laptop has been locked by scamer

hello guys,

I got a call from a guy without colour id said himself as a vendor of Microsoft corporation, saying there was some kinda error in my computer and it was needed to be updated. He also called me in my home phone and was chatting with me via word pad, he asked me to open eventmgr and somehow he tracked my computer and locked. Then he asked me to buy his software, he asked my bank details then I knew he was bullshitting on me. I denied, ended up call and chat l with him but now my computer has been locked.

I've attached mine screen which asks password. to start up.

Did this ever happened to anyone else, how can I now unlock my computer?

its already locked mate

Hi

The password screen you are seeing is for "SYSKEY" encryption. Read the below guide to know what is "SYSKEY" encryption and what is it's purpose.

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In simple words, "SYSKEY" encryption will encrypt the "SAM" registry hive using a password the user provides. The solution is to restore SAM and other registry hives from a backup copy which is not encrypted. Please follow the below steps.

1. Obtain a Windows installation disc or system repair disc. If you don't have one, either create a "System Repair Disc" from a freind's machine or borrow his/her installation disc.

How to create a "System Repair Disc" : System Repair Disc - Create

Another alternative is to download the "Windows 7 Enterprise Evaluation" ( 64 bit ) from official Microsoft site.

Previous Versions

2. Boot from either "System Repair CD" or install DVD/USB and restore Registry hives from the backup copy using the command line. Usually there will be a backup copy inside "C:\Windows\System32\Config\Regback" folder. This will be a little difficult if you are unfamiliar with command line. But fortunately there is a detailed tutorial which covers step by step instructions which can be read from the below link ( ignore the title ).

Startup Repair Infinite Loop Recovery

This type of SCAM has become quite common in recent years and many are fooled. I have received many such calls. Microsoft and authorized representatives do not make cold calls such as this. Best to just hang up on these calls.

Follow Anshad's links carefully and ask back any questions you have.

System Restore might also work from the Recovery environment.

If you cannot create a Recovery Disk then you can burn a Win7 installation DVD or flash stick from Steps 1 and 2 of Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to boot to access System Recovery Options.

This is reparable if you work with Anshad, but if not you can rescue your files from the Step 3 subpoint in Clean Reinstall tutorial then reinstall using those same steps which are the same for retail and will result in a perfect install.