and I am a total klutz -- I don't know what kind of OS. How do I find that?

But I have a neighbor who might be able to process that. If I make apple pie for him.

For the less tech savvy it could be a long process. But it will work. Read the documentation, ask questions on their forum. You can do it. Believe...

Check the caps key when you type.

Be sure it's the right password sequence (it's been a month).

Are all the keys on the keyboard functioning properly?

I don't see how they could have screwed with the password unless they successfully got into the machine and deliberately changed it.

The only thing I know to do is pull the drive from the unit and put it in another computer. So, I hope somebody can give you better answers than I did.

They tried multiple times to access. I don't know if they also tried to change the password.

Chances are you login using a Microsoft account since they make it difficult to use a local account only.

If so, go to live.com (it is an official Microsoft site) and choose recover your account.

It will walk you through resetting the account. Google it if you want to confirm it isn't a nasty site.

Is there a reason your family didn't ask you for your password?

....used in a scan. I was simply in hospital for a pacemaker, and then had this allergic reaction, which damaged my kidneys. Was dopey for many days. They were trying to get in so as to use the amazon account, which has funds from a gift card waiting to be released. In order to release, one must first go to email to get the code, and then can retrieve a gift card to use. The whole effort was snafu. I didn't know they were doing it. I have so many important photos and important things saved on that computer.

The default is something like 30 minutes. Wait for a period of time and try again.

Have had the account for twenty years. So I can't retrieve that either, when needed for recovery/access of that and other things.

Funny, no trouble remembering DU password. Ha.

Anesthesia and illness can block out much.

in the web browser's saved passwords.

There are many password cracking utilities out there for other clients depending on the OS and the client.

Sometimes the email service provider will help recover account information. If they have real humans give them a call.

I'm sure there are some tech-savvy kids/neighbors that will help. I will if you're within 100 miles of northern Vermont. (No Apple stuff, tho.)

If not, just reformat the computer.
If you do have files you need to save, get yourself a SATA to USB Cable adapter.
Take out the hard drive from your laptop and plug it into the adapter, plug the adapter into another computer. And now you can access all your files.
But, if your hard drive is encrypted, you are screwed. You cannot access your files..

SATA to USB Cable
https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-SATA-USB-Cable-USB3S2SAT3CB/dp/B00HJZJI84/

For M2 drives
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08C2THR25/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00

many family photos
research projects
genealogy research

I doubt very much that it is encrypted. I'm not smart enough about computers to do that. Total dunce.

The laptop I bought last year had the drive encrypted.

Also, I just remembered something, Windows has something called recovery mode. You may be able to fix your Issue with that.

This link is for Windows 10, but you can search "How to Enter Recovery Mode in Windows ##" for your OS.

https://windowsreport.com/how-to-enter-recovery-mode-in-windows-10/

I've used this tool to retrieve a laptop password in the past and it works just fine.

Windows Password Rescuer
https://www.daossoft.com/products/windows-password-rescuer.html

I will look into that. Not formidable prices that would restore precious photos.

lesson to learn. I wouldn't allow the family (should have asked you upfront for the password to access your machine) to access your laptop, instead, if possible, get new ones for the rest of your family or have them go to the library if possible (and use the PCs there if possible). If not, perhaps the school has a program where they'll help families purchase PCs for families unable to afford them. Laptops are getting cheaper and cheaper, and perhaps they have a student discount.

It's getting to the point that so many people are putting so much stuff onto these devices, that if should something negative happen, then you are out all of the work, all of the files, all of the time you spent on these files etc., so a laptop per person is probably advisable.

Again, like I say, I hope that you recover everything fully. That's a great loss. I still, to this day, when my device crashed one time, I lost thousands of things on my system, and I still remember it (the crash). I have, of course, recovered somewhat, but still don't know all what I lost, never will. Thus, that's why I do occasionally do a backup. Not as much as I should, but I do it still.

So they tried to get into the laptop to order something from amazon for me, I think. I knew and know the password. Somehow they fumbled it and kept trying things.

Good idea to never let anyone do that.

A certain number of attempts with the wrong password and Windows locked them out.

Here are some guides. You might find something here. Also, if you're considering the password rescuer, check that it works on Win 10 / 11 - it might not.

https://windowsreport.com/windows-11-locked-out-of-admin-account/
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-reset-your-password-after-youre-locked-out-your-windows-10-account
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-reset-a-forgotten-windows-10-password

Windows makes it seem compulsory to have a password and/or a MS account. This is not true and you can set up your computer without one - I have. OTOH, I live alone and use a desktop machine which I am sole user of. Your situation may differ.

Some of my friends have had the adverse reaction to the dye too. It's not fun.

My best to you and your family.