Solved! Win8 Tablet stuck at password - safe mode

Jul 27, 2020
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I started 8.1 in safe mode (while I was trying to uninstall an anti-virus).
It gets as far as the Windows password screen - the cursor is flashing in the "password" box, waiting for input.
Touching the text input box doesn't bring up the keyboard. Swiping left doesn't bring up the options. No touch input does anything.
I'm not sure if the touchscreen isn't getting input, or if the input isn't being passed on.
If I restart, I get back to the same screen.
If I press Volume Up while powering up,I get to the hardware setup screen. None of the options seems relevant.
The only option left I haven't tried is "HDD recovery". I'm guessing that's going to wipe all my data, and I'd hate to do that and have it go back to the same "start in safe mode" loop.

Toshiba Encore 2 WT8-B 8" tablet. Windows 8.1

I've searched the manual, these forums, Google, etc. etc., without success.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

Dave_t