Windows 11 crashes after update. Error "Log file: D:\Windows\System32\Logfiles\Srt\SrtTrial.txt"

Question

I am at a loss. At the beginning of this week, my laptop (ASUS TUF Gaming A15) worked just fine, but now I can’t access anything. I was working on some tasks without any issues when I decided to take a short break. In the meantime, I installed an update I had ignored for the past three days. When my laptop tried to restart, I received the following message:
"Couldn't connect to the network
Log file: D:\Windows\System32\Logfiles\Srt\SrtTrial.txt"

Below I summarized the solutions and the steps I have tried so far, unfortunately without any success:

1. Via the command prompt under the advanced options section
   bcdedit (discovered that windows is on drive D)
   bootrec /fixboot (Access was denied)
   bootsect /nt60 sys
   bootrec /fixboot (operation completed successfully)
   E:
   chkdsk /f /x /r
   Restart (problem not solved)
2. Enable safe mode to run "dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth"
   Advanced options > Start-up Settings > Restart (Laptop restarts)
   BitLocker asks for the codes (Inputting bitlocker codes)
   laptop restarts, asks for the bitlocker again and then outputs error code (Not possible to start safe mode at any time)
3. Via the command prompt under the advanced options section
   dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth ("Error: 87 The cleanup-image option is unknown")
4. System restore settings
   Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System restore > Next > (choose moment) > Next > Finish > Yes
   "System restore did not complete successfully. Your computer's system files and settings were not changed.
   Details: System restore failed while mounting the regestry from the restore point.
   An unspecified error occurred during System Restore. (0x800703f1)
   (Tried all the available restore points, resulting in the same error code)
5. Resetting
   Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Keep my files
   "There was a problem resetting your PC. No changes were made.
6. Uninstall updates
   Uninstall latest quality update:
   "You have pending update actions and won't be able to uninstall the latest quality update of Windows".

Uninstall latest update:
"You have pending update actions and won't be able to uninstall the latest quality update of Windows".

1. MyASUS in WinRE (System Check)
   SSD Test: Pass
   System Repair: Successful
   Restart (error code still the same)
2. Start up repair
   "Start-up repair couldn't repair your PC ..."

I’m running out of ideas and options to fix this issue. If anyone knows how to resolve it, I would be very grateful. Any suggestions are welcome. Since I still have important files on my laptop, I’d prefer not to factory reset it. I can provide pictures and other information if required.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to consider this.

Answer 1

Hi, good day!

That’s a really tough situation especially since it broke right after an update. You’ve already done a lot of the right troubleshooting. This likely means Windows is stuck in a failed update state.

The best thing to do in this situation is to perform a Clean Install of Windows 11 However, you will need to find another working Windows computer from a family member or friend near you to create the Windows 11 USB Installation media.

Find another working computer then download the Media Creation tool (Click Download tool now). Use the tool to "Create installation media (USB flash drive at least 8GB in size) to install Windows 11". Instructions inside the link.

Note: Please make sure to uncheck the "Use the recommended options for this PC" box. Please check the link below for more details.

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d

If you want to retrieve your important files, Insert the USB Installation media into your computer. Please change the boot order in the Bios Settings. Boot your PC from the Installation Media you created.

Click Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Command prompt

Type: notepad.exe

Press Enter

Click File, then Open

This will open a Mini-Explorer that you can use to find folders or individual files that need to backup, right click the files to Send to USB flash drive.

Kindly refer to the link below on How to Perform a Clean Install for more details.

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/reinstall-windows-with-the-installation-media-d8369486-3e33-7d9c-dccc-859e2b022fc7

I look forward to your update and am happy to continue working with you until the issue is resolved. If you find the answer helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and consider upvoting it. Otherwise, please keep me posted by clicking "Add comment" below instead of selecting Yes or No.