BSOD and Windows Update

Question

Over the last two or three weeks I have had two BSODs (three with the current one) after Windows updates. I had to boot to recovery mode and use a prior restore point. The first time I used the restore point just prior to the update and all was once again fine. Then a few days later I turned on my monitor to see another BSOD so again went to use a restore point and had to go back either two or three before I could load Windows again. I then created another restore point knowing everything was working as it should be so if I needed a restore point again this one should work.

Earlier this week my laptop, which is s a different make and model then my desktop, had a BSOD when I opened it up one morning. I rebooted and then it loaded Windows fine but then later in the day while using it again got a BSOD. It had also seemed slower than previously, especially in IE. I then got a call from a friend who told me his computer had also updated and now IE as well as Outlook was slower than previously. Anyway when I was using my desktop (which is the one referred to at the start of this and the one I am having the problem with now) Thursday I was notified about an update so went to Windows update and had a look at the history and saw that the fall creator update had failed to install, which suited me fine as I didn't want to have to do a restore or deal with another BSOD.

This morning I turned on the monitor to see another BSOD so tried to use a restore point however was only presented with one restore point which was dated yesterday and the previous ones I had used and the new one I created after the last BSOD issue were not shown, nor was the check box that is usually shown and says something to the effect of show more restore points so no idea what happened to the other restore points. I chose the restore point from yesterday however received an error stating "System Restore did not complete successfully. Your computer's system files and settings were not changed. Details: An unspecified error occurred during system restore. (0x8000ffff) You can try System Restore again and choose a different restore point. If you continue to see this error, you can try an advanced recovery method."

So now I am stuck and given the number of programs I have resintalling or doing a reset and losing all of the programs is not an option so would appreciate if someone and tell me if there is another way to access additional restore points to try or if there are some other things I could try.

I would also like to know if there is a way to stop an update from installing if you have reason to believe it may causes issues such as this. There used to be some update options in previous versions of Windows and I think perhaps even in the early versions of Windows 10 but that was done away with for some reason.

I should also mention I have I believe an AMD Radeon 5700 video card.

Thank you

Answer 1

I'm sorry I was not clear that you cannot start Windows.

Is it stable in Safe Mode with Networking? Try these methods to see: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf...

If so complete the steps I gave earlier.

If not then 1) Try whichever method works here to get into Advanced Startup Options to run System Restore if this is a Windows Update, or Go Back to Old Version if this is a version update. https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

If you are able to access System Restore or Go Back and it fails, skip to step 3.

2. If necessary create bootable installation media to access the repair options if not accessible by any other method: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

Boot media by powering up the PC while pressing the BIOS Boot Menu Key: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutor...

You may need to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup to turn off Fast Boot if it won't allow the Boot Menu key to interrupt starting Windows: https://www.mydigitallife.net/comprehensive-lis...

Choose UEFI version of media if offered, browse to second screen to Repair Your Computer link, then Advanced Troubleshoot options - to run System Restore to a point before the problem began.

3. If this fails try a Startup Repair, or go back to Troubleshoot Options on the previous screen to Reset your PC which will save your files while reinstalling Windows.
4. If that fails you can use the booted media to do the Clean Install. This link compiles the best possible install of Windows 10 that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given. http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...
5. You can also run the PC's Factory Recovery from it's hotkey at boot, following the procdure for that model found in it's Manual on it's Support Downloads webpage, or by asking Google how to Factory Recovery the exact make and model.

Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I'll keep working with you until it's resolved.

Answer 2

Please share the minidumps for a better analysis of the problem. Instructions can be found here:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Answer 3

You said "Please run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter at Settings>Update & Security>Troubleshoot. "

I would love to be able to run it but I can't get into Windows all I get when trying to boot is the BSOD.

You also mention "There is also an automated Refresh that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest:https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-... "

I assume this refresh is the same as the a reset where it keeps my files but not any of the installed programs and if so that would not be an option?

Thank you

Answer 4

Which version of Windows 10 is installed? See how to verify?

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wik...

Try performing a repair upgrade:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/wiki...

Answer 5

I'm Greg, a volunteer installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

Please run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter at Settings>Update & Security>Troubleshoot.

Enable and submit the BSOD crash file so an expert can read it: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

What we have found is that in Windows 10 everything depends on the quality of the underlying install, the same reason enthusiasts have never run Factory or Upgrade installs because they know there would be endless issues. For example there have been zero return problems by those who follow the gold standard Clean Install here: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki.... It is better and faster than any previous version of Windows, and a better install than any amount of money could buy.

All programs are now made easy to reinstall by their authors because consumers are expected to need to reinstall periodically, and anyone running a serially Updated, never Clean Installed PC is operating a junkyard AYOR.

There is also an automated Refresh that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

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