Odd Windows 10 Problems

[taichiperson]

I've borrowed a laptop with the idea of reconditioning it for hubby, but it has some odd quirks. Before I take it to the local cyber cafe I thought I'd see if anyone here has any suggestions. I can log onto the internet just fine, but cannot change any of the settings. The previous owner - son's girlfriend - tried to restore it to factory settings with no luck. I've tried myself - certain things just will not respond. I can't add a new user, view photos or change any settings. There's only one user which of course has full admin access. Has anyone any suggestions as to what I might try please? My present laptop is Windows 7 so I'm not used to using Windows 10.

[Buenchico]

Any use?

[taichiperson]

Sadly no, when I click settings, lights flicker but nothing comes up.

[Buenchico]

You've obviously got a corrupt registry. You need to get hold of a Windows 10 repair disk (if the laptop has an optical drive) or USB drive. e.g. one of these would do:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Windows-10-Home-Pro-32-64-Repair-Restore-Install-8GB-Usb-Updated-1703-/112345091260?hash=item1a284a0cbc:g:bI8AAOSwWxNY0-PV

Then you need to check that the laptop's BIOS is configured to look for a bootable disk or USB drive (as appropriate) before booting from its hard drive. So you need to get into the BIOS. To do so you need to press the relevant key - there's usually an on-screen prompt telling you which one - before Windows has loaded. Then you navigate (using the arrow keys, together with 'Enter' and 'Esc') to the boot order instructions.

Once you've configured and saved the correct boot sequence you need to power down the laptop, insert the USB drive and power up the laptop again. (If you're using a disk, rather than a USB stick, you can put it into the drive before powering down).

The laptop will then boot from the external media and you'll be offered various repair options to play with.

[taichiperson]

Well I tried the classic '
turn it off and on again' and all appears to be well - resetting as I speak. Doh!

[Guilbert53]

You can download the Windows 10 code legally from the Microsoft web site (for free) and create a USB drive with Windows 10 on it and reinstall Windows 10 with that.

Web site here

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10