Password Not Recognized, cannot boot in safe mode.

Question

Yesterday the log-in screen changed a bit, now has a XXX and does not recognize my password.

I have tried "Click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart > Press (4) to Enable Safe Mode. Wait while Windows 10 starts in safe mode. Log in." and it just goes straight to the log in that does not recognize my password. So far I am about 20 videos in and nothing is working (I am technically challenged for sure).
I have tried "system restore." Does not restore, only gives me one day to choose from but it was where the log-in was working.
Repair PC (does not repair, no changes made).
Various other routes under Shift/Restart.

Any help to either fix the password issue or help me access my files to back them up would be much appreciated!

Chino de Oro · Answer

You can try to reset a forgotten Microsoft account password if you haven't done so. If you suspect your PC is compromised with virus or malware, use drive tools to wipe and clean your HDD/SSD.

Any valuable data should have been backup on external media. Accessing a password protected drive may be challenged as newer storages featured SED (self encrypted drive) making it very difficult to access data from a different machine. If the data is critical important, making a clone before any attempt to retrieve access.

A new coin cell battery and a system cmos reset can be consider as last resort to gain access

RoHe · Answer

@Duane747  - Always include exact PC model and version of Windows in your posts.

Inspiron Desktops

Password Not Recognized, cannot boot in safe mode.

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