appears, stating that when the recovery is executed all data will be deleted and rewritten.
• Click Yes to continue.
• When the Toshiba Recovery Wizard opens select "Recovery of Factory Software" or the appropriate option for your needs.
• Continue to follow the directions restarting as necessary.

Please note that the process may vary slightly from machine to machine, that you may be asked to insert disks (multi-disk packages) and that the process may take one to two hours to complete. The recovery process will require you to restart your computer several times.

As you use the recovery process you will have several options. One of these may be to create a custom size partition. Follow the directions on screen for this and other options as prompted. When in doubt, it's usually best to accept the default, or pre-selected option."

If you are incapable, or uncomfortable with following any of the recommendations on how to restore the laptop, then I recommend you take it to your local IT guy and ask him to do it for you. Sometimes the best of us have to visit a ripoff merchant to get something fixed, or even just tested...

 

Factory Reset Win 7 (without disc)

This was the answer! Thank you so much! I love this forums!

 

Can anyone give me the reset recovery key for windows 10

Hello,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community.

A quick question before we proceed:

Are you referring to the Recovery key for BitLocker or the key that needed for resetting Windows Phone?



If you are referring to the Reset Key that is needed for Windows Recovery, then I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps:

• Go to account.microsoft.com/devices.
• Next to the phone you no longer own, click I don't own this phone anymore.
• Select “I’m ready to remove my phone “check box, note the
  recovery key, and then click Remove. The recovery key will display on the page and will also be emailed to you.
• When you're certain that you have your recovery key saved, select “I’ve kept a copy of the recovery key “ check box, and then click Okay.
• Forward the recovery key email to your phone recipient.

Your phone is no longer listed on account.microsoft.com/devices, and you can remove Reset Protection during phone setup using recovery key option.



If you are referring to reset key for BitLocker, then I suggest you to refer to the following Microsoft article.

Find your BitLocker recovery key - Microsoft Support

Hope this helps. If the issue remains unresolved, please get back to us and we would be happy to help.