How do I stop password from filling?

When the password window appears on startup, it immediately fills with dots and I cannot stop it. I cannot get into my system because I cannot prevent the dots. I have tried the following:

~ deleting the dots -- but they simply reappear
~ pressing enter (in hopes it would allow me to enter a password on the second time),
~ going in through safe mode (same problem exists)
~ go to 'last known good configuration'
~ using on screen keyboard
~ using an external keyboard
~ rebooting


This is on a Dell Pavillion dm4 laptop. Oh, and before this started, I was creating a new user account and the battery died. When I ran to get the cord, my child was pressing the numbers 1-9 repetitively. I did try to let it fill for a few minutes thinking it may just need to catch up, but that wasn't it. Something is wrong.

I solved that problem but now seem to have caused another. Now my wifi won't work due to the network adapter. I've tried ensuring the driver is installed/updated and the connection is enabled but nothing. (LAN is fine.) I've tried to run diagnostics, but it just says there's a problem with the adapter. Any ideas on this one??? And, I should say I 'solved' the other problem by allowing drivers with improper signatures....perhaps not the best idea???

I uninstalled the network adapter driver and then reinstalled it. It worked perfectly. Thank you!!!!