Stop Code: Inaccessible Boot Device - No Bitlocker key ever activated

Hi Mike. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator, here to help you.

Operating without a backup is valuing your files at zero, because a hard drive can die at any time without notice. I'll give you easy simple free ways to do this later.

I see too many cases of Bitlocker turning itself on without the owner's knowledge to ever recommend using it. I would turn it off and not use it. If you need to encrypt files put them in a a 7Zip archive with a password, simple, free, easy, never fails.

You didn't say what happened exactly with the UEFI firmware update except for it's collision with uninvited Bitlocker. Did Lenovo assure you that it didn't brick the BIOS? In some rare cases where BIOS update is interrupted it can require having the UEFI chip on the motherboard reimaged at the factory. I'm hoping you merely got the update denied due to Bitlocker. What screen do you have now? We'd need to know this to advise you

What told you that it failed due to Bitlocker exactly?

Create bootable Windows 10 media on another PC following the steps in the middle of the download page here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

Uncheck the box for Recommended Settings to choose the exact version and bit rate for the target PC only.

Insert media, boot it by powering up PC while pressing the BIOS Boot Menu Key: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutor...

If the media won't boot you may need to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup (pressing key given in chart in link above) to turn off Fast Boot or Fast Startup first.

Choose the boot device as a UEFI device if offered, on second screen choose Command Prompt, see if you can rescue your files this way:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

If not you'll have to abandon ship without them. Wipe the drive to get rid of Bitlocker using Diskpart Clean Command: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/85819-erase...

Close the Command Box, exit Repair mode, choose Install Now, then Custom Install, then at the drive selection screen delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, click Next to let it create needed partitions and start install - this makes it foolproof.

Everything needed to get the best possible Clean Install is here: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki.... It is a better install than any amount of money can buy and a great learning experience that will make you the master of your PC because you will learn what works best and how to apply it with your own hands.

BACKUP PLAN -

1) You can sync your Desktop, Documents and Pictures folder using OneDrive Backup, or just drag valuable files into OneDrive folder, offering 5gb free with additional space for cheap: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/116029-turn...

2) Google Drive has a new Backup that allows you to choose User folders (Documents, Pictures, etc.) to sync up to 15gb for free to their cloud in real time so it always has the latest version. https://www.google.com/intl/en-GB_ALL/drive/dow...

3) In addition I'd have an on-site hard copy backup. The best way to do this is to sort all of your files into their User folders and then drag or copy them to another hard drive, USB external or flash drive. Here's how to drag, copy or move large groups of files: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2086566/the-man...

4) Besides your files you should save a System Image back up to use in place of reinstall in 20 minutes. The best free alternative is Macrium: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/7363/macrium-ref... You can even use the Macrium program to mount and extract files from this image so it can serve as both image and file backup too.

I hope this helps. Based on the results you report back I may have other suggestions if necessary. If you will wait to choose whether the problem is resolved, then I will continue to help until the problem is fixed.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Hi Greg

I shared your info with the tech that I have trying to help me, not having any luck :-(.  Below is what he asked me to share with you.

1. What told you that it failed due to Bitlocker exactly? 
   • The fact that the PC fails to boot with the message, "Inaccessible Boot Device".
   • The PC cannot be "Reset" unless the recovery key is entered.
   • Attempting to access the drive from command prompt states, "This drive is locked by BitLocker Drive Encryption. You must unlock this drive from Control Panel.".

Did you check in the usual places for the key:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/402618...

Here are ways to recover your files and drive from Bitlocker:
https://www.howtogeek.com/263561/how-to-recover...
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/37060-turn-...
https://www.repairwin.com/how-to-remove-bitlock...

You should be able to access the drive from boot media Command Prompt to wipe it with Diskpart Clean Command, even rescue the files, in some cases which have been reported to succeed. If not then try moving the drive to another PC not governed by that PC's TPM in BIOS.

I am really sorry about this. It is another annoying issue in WIndows 10 we see regularly. If you want to report this to Microsoft use the Feedback Hub app in Start Menu where developers are tasked to process consumer feedback. They will not even see it here. This is a tech forums staffed mostly by volunteers trying to help others with your problems.

If you want to post back a Share link from your Feedback here others who see this thread can vote it up and add to it.

Thx.  I will pass this along to the tech with the computer since I am not that technical. 

We were told to try and go into the bios and turn off Secure Boot but that did not work either.

Hello Greg,

I can easily format/wipe the drive but cannot "rescue" any files as when I boot the PC with Windows 10 boot media and attempt to access the Command Prompt, I am instantly being asked for the BitLocker Recovery Key.

I can, however, access the command prompt via the Windows Diagnostics option to Troubleshoot the PC. When doing so, the message, "This drive is locked by BitLocker Drive Encryption. You must unlock this drive from Control Panel." is displayed.

I've even attempted to "Reset" the PC selecting the option to remove all apps and settings but keeping the files. This too was a no-go! 

Attempting to access the drive from another PC, the drive is still locked and the recovery password (48-digit number) is the only way to gain access.

What other Recovery Options does it show if you press ESC at that screen?

Hello Mike!

I have the same problem as you from today. Lenovo and Microsoft are blaming each other and I got no solution. I´m angry about this! Hope someone can help us!

Regards

Steven

Here is what I get when pressing the ESC key. If I select, Skip this drive, I get the Windows Troubleshooting options.

It is an absolute outrage.  Obviously something is wrong with the code, process or system they have implemented and to lock a valid owner out of their own drive should not be allowed.  Someone I know should be able to legally provide a solution so again the owner can continue to use their own computer and access their data.  Accountability for this issue is #1.

Hello Greg,

Is there anything else that you can think of that we have not to regain access to this PC?

Thank you!