I can't see why there is any issue stopping you here. To install Linux we boot our Linux distro from USB, DVD or such and begin the install. You didn't do that so is the real issue you want to fix this bum Windows or do you want to install Linux?
I'm looking to Install a new os on a machine but I'm running into a series of issues here...
Firstly, some info on what we're dealing with. I'm working with an older hp (with a finger print scanner ;D ) that was refurbished and has a wonky version of windows 7 home premium installed that needed to just be replaced. I was looking to install a version of Linux but before I could I ran into the first issue.
With the attempt to log into the only user profile (as far as i'm aware since it's my brother's unit and he's unsure himself) we get the following message "The User Profile Service service failed the logon. User profile cannot be loaded."
Naturally my first instinct is to just boot it in safe mode and use the console to get past this, or launch the recovery manager and go that route. Easy fix, right? Here's where the second issue comes into play.
The arrow keys aren't working. I have a feeling the keys may have gotten locked before the log on issue arose. The whole f14 + Shift solution crossed my mind, but this machine only has f1-12 and a couple of other keys in the follow order from left to right (scroll/num lock, pause/break, insert/print screen, and delete/system rq).
If anyone has any ideas, I'm all ears and open to anything.

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