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Forgot the outlook mail adress - locked out of C-drive
Hi all.
This notebook has been out of use for several years. I forgot the password for mye outlook mail account. I'm still able to login to Windows (10). However I am locked out of the C-drive. The notebook is too old to install Windows 11. I'm wondering what to do to get admin rights back?
I used some German app several years ago to get rid of the Microsoft Office packaged as I prefer to use Apache OpenOffice. The software made some Microsoft apps stop working as they should. The Microsoft Store (for apps) has been out of order since December 2024.
Somehow I managed to install some apps through the browser, however this is cumbersome. I'm also missing important drivers and have trouble finding the right tool or app for updating drivers. I used to be a power user back when Windows 2000 was the newest Windows.
When I try to open the Device Manager from Windows Explorer I just get an error message, see the attachment. What to do?
All the best from Denmark
I have admin rights, should have had at least. PowerShell stopped working and I'm left with the console. Probably got quite a bit of unconventional code on the system.
Guess I'll have to migrate to Linux instead. The Windows Update is failing, and personal computers are no longer personal. It's a bit of a hassle to be honest.
2 Replies
1. Recover Microsoft account:
Visit Microsoft account recovery page
Select "I forgot my password"
Verify your identity by alternate email/mobile phone number
Unlock local account (administrator privilege is required):
2. Log in with other administrator account
Go to "Settings > Accounts > Family and Other Users"
Reset password of the target account
3. Recover access to the C Disk
Temporarily obtain privileges:
Right-click C Disk > Properties > Security Click "Advanced" > Change Owner Create new account to transfer data: Settings > Accounts > Add New Local Account Copy data with the new account after logging in. Properties > Security
Click "Advanced" > Change Owner
Enter the current user name > check "Replace subcontainer permissions"
4. Create a new account to transfer data:
Settings > Accounts > Add new local account
Copy important files after logging in with the new account
5. Preventive Measures
Bind at least two authentication methods (cell phone + alternate email address)
Regularly back up the BitLocker Recovery Key Enable the System Restore pointI have admin rights, should have had at least. PowerShell stopped working and I'm left with the console. Probably got quite a bit of unconventional code on the system.
Guess I'll have to migrate to Linux instead. The Windows Update is failing, and personal computers are no longer personal. It's a bit of a hassle to be honest.
