Windows Cannot Find a System Image on This Computer

Question

Hi,

I am trying to resolve the issue on my Surface Pro: "Surface turns on and shows "Couldn't find a bootable operating system"" https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/surface-turns-on-and-shows-couldn-t-find-a-bootable-operating-system-b8e6c5b8-7b09-81bb-bfd9-bc118930439c#:~:text=%20Surface%20turns%20on%20and%20shows%20%22Couldn%27t%20find,your%20Surface%20using%20a%20USB%20recovery...%20More%20 To do that, I am trying Solution 3 to reset my Surface Pro using a USB recovery drive.

However, the following prompt keeps blocking the process: Windows Cannot Find a System Image on This Computer

I tried downloading two different system images.

First try: Surface Pro (5th Gen) - 256GB i5 8GB M1796 - Windows 10 Pro Version 20H2

Second try: Surface Pro (5th Gen) - 256GB i5 8GB M1796 - Windows 10 Pro Version 1909

But both the versions do not end up functioning. It's heavy to download and there are five other versions. I am not sure if I should download each one of them and try them? That is, if the problem if with the version of system image. Or is there another issue that is blocking the process?

I tried also solutions from this thread here, but even then it stops with the same prompt.

https://www.easeus.com/computer-instruction/windows-cannot-find-a-system-image-on-this-computer.html

Any clues what can be done? My work is suffering terribly for the last 4 days.

Thank you very much for your help!

Answer 1

A couple of things. It does not sound like you are booting from the USB. It is important to use a 16 or 32 GB USB stick (not a USB drive) formatted FAT32 FULL in another Windows machine. Here are my standard instructions:

Go to https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surfacerecoveryimage  

(with a different Windows computer if yours is not working properly)

and download a recovery image for your Surface. You will need a 16GB or 32GB USB stick (also called a flash drive) formatted FAT32 (use a Windows computer). You can't use an actual external USB hard drive for this and don't use anything larger than a 32 GB USB stick*. Best to purchase and use a new, previously unused USB stick for this. Use FULL format and not quick format and give the volume a name like surfboot. Unzip/extract the recovery zip to the root of the formatted USB stick.*

There are full instructions and a video at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4023512/surface-creating-and-using-a-usb-recovery-drive#download

To insure you boot to the USB, you can go into the UEFI and change the boot order by dragging USB to the top of the list:

1. Shut down your Surface.
2. Press and hold the volume-up button on your Surface and at the same time, press and release the power button.
3. When you see the Surface logo, release the volume-up button.
   The UEFI menu will display within a few seconds.

Answer 2

Dear Barb,

Thank you very much for your prompt response.

I did try the methods you proposed above.

I manage to reach the Windows screen to choose language > keyboard layout > choosing an option between 1. Troubleshoot and 2. Turning off the PC.

I clicked troubleshoot > it opens Advanced options > I click "System Image Recovery" (the flash drive is flashing meanwhile)

Then i receive the same prompt! "Windows cannot find a system image on this computer"

I tried the Pro Version 20H2 and 1909 differently for rebooting but it ends up with the same results!

I cannot understand what is wrong. I am planning to buy another new flash drive and see if that works. What could be blocking the process?

Thank you for your help!

Jeega

Answer 3

Next, try the Surface Data Eraser; documentation is at https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/microsoft-surface-data-eraser   the download itself is at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=46703  

Please reply with a picture of the final screen.

Answer 4

It isn't a system image you want. You do not need to select anything.

1. Make sure your Surface is turned off and plugged in, and then insert the USB recovery drive into the USB port.
2. Press and hold the volume-down button while you press and release the power button.
3. When the Microsoft or Surface logo appears, release the volume-down button.
4. When prompted, select the language and keyboard layout you want.
5. Select Troubleshoot , and then select Recover from a drive .

*If prompted for a recovery key, select Skip this drive at the bottom of the screen*.

1. Note:
   Be sure to select the Troubleshoot option on this screen. Don’t select the Use a device option. If you select the Use a device option, your Surface will reboot from the USB recovery drive again and the reset process will start over.
2. Choose either Just remove my files or Fully clean the drive.
   The option to clean the drive is more secure but takes much longer. For example, if you’re recycling your Surface, you should clean the drive. If you’re keeping your Surface, you just need to remove your files.
3. Select Recover.
   Surface restarts and displays the Surface logo while the reset process continues. This can take several minutes.

Try the new 16/32 gb fkash stick.

Answer 5

Dear Barb,

I bought a new flash disk, and now the option of Recover from a Drive appeared. I could select Just remove my files.

Then I get this error: There was a problem recovering your PC.

I tried both just remove my files and Clean the drive fully, but the PC returns the same error!

Here is a photo:

What shall I try next?

Thank you!

Jeega