Stuck in preparing automatic repair

[Sperz]

My hp laptop w/windows 10 is stuck in preparing automatic repair. I can't even get to the system restore/reset menu. Somehow I got to my normal sign in screen last night and did a restore to a previous date and then it went back to preparing automatic  repair loop. HELP!!!

[TheOldMan]

Typically when that happens, it might be able to repair the install if you have the install media and boot to that media to run the repair.  Otherwise, it will take some extra effort or you might even need to reinstall Windows 10.

Assuming you do not have the install media for Windows 10, you can make it from this Microsoft download

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

With a working PC, scroll down to the "Using the tool to create installation media"
and then follow the directions. You can make either the DVD or USB. Boot the problem PC to this media and pick "Repair your computer"  If that cannot do it on its own, check here:

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/boot-or-repair-windows-10-using-the-installation-mediaUse this new media to install Windows 10.
If that also fails you can reinstall Windows 10 using this new media.  When the install asks for the product key, click the "I don't have a product key" option to continue,
then the install will continue. It will be activated once it connects to the internet, as it uses a digital key.