Windows 10: Old Laptop Password Unknown Debacle

Hiya, just inherited an Alienware 17 R3 from a roommate that wanted to throw it out since they've forgotten the password. I'm looking for both a way to transfer their data and then have a fresh install of windows for my own use but have hit a wall. I downloaded Win10 to a usb and attempted first to simply install it, first having to change a BIOS setting to legacy to read the usb and then being met with an error at setup "The selected disk is of the GPT partition style." I then followed some dubious instructions for adding an admin account and password outlined here (https://www.howtogeek.com/222262/how-to-reset-your-forgotten-password-in-windows-10/) in order to try and recover what's on their hard drive. However, after the step to go back to the login screen and access utilman I hit a wall. Can't get back to the login screen it only boots to windows setup even when changing boot priority back to the hard drive and removing the usb and resetting BIOS to default. First foray into tinkering and its not much of a loss since the computer was going to be trashed but I'd like to try and see this through so if anyone has any experience in this that'd be greatly appreciated.



slight update: got in as a new user but still unexplored territory if anyone has any tips/tricks

submitted by /u/synonymousrex
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:)

 

Cortana-old password unknown

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand how you feel about the situation. I suggest you some steps which can resolve your issue.

Refer to the suggestion by Vinod Archak from the following link and check if it helps.
Why does Cortana ask me to “Enter your old password one last time”?

Hope the information provided was helpful. Kindly let us know if you need any further assistance with Windows. We are happy to assist you.

 

Unable to log into laptop after changing password.

Hi Marty,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



We understand how difficult it could be and we appreciate the time and effort that you have taken to work this issue. However, in order to get clarity, we would need some more information regarding the issue.

1. Were you using the “Old email (account) address” regardless of not using laptop?
   
2. Are both the email addresses linked?
   
3. Could you please let us know, where exactly you get prompt for the password for the “Old email address” in the desktop?
   
4. What is the exact error message you get when you try to log in to laptop?
   
5. Does your desktop has two user profiles?
   

In the meantime, we would suggest you to follow the steps mentioned below and check.



You would need to have internet connection in laptop, so that the password change could get updated and it seems that the laptop is not connected to the internet, we would suggest you to connect Ethernet cable to laptop and then
try logging in to the laptop with the new password for the old email address.





We await your response.

 

Reuse/Reset an old Password

Thanks for your quick response. But my problem is that M.S. says old password con not be used. I want to switch back to my old password. I think I need to contact M.S. to clear the registry for my passwords. Then, I will be able to switch back.