Administrator Locked Out

How to get your files without logging in

Learn how to access your files without logging into Windows if your account is locked out.

Episode #10-41 released on May 24, 2020

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Windows 10, for all the non-sense that occurs, to its credit, still allows us, provided Windows still works, to use the recovery mode to backup files using the command prompt. It, also, allows us to completely restore the computer back to factory default. In a case I just finished, the administrator was locked out and in this episode you will learn why you need to make backups and not to mess with your computer's settings unless you are absolutely sure what you are doing.

Here are some things you need to know.

First, backup your files. Even if you never experience issues, your computer can be stolen, so having an off-site backup is important. You can, also, suffer a home fire, drop your device, etc.

Second, remember, most issues, are caused by the user. Never do large changes in computers while intoxicated, tired or without proper knowledge. It is a lot harder to fix some issues than you would think.

Third, as long as Windows 10 works, you can use the recovery mode to restore to a previous date, reset Windows or factory restore the device. Having a data backup is important. That being said, if you dig far enough, you can use the command prompt to transfer your files onto a USB key.

The way you access the command prompt in Windows 10 without Administrator access is simple. From the start screen, hold down shift, click power icon, click restart. From the restore options, go to troubleshoot, then advanced options then select command prompt.

From the command prompt you can change drive by writing a command c:, where c is the drive letter of the drive.

To see the list of files and folders in the current directory, use the dir command.

To access a folder use cd foldername as the command.

To move out of the folder use the command cd..

To copy files from one place to another drive, use command copy "foldername" x:

The x represents the drive letter location.

To finish process, type exit in the prompt to bring you back to restoration options. You can reset your computer by simply following the options from there.

Host : Steve Smith | Music : | Editor : Steve Smith | Producer : Zed Axis Dot Net

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