PIN problem

[Vonderbla]

PIN stopped working. I've tried setting up an administrator password, but cannot use it to login. I'm not able to reset the laptop at all. I've tried booting into safe mode. Both with and without network. I've tried to reinstall from a previous version. I've tried everything that I can think of, and what I can find online.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Vonderbla 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand how stressful it feels when you’re locked out despite trying so many recovery steps already. You’ve clearly put in a lot of effort, and I appreciate the troubleshooting you’ve done. 

Let’s go through a structured set of checks that can help restore access to your Windows laptop:

Check if Password Sign‑in is Enabled

• On the login screen, look for “Sign‑in options.”
• Select “Password” instead of PIN. If you’ve set up an administrator password, this should allow you to log in.

Use Safe Mode with Command Prompt

• Restart the laptop and press F11 (or Shift + Restart from the login screen).
• Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
• Select “Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.”
• In Command Prompt, type:net user administrator /active:yes
• This enables the hidden Administrator account, which may allow you to log in and reset your credentials.

Reset PIN via Settings (if accessible)

• Once logged in with a password or Administrator account, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign‑in options.
• Remove the existing PIN and set up a new one.

System Restore

• If you previously had restore points, boot into Advanced Startup (F11 or Shift + Restart).
• Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.
• Choose a restore point before the PIN stopped working.

HP Recovery Environment

• Power on the laptop and immediately press F11 to enter HP Recovery Manager.
• From there, you can attempt a system recovery or reset while keeping personal files.
  Guide: HP Recovery Manager Options

Create a Password Reset Disk (if available)

• If you had created a reset disk earlier, use it at the login screen to reset your password.

Since you’ve already tried Safe Mode and reinstall attempts, the most effective next step is enabling the hidden Administrator account through Safe Mode with Command Prompt, then resetting your PIN or password from there.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye