Can’t reset an Acer Aspire Switch 10 E SW3-013

Yes, you don't want to use Windows To Go, it has special stuff in it to allow it to run a full Windows off the USB. You have no need for that, you want to install Windows on the machine instead. The prior setup should have allowed that. Remember when you get to the screen asking where to install (you should see three or four partitions listed) manually remove each partition and then when the full disk is shown as unallocated, install to the unallocated portion. The installer will do the rest for you.

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AnhEZ28

@JoeGon can you provide the screenshot when you press F2 after powering on?

Best I can do.

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>>>F2 takes me to the “SetupUtility”.>>>I can’t get into the BIOS.>>>

Your phone photos suggest that you are indeed into the BIOS menu, aka the BIO Setup Utility,

Try disabling secure boot. F10 to save and exit.

If you want to try a factory reset, start with the machine off. Then press and hold the ALT + F10 keys. Then while still holding the keys, turn the machine back on. See if a recovery screen appears.

If you want to try a boot stick again, start with the machine off. Insert the stick. Then press and hold the F12 key. Then while still holding the F12 , turn the machine back on. See if the stick appears. If not, you may have to use an earlier Rufus version for the right USB partition format scheme.

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Note that your best bet is likely to just to a fresh install of 32bit Windows 10 Home, wiping all partitions at the screen where you choose where to install. When you select the unallocated space it will create all needed partitions and leave you with the maximum size for your C: drive. Don't even bother to try and install 64bit Windows.

@AnhEZ28

Thanks for the replies.

I have work to do.

JackE

I can get into the Setup with F2

I can get into the Boot Menu with F12 but the Flash drive did not show up.

I can get into the recovery Menu. Alt + F10

It then asks for a “Recovery Key” and I have no idea where or what that is.

I will try a new flash drive setup.

I will try to disable secure boot and try again.

The right partition format did give me a dilemma.

Even if the boot fails, it would be a big improvement if I could see the Flash drive (stick) in the Boot Menu.

billsey

Thanks for the heads up on the 32 bit.

I would like to do a fresh install but I can't boot with the Windows Install on a flash drive.

I will try to reconfigure the Windows Install flash drive.

Perhaps if I can disable secure boot, as JackE mentioned, the Flash drive will show up in the Boot Menu. F12.

Some work to do.

Joe

>>>I can get into the recovery Menu. Alt + F10>>>It then asks for a “Recovery Key” and I have no idea where or what that is. >>>

Did you try disabling secure boot in the BIOS menu Boot tab? Then F10 to save and exit. Try ALT+F10 again.

JackE said:

>>>I can get into the recovery Menu. Alt + F10>>>It then asks for a “Recovery Key” and I have no idea where or what that is. >>>

Did you try disabling secure boot in the BIOS menu Boot tab? Then F10 to save and exit. Try ALT+F10 again.

Thanks.
I'm working on that.
It seems that before I can disable secure boot, I need to set the supervisor password.
I'm going to do that today.

Yep. Good luck.

Well, I've made some progress.

I decided to try to leave the setup as is and try a different approach.

Google is a real friend.

I made an install USB with Rufus and instead did this.

Win 10 n32 bit.

I set the partition scheme to GPT and UEFI (non CSM)

File system to NTFS.

I tried it and (F12) the drive showed up and I was able to boot and enter the setup process.

I am now working on a Windows to go with the same GPT setup and I'm looking for drivers.

I'll let you know.
Joe

Good work. Thanks for the progress report.

Well, I did a Windows to go with Rufus.

GPT and UEFI (non CSM)

File system to NTFS.

It booted and I went through the setup Mumbo Jumbo.

However, I cannot access the drive on the PC.

It is asking for a 48 digit access code.

More Mumbo Jumbo.

Not much better off but I now know for sure the laptop is OK and I will just have to do a clean install.

Can I assume that the Microsoft key is stored in the BIOS and I will not have a problem with registering.

Thanks

Joe

Yes, the Windows product key is embedded on the mainboard and should be picked up automatically. It might also be printed on a UPC label on the bottom of the laptop or the box it originally came in.

Yes, you don't want to use Windows To Go, it has special stuff in it to allow it to run a full Windows off the USB. You have no need for that, you want to install Windows on the machine instead. The prior setup should have allowed that. Remember when you get to the screen asking where to install (you should see three or four partitions listed) manually remove each partition and then when the full disk is shown as unallocated, install to the unallocated portion. The installer will do the rest for you.

billsey said:

Yes, you don't want to use Windows To Go, it has special stuff in it to allow it to run a full Windows off the USB. You have no need for that, you want to install Windows on the machine instead. The prior setup should have allowed that. Remember when you get to the screen asking where to install (you should see three or four partitions listed) manually remove each partition and then when the full disk is shown as unallocated, install to the unallocated portion. The installer will do the rest for you.

I'm sorry I did not explain the reason for Windows to go.
My hope was to access the original drive on the Laptop to search for any files I wanted to save.
It did not work.
I don't know if a Linux live would allow me to do what I want.
I will try.
It also gave me a chance to go through the setup and installation of drivers.
It needed a few drivers.
I still don't know if I got the drivers all done as there is no way of knowing which driver is needed and which downloaded driver to then install.

Thanks for the installation guide.
I will be installing a fresh Windows soon.

You can access any files that are readable via the normal install boot. Just use the Repair mode, then navigate to the command prompt. You can then plug a flash drive into another USB port and manually copy off what you need. Once you have the data copied off then start the install process again and follow through with the steps to get a clean install completed.

OMG
It's been about 40 years since I last used DOS commands to copy files.
I'll need to go back to the books for copy and xcpoy.

Heheh, they aren't too tough... It's usually more of a hassle to actually find the files (hint, check the C:\Users\<username> folders).

First I want to thank you for your input.

I disabled secure boot.
That did not help.
It will not boot.
It's worse.
I tried to access the drive using Advanced Troubleshooting.
Again I get asked for the 48 digit recovery key to reset BitLocker.

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I also tried to access the drive with diskpart and DOS in Command Prompt.
I get a message the drive is locked.
I cannot select the drive.
I have now exhausted all options.
I will just install a fresh Windows 10.
The USB Port on the Keyboard does not work consistently for a Boot so I need an adaptor for the Micro USB on the Tab.
It does not get easier on this piece of ?.
I forget what they call it.

https://www.isumsoft.com/windows-10/retrieve-bitlocker-recovery-key-in-windows-10.html

Try these suggestions.