How to determine why Startup Repair is triggered

Hi Greg,

Thanks for your reply

It's very unlikely to be malware - the only software installed on this device are our own in-house applications and Microsoft applications. I have updated my question with more details.

> I know you don't see the need for repairs

It's the opposite actually - I know there is a need for repair (or rather preventative measure) - what I'm looking to find out is what exactly needs to be repaired. e.g. what files, what settings, something else?

The Automatic Repair does seem to be repairing it so I can boot the next time, but then it occurs again on the following reboot.

Thanks

Colm

Hi again Colm -

Where are the results of the steps I gave you to perform? This is an interactive process. I give steps to perform, you do each one and then report back results until something works, so I know what to suggest next. If you need help performing any step, just ask back. But please do not skip any steps. We often find out the skipped step is the fix.

You may not think there's malware but we don't just guess in such cases, so before doing a System File Check a Malware check is always included if the advisor is experienced and knows what they're doing. Otherwise half the time one would be checking and trying to repair System File Integrity while there's malware on the drive.

Hi Ana, thanks for your response

However I'm not necessarily asking how to repair Windows. If I just restart from the Automatic Repair screen, Windows will boot correctly.

What I am looking to do is figure out how it's getting corrupted in the first place.

I've been doing some experimenting and it appears that this Automatic Repair only happens when the Write Filters (UWF) are turned on (with some exclusions)

This leads me to theorise that when I do a restart there may be some files or registry keys that get successfully updated on shutdown as part of a cleanup or something, but not others (because of the write filter), and the inconsistency is considered corruption by Windows.

So what would be great is to find out - what checks are carried out by Windows in order to determine whether an Automatic Repair is necessary, and if possible, which ones are failing.

Thanks

Colm

Hi Colm. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP specializing in installation, performance, troubleshooting and activation, here to help you.

If it says it's automating Disk Check that could be a sign the disk is failing. If it's merely Startup Repair then something is making Windows think that it cannot start. It could also be in the grips of a virus.

I know you don't see the need for repairs, but let's pro-actively do some checks to make sure there are no imminent failures portended:

Download, install and run a full scan with the most powerful on-demand free scanner Malwarebytes:

https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/ Make sure to only choose the Free version.

In the Malwarebytes Settings (gear icon) > Security tab set it to include scanning for Rootkits.

If necessary run it in Safe Mode with Networking, or Safe Mode accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf...

Clean up anything found, restart PC and then run again until it comes up clean.

Then download, install and run a full scan with AdwCleaner:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcle...

Remove whatever it finds.

Check for anything it finds but is still left over in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, and C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files(86) to uninstall or delete them. I can guide you how to do this if there are problems.

Also in each of your browser's Extensions, Home Page settings, Search service or Add-On's as shown here: https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001411.htm

to disable anything you didn't add yourself and are sure you need. Ask back if in doubt.

Then check for damaged System files by running System File Checker from Step 10 in this checklist:

Windows 10 Performance and Install Integrity Checklist - Microsoft Community

If completing all of Step 10 in above Checklist doesn't fix it then run a Repair Install which reinstalls WIndows while keeping your files, programs and most settings in place, by installing the Media Creation Tool from this link: Download Windows 10, open the tool and choose Upgrade This PC Now. This will solve most problems and also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method.

If you want to keep Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner then you can turn off its Real Time trial version using the slider buttons on it's front panel.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let me know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

Hi, I'm Ana M. I would love to help you today.

Try entering Safe Mode to repair Windows.

Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to perform a complete shutdown, you must do this three times or more in order to enter Safe Mode.

Check this link in the Option (From a black or black screen)

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/sta...

Go to Troubleshooting - Advanced Options - Reset this PC

There you will have 3 options:

1- Keep my files and applications

2- Save my files

3- Do not save anything

I recommend you use the first option.

If you can't restore Windows after performing the previous steps.

I recommend you borrow a PC to create a USB to repair Windows

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

See here the correct way to recover your files when repairing Windows:

https://www.ubackup.com/windows-10/reinstall-wi...

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.