Start up loop after update fail

Question

Tried to do a Windows update, now Alienware laptop continuously restarts, states "Attempting to recover installation...", then "Undoing changes made to your computer", then restarts all over again.

Need help what to do.

Answer 1

Hi Pamela,

Please run winver.exe and post a screenshot of that dialog. The dialog shows your OS build number and Edition.

To narrow down the Windows Update issue, upload your CBS logs to OneDrive or GoFile.io and post the link here.

The logs are available in the following folder. Copy the following folder to the desktop.

c:\windows\logs\cbs

Zip the folder and share the file on OneDrive or GoFile.io and post the link here.

Answer 2

Try recovery in this order:

1. Disconnect removable media and nonessential peripherals. Remove any USB drives, SD cards, DVDs, and other removable media before restarting. These can interfere with startup after an update.
2. Enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Turn the laptop off and try to boot it again. After two failed boot attempts, Windows should enter WinRE automatically.
3. In WinRE, open Troubleshoot > Advanced options. From there, use these options:
   • Startup Repair if Windows does not start or keeps loading.
   • System Restore if a restore point exists from before the failed update.
4. If the restart loop started after the update and WinRE gives access to Command Prompt, run this command to revert pending update actions:

      DISM /image:C:\ /cleanup-image /revertpendingactions
   

   Then restart the device and wait for Windows to start.
5. If Windows starts after that, install the latest Servicing Stack Update (SSU) first, then try the Windows update again.
6. If Safe Mode is available, boot into Safe Mode, let Windows start, then restart the device normally. After that, install the latest SSU and retry the update.
7. If recovery options still fail, use System Restore from installation media:
   • Boot from Windows installation media.
   • Select Repair your computer.
   • Go to Troubleshoot / Advanced options and run System Restore.
   • Choose a restore point dated before the first time the error appeared.

If the system reaches a Recovery screen related to boot configuration data, in Command Prompt run:

bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot

Then restart and check whether Windows starts.

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