Problems resetting Windows - what partition should I select on hard drive

[Jodie15]

Hi Everyone,

I've got a HP Envy x360 laptop, my finger print would not work, i sadly have forgotten my password. I have tried to reset via my windows email log in however my recovery email is under review so i need to wait 30 days which isn't practical.

I have made the reset USB that Microsoft has advised to do and changed the bootable drive in the bios to do a hard reset.  I've got through to the windows reinstallation screen but i cannot select any of the partitions in the hard drive to install to.

Please see this photo.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

You should be able to install windows on partition 3.  It should create a Windows.old folder.

Personally, I would just delete every partition on the hard drive, leaving just one partition of unallocated space, click Next and W10 will create its own partitions needed and install.

[Jodie15]

Hi Paul, 

Thanks for you message. I tried to install on partition 3 and got the message below. Is that a problem I can get around? 

 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Since the volume is encrypted, you can watch this video to get around the problem.

It is for a Microsoft Surface notebook, just ignore the parts that are not applicable to starting up your notebook.

How to remove BitLocker recovery encryption from windows 7, 8, 10 - PART 2 - YouTube

[Jodie15]

Hello again,

I'm just going through that process now, the video looks easy enough. I have got to the command prompt section and this message has come. I am unable to find my key as I still cannot access my microsoft account.

 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Unfortunately, I don't know how you are going to get around that problem without your Bitlocker recovery key.

The only other suggestion In can offer would be to watch this video and clean the entire disk.

You will lose all partitions and data on the hard drive using this method.

Use of Diskpart to Format (Clean) or Wipe (Clean All) Partitions a Drive Before Windows Installation...

[Jodie15 · Accepted solution]

Hello again,

Sorry for no updates, I instead decided to wait until my Microsoft account review was over and went through the forgotten  password route. I do believe, providing I had my recovery key, that your solution would have helped me to reset my laptop and I want to thank you so much for your quick and helpful responses!

Hope you are well! 🙂 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance, and I am pleased to know that you were able to get your notebook back up and running again.

I'm doing fine and I hope you are as well.

Paul