Pc will not boot

Question

Hi all,

Recent windows update "had a problem" and needed to reboot itself halfway through" all i wanted to do is reboot, but now my pc is stuffed and will not boot.

The diagnostics does not give any answers, so i tried to run a boot log and take a look at the results.

It seems i list the content's of my c:/ drive from command prompt so i am assuming my harddrive is ok.

I tried the uninstall the latest windows update options from the menu, but they just tell me the had a problem.

I pressed 2 to start a boot log, But unfortunately when i then type 'C:/Windows/ntbtlog.txt' in command prompt, i just get 'C:/Windows/ntbtlog.txt' is not recognised as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi Empty. I'm Greg, an Independent Advisor, Volunteer Moderator and 10 year Windows MVP here to help you.

Here are steps to recover from failed Updates or Version Update install which cause Windows to fail to start or function. If any steps won't work then report back and move on to the next. At least one step will always work, leading up to if necessary doing an automated Reset or a gold standard Clean Install:

1. Try whichever method works in this tutorial link to get into Advanced Startup Options to run System Restore or Uninstall Updates button, or if this is a version update Go Back to Old Version: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc....

Easiest is to restart or force shutdown the PC twice to force it into Repair Mode.

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

2. If necessary borrow another PC and follow the steps toward the bottom of this download page to 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.... The bootable media has it's own set of files that may work better if the ones in Windows are corrupted, it is also the only method that doesn't require the password if you're stuck on that.

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.

3. Choose Advanced Troubleshoot options to run System Restore, Uninstall Updates button, or if this was a version Update choose More Options to Go Back to Old Version.

If it rolls back then you can hide the Windows Updates and Version Upgrade responsible until they mature by installing and running immediately the Hide Updates tool:

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 created in Step 2 to Clean Install the latest version 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... The 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.

There is a step to rescue files from the same bootable media: 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.

The media provided for the Clean Install is latest and normally the problems go away with the Clean Install, however if they don't you can find earlier version media to use here: https://tb.rg-adguard.net/public.php

Burn to DVD using Windows Image Burner or create bootable 8+gb flash stick installer using one of the methods here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2376-create...

Then once you're back in Windows 10, you can block the problem Update using one of these methods: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8280-hide-s...

For Version Updates the most stable method to install is using the media as shown in these steps for overcoming Version Upgrade problems: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

All possible ways to control Updates now are here:

https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-con...

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.

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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.