Lenovo Ideapad - unlock

[vikki561]

Hi
I have been Gifted a lenovo ideapad but can't get access as it has an unknown code - sadly the previous owner is no long with us. I have tried resetting to factory settings but it says it needs more space to do that and to clear some files off but without being able to get access I am stumped. I have done the on off 3 times and I have tried altering the bios but to no avail.
Thank for any ideas
Vikki

 

[aaronyuri]

Is this code to boot it, or you can get into Windows but can't sign in? A picture would be helpful if you aren't sure.

 

[vikki561]

Is this code to boot it, or you can get into Windows but can't sign in? A picture would be helpful if you aren't sure.

It's windows sign in - it boots up to the first page then wants what looks like a four number code to get in. There is an alternate password as well but it's like a needle in a haystack. I thought that by resetting to factory settings it would wipe the drive but its says not enough space and to delete files.

 

[Rob_B]

If you want to use the laptop and don't care about wiping it and losing the data then create a Windows USB installer and it will allow you to delete the existing partitions on the drive and install a fresh copy of Windows

Create installation media for Windows - Microsoft Support

Learn how to create installation media for installing or reinstalling Windows.

support.microsoft.com

 

[vikki561]

Is this code to boot it, or you can get into Windows but can't sign in? A picture would be helpful if you

I have also tried loading windows 10 from a USB stick - it also states remove files not enough space - needs at least 20gb apparently

 

[vikki561]

If you want to use the laptop and don't care about wiping it and losing the data then create a Windows USB installer and it will allow you to delete the existing partitions on the drive and install a fresh copy of Windows

Create installation media for Windows - Microsoft Support

Learn how to create installation media for installing or reinstalling Windows.

support.microsoft.com

Thank you, I will try again with a new USB stick

 

[Rob_B]

If you have done it correctly, and chosen a fresh full install you will be shown the "Where do you want to install windows?" screen, this will show multiple drive partitions, you should delete them all, then setup a new one and install Windows there.
** This will delete ALL data on the drive and will NOT be recoverable **

The screen will look like this, video just for an example.

 

[vikki561]

Thank you so much I will give it another go following your advice

 

[vikki561]

If you have done it correctly, and chosen a fresh full install you will be shown the "Where do you want to install windows?" screen, this will show multiple drive partitions, you should delete them all, then setup a new one and install Windows there.
** This will delete ALL data on the drive and will NOT be recoverable **

The screen will look like this, video just for an example.

Thank you - it now appears to be reinstalling windows - I hadn't realised you could delete the partitions to recreate the space. Thanks again.

 

[vikki561]

Thank you so much for all your help. I now have a usable laptop following much appreciated advice.
You are brilliant

 

[Rob_B]

We are arent we?

Glad it now works.