Updated: June 07, 2023
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by Ivy Davis
Tech Expert & Writer
462 resolved issues

My lap top was supposedly locked and I phoned a number Microsoft?

think ive been scammed

Short summary:

  1. Recommend doing a system refresh by going to Settings > System > Recovery and choosing the "reset this PC" option while keeping personal files.
  2. Chose to keep personal files during the reset process.
  3. Wait for the laptop to prepare for the reset.
  4. Initiate the reset process.
  5. Wait for the laptop to reload after the recovery.
  6. Reload the laptop if needed after the reset.

Hello, thank you for using Howly.
Please, tell me what did they say to you.

Customer Replay

Computer locked because I'd picked up a virus

Okay, understood!
What troubleshooting have you done so far?

Customer Replay

I gave them control of the compueter and they installed sofware

Did you try to reload your computer?

Customer Replay

No , think I may have

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Are they still having control of your computer?

Customer Replay

no

Can you tell me what can you see when you try to get access to your computer?

Customer Replay

I have now turned of teh lap top and am speaking to you from my desktop

Okay, understood!
Please, provide me with the model of your laptop and the operating system that it runs.

Customer Replay

Lennova Windows 11?

image

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Okay, thank you!
Please, turn on your laptop and tell me what can you see on the screen.

Customer Replay

OK
screen picture with time and date
also wifi symbol at bottom right

Please, check all of the information on the laptop. Your documents, pictures, etc.

Customer Replay

loging in now
ok in

Now, please, turn off the Wi-Fi on the laptop.

Customer Replay

nervous ok

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Just click on the Wi-Fi icon and click on DISCONNECT.

Customer Replay

done

Thanks!
Now, please, tap on the Windows icon and open the settings.
There you can find the ACCOUNT. Please, open it.

Customer Replay

done in settings

Is there your email under the account?

Customer Replay

no

Please, tell me what can you see there.

Customer Replay

account settings

Can you take a picture of the screen and send it to me from your email?

Customer Replay

ok

Please, send it to help@howly.com

Customer Replay

did you get it

Top answer

Yes, thank you!
The best way to solve this issue is to do a system refresh. No need to backup data as this keeps your personal files but it will remove all non-preinstalled apps that came with Windows.
To do so, go to Settings > Systems > Recovery, and choose the "reset this PC" option, and then choose the option that keeps your personal files.

Customer Replay

OK
will I do it?

Yes, please.

Customer Replay

it says keep or remove files?

Keep the files. It will save all f the files you have on your laptop.

Customer Replay

curent settings or change settings

Current settings, please.

Customer Replay

do I have to have the internet on?

Yes, please, let it be turned on.

Customer Replay

it won't let me select current settings?

Can you send me a screenshot, please?

Customer Replay

did you get it?

Please, click on NEXT.

Customer Replay

have to plug in
now workin

Okay, great!
What can you see now on your screen?

Customer Replay

getting things ready ....this wont take long

Got it!

Customer Replay

now ready to reset

Your laptop will reload after the recovery.

Customer Replay

press reset/

Yes, please. Now reset your laptop.

Customer Replay

ok
preparing 54%

Okay, thanks!
After resetting reload your laptop if needed.

Customer Replay

will it then be safe to use?

Customer Replay

still preparing
bit late and am tired

I need to ask you not to share your personal info with anybody.
To ensure your safety, it’s considered best to have a powerful Antivirus tool.

Customer Replay

son is buying me a new laptop . maybe good to have one of your people to set it up

We are 24/7 available to help!

Customer Replay

thanks

Thank you, for choosing our service! We are always happy to help, and if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us anytime.
Have a great one!

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