Software update from 6.4.2

[Nutul]

I am stuck at a point where re-reading the setup guide continually just isn't helping me - I cant get into any configuration settings so need to know (a) whether I should bail out and start all over again from scratch (including a new Pi Imager download), or (b) whether there is an  option to reset somehow using my current sd card with Moode already installed on it.

As easy as it always goes: you (well, your friend, supposedly) "forgot" to set username, password, and possibly enable the SSH _BEFORE_ flashing the image.
All this is written and underlined, and marked as important in the setup guide.

As others have already said: do read the setup guide; it is there for a reason.