An easier route would been to program the new router with the same WiFi network names and passwords as was on the old router.

That will not work. The old router has been returned to Verizon, and the new router is firmware pre-programed and cannot be re-programed to have the old password. In addition, the locked out laptop is not showing the link to Microsoft, it's only asking for "challenge phrase". Even if the link to Microsoft was there, it will not connect to the new router anyway.

Thank you very much for your suggestion just the same!

dcarch

dcarch7,

Could be possible a modem/router provided by your ISP is locked against the customer getting access to the programming, but that seems unusual, and unfortunate, being that it forces the customer to reprogram all their WiFi devices to new parameters. Does Verizon not allow customers to provide their own modem/router?

A friend is on T-Mobile wireless 5G Internet. They supply the modem/router, sent to him via FedEx or UPS (whichever was it). He called me to do the install. The setup procedure prompts the customer to change the default Admin password, and also allows setting the WiFi credentials to whatever is desired. His modem/router box went bad, T-Mobile sent a new one and it went through the same setup procedure so I set the same WiFi parameters, no need to change his computer, phone, and FireTV.

The ISP (local/private teleco) my parents used provides the modem/router (they don't allow customers to supply a modem/router, probably because of the revenue stream from a monthly modem rental charge). It was replaced at one point, with the same WiFi parameters on it so nothing had to be changed on their personal devices.

My cable ISP has a request process on their website portal to change the WiFi password if they supply the modem/router ... but they also allow customers to supply their own modem/router, which I do to avoid the monthly rental charge.

The new Verizon router has password printer on the router box. The instructions for installation says nothing about re-programing the password.

I got the laptop with Windows 10 because I have read that 11 has bugs yet to be worked out.

I am going to try a different way to get back to the laptop. I will report result.

Thanks again to all.

dcarch

The friend's T-Mobile modem/router also has the default admin password, WiFi network name and password on labels affixed to the unit ... but the installation routine strongly advised to change them.

Have you tried accessing the router via the IP address referenced above, or searched the brand/model for instructions?

The trouble may not be with your router or involve a password. Read the "Know Issues" section for Win 10/11 22H2 update #22621.378. Your Lenovo equipment may say Win 10 but may have included this update. I have a Lenovo PC and it does independent "things" from time-to-time. In any case...if this update has been installed and is perhaps causing your problem...Win offers a solution at the end of the section.

There are utilities available to reset (or remove) a forgotten Windows password, although a PIN may be a different situation. The potential glitch with a password reset is that files, if any, encrypted by the Windows OS will be inaccessible, encryption is tied to the original password. (Most home users [non-corporate] don't use file encryption.) I have an old such utitlity that I've used a few times to access computers that were given to me.

If nothing else, perhaps you can access a System Restore process at boot-time to roll it back to factory condition for a fresh start?

" The instructions for installation says nothing about re-programing the password. "

In case you find yourself talking to tech support, I'd suggest not using the phrase "re-programming", because that's not what's involved. When you replace an existing password with another, what's being done is "changing" the password or "changing" the setting.

So I went to the Recovery screen, "See Advanced Repair Options"

I have the 3 options:

1. Continue Exist And Continue to Windows 11 (actually, I have Windows 10)

2, Use a Device

3. Troubleshoot - Reset Your PC or See Advanced Options.

I clicked #3.

Two options

1. Keep My Files -Remove Apps And Settings, But Keep Your Personal Files.

2. Remove Everything -Remove All Your Personal Files, Apps And Settings.

I will clicked #1 .- Not sure what next. Will report back

dcarch