Tried to wipe. Deleted sole user. Now can't log in.

[jcness]

Hello!

I recently tried to wipe a Surface that was being used for a temporary purpose. I looked on this forum and found how to delete a user account, so that's what I did.

Apparently, this was not the right thing to do.

Upon turning it back on, I was prompted to log into the account I just deleted. Of course the password doesn't work because I just deleted the account.

How can I wipe the Surface and perform a factory reset without being logged in?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Mr.NK]

Use the following instruction, i've found

To restore the factory image

1. Restart the device made for Surface.
2. Press F8 during the initial BIOS post to bring up the Advanced Boot Options screen.
3. On the Advanced boot options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Repair your computer, and then press Enter.
4. Select a keyboard layout, and then click Next.
5. Type the user name and password of an administrator, and then click OK.
6. Under System Recovery Options, select Reinstall Windows. This option will restore Surface to the factory image, and any customized user information will be lost.
7. When the restoration of the factory image is complete, the device made for Surface will restart, and the setup process will begin. This process is identical to the first time you set up Surface; you will be guided by a series of prompts and dialog boxes.

 

[jcness]

Thanks, man!

 

[DemonPR]

Use the following instruction, i've found

Sorry to ask, but I got a Surface Tablet, were I got a similar issue with the password. My client doesn't remember what he put for password. On the keyboard it doesn't show any F8 key. I try with a USB keyboard, and still won't work.

Any suggestions?

 

[TrentonT]

If they setup (or used existing) Hotmail or MS Live account they should be able recover from Microsoft. https://account.live.com/resetpassword.apx worth a try. By the way F8 on the touch pad is hold the Windows Key and press the Settings key (just left of the home key)