Windows 10: Sold my windows computer, performed full reset but forgot to link from my microsoft...

I recently sold a dell desktop computer on ebay, before doing so I performed a full reset of the PC, however I forgot to unlink the device from my Microsoft account until today, it has been 3 months since I sold it. Is there potential for my Microsoft account to have been accessed by the buyer if they had such nefarious intentions, even though they do not have my email or password, as a result of this? Having unlinked the device now I am safe? Will changing passwords now help in anyway? How may I ensure no one else has access to my account and one drive files etc, or is my whole account potentially compromised and should I migrate to a new Microsoft account?


Thank you for any advice, and apologies as I realise this was a oversight due to my ignorance but I am keen to learn the extent to which this has impacted my Microsoft account security.


Kind Regards,

iakel

:)

 

How to reset Windwos 8 Password?

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/what-do-forget-windows-password#1TC=windows-8

• If you've forgotten your Windows password, there are several ways to retrieve or reset it:
  • If your PC is on a domain, your system administrator must reset your password.
  • If you're using a Microsoft account, you can reset your password online. ...
  • If you're using a local account, use your password hint as a reminder.

 

forgot password

Hi Tom,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft community.

• Are you using Microsoft account or local account for logging in the computer?

I suggest you to follow steps from the below article “What to do if you forget your Windows password” and check if it helps.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/what-do-forget-windows-password#1TC=windows-10

You may also refer to the below article.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-live/account-reset-password-forgot-faq

Hope this information was helpful and do let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to assist.

 

Unable to perform reset on the device from CD as it fails on Windows 10

Hi Abdelrahman,

Thank you posting in Microsoft Community and being a part of Windows 10.

I understand the inconvenience you are facing in accessing the Windows 10 operating system. Do not worry, we will be happy to help you.

Let us know the additional information to assist you better with this issue:

• From when are you facing this issue?
• How have you installed Windows 10?
• What is the complete error message when you try to perform Reset
  on your computer/ re-install the apps?
• Were you able to access any other CD normally on your computer?

Try few of the below troubleshooting steps and check if it helps.

Step 1: I suggest you to
Run check disk (chkdsk) and check if it helps.

Chkdsk: The
Chkdsk (Check Disc) scan will try to identify and repair bad sectors found on the hard drive. Any data present on these sectors might be lost in the process. The computer can also go into a no boot state. Proceed at your own risk.

Follow the below steps:

• Press Windows + X keys on the keyboard, click Command Prompt (Admin).
• In the Command Prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:
  
  chkdsk /f
• You may be asked whether to schedule this volume to be checked next time when you restarts (Y/N).
  
• Press Y key on the keyboard and press
  Enter key.
• Restart the computer and check.

Once you perform check disk, I suggest you manually try to reset the PC with in the Windows and check if it helps.

Step 2: I suggest you to perform a Reset on your computer and check if it helps.

Note: While performing reset on your PC, I suggest you to choose "Keep my files" as this will not affect the data on your computer.

Follow the below:

• 
  Press Windows + R keys from the keyboard, type
  Control and press Enter.
  
• 
  Click on Recovery, click on
  If you're having problems with your PC, go to Settings and try resetting it.
  
• 
  Click on Get started
  under Reset this PC, click on Keep my files and follow onscreen instructions.
  

Refer: Recovery options in Windows 10

Hope it helps. Reply to the post with an updated status of this issue and with the required information for further assistance.