Major Error after Windows Update

Question

Hello. I have a Dell Inspiron laptop. It updated today (06/16/2018) when I opened it up. Once I turned the update finished it took me to the normal login screen. However after I logged in, the screen was black except for the task bar. The task bar had no icons other than the windows button, a search button, and the multiple screens button. There was this message on the screen: 

I tried doing a reset by using shift+restart from the login screen. When I use the option to keep my files it asks for a key. I do not know where to find this key. However, I hit skip drive and let the computer restart, but the same thing happened. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Yes Greg. Avast had indeed fixed that immediately but it still affects those who didn't update to new version before the upgrade.

Answer 2

Thanks Sumit. I remember that link now from the PGI phone meeting. Avast!

Answer 3

Press Control + Alt + Delete

Click Sign out

At the Sign In screen, hold down the shift key on your keyboard while clicking the Power button on the screen

Continue to hold down the shift key while clicking Restart

Continue to hold down the shift key until the Advanced Recovery Options menu appears

Click Troubleshoot

Click Advanced options

Click Go back to the previous version of Windows

Windows Update might attempt to upgrade to Windows 10 1803 again. See instructions how to block it:

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/block-windows-...

If that does not work...

Go to a working computer, download, create a bootable copy, then perform a clean install.

	Step 1: How to download official Windows 10 ISO files 

	[http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...](http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki/windows_10-windows_install/how-to-download-official-windows-10-iso-files/35cde7ec-5b6f-481c-a02d-dadf465df326)



	Step 2: How to: Perform a clean install of Windows 10

	[http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/wiki...](http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/wiki/insider_wintp-insider_install/how-to-do-a-clean-install-of-windows-10/aef0ae63-2117-41ee-a8ea-4a3181625b08)



If there are files on the drive you want to recover, see -  How to: Perform a Custom install of Windows 10

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

Step 4: how to recover your files from Windows.old:

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

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.

Answer 4

The Desktop Profile not available is a known issue. To rollback, you can consider this option too:

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

Answer 5

Hi Brandon. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

I will give you steps to recover from Version Upgrade failure and then either Clean Install, block the version Update or get past the Upgrade hurdles.

At any time you can rescue your files to external USB if they are not properly backed up by accessing the Command Prompt which will appear when Repairs are being done. Follow this guide: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

I will help you perform these steps as much as you need, just report back exactly what's happening in as much detail as possible.

1. Try whichever method works here to get into Advanced Startup Options to Go Back to Old Version: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

If you are able to access 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:

To create Windows 10 Installation Media on another PC install Media Creation Tool and follow the directions here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m.... Uncheck the box for Recommended Settings to choose the exact version and bit rate for the target PC only.

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

If the media won't boot you may need to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup (pressing key given in chart in link above) to turn off Fast Boot or Fast Startup first.

Choose the boot device as a UEFI device if offered, on second screen choose Repair Your Computer link, then Advanced Troubleshoot options - to Go Back.

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 which should get you past all difficulties as it has hundreds of thousands of others who have followed the steps in this link and never come back to report another problem: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

I would try the latest version because 90% of the time the Clean Install will run it fine, but if not there are previous versions media to install here: https://tb.rg-adguard.net/public.php. Burn to DVD with Windows Image Burner or create bootable 8+gb flash stick installer using Rufus set to UEFI for GPT for a UEFI BIOS, or Legacy for MBR for a Legacy BIOS.

There is a step to rescue files from the booted media to a USB flash or external drive: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki....

Make sure during the booted install to follow the illustrated steps to delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, then click Next to let it auto-create the needed partitions, format them and begin install - this makes it foolproof.

You will get and keep the best possible install to the exact extent you stick with the steps, tools and methods in the linked tutorial. It's a better install than any amount of money could buy and a great learning experience that will make you the master of your PC.

5. If the Upgrade rolls back to the old version then you can block it this way: https://www.howtogeek.com/224471/how-to-prevent...

When ready follow these steps to manually upgrade: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Almost everyone with major version upgrade problems who Clean installs the same version does not have those problems.

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

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.