Windows 10 updates

[bfrw]

I receive constant messages when Windows 10 tries to update. The update progresses most times to 100%, then "Unable to complete update, undoing changes." After a couple tries the computer then starts.

   I looked at a few suggestions online but they are mostly for Windows 8. They suggest a start in safe mode and then delete the list of installed updates. They suggest that a stored corrupt update is the culprit. I tried to get into safe mode and did erase the list but that did not do the trick; the list and the problem remained. Another suggestion was to rename the file containing the installed updates so the program will start a new incorrupt file. With my level of expertise, I did not want to get into that without asking my question here.

   One answer noted that the HP laptops are particularly susceptible to this problem. I started cleaning the computer every evening before shutdown uslng CC Cleaner but the problem persists.

  Thank you for any suggestions you can offer.

[WAWood]

@bfrw 

Hello;
Allow me to welcome you to the HP Support Community!

There are two things I would try:

1) Resetting Windows Update

2) Performing a Repair-Install with new Win10 media

As to the first,  you should follow these instructions:  https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/24742-reset-windows-update-windows-10-a.html

As to the second, you will need to use the link to download Win10 installation media and either burn a DVD or create a USB stick: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/media-creation-tool-install?ocid=ms_wol_win10

Note that when you go do download and build install media, the tool defaults to matching what is already installed on your PC (as in, Home for Home, 64-bit for 64-bit). Make sure you select the same version as needed for your PC. If you do not, the resulting media will be different and will force you to enter a NEW product code!

Once you have that media, follow the instructions in the link: http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/16397-repair-install-windows-10-place-upgrade.html

Good Luck

[bfrw]

Hi,

   Thank you very much for your information. I think I performed the first suggested step of resetting the Windows update  I wasn't sure the bat file had ended but this morning after I started the computer, (I had to start it and head out the door) I returned a couple of hours later to find it ready to operate. I soon received a notification that it had not been able to complete an update. The notification brought me to the list of updates which showed a failure to install Windows 10 version 1803 for x64. The bat file had apparently performed properly since the previous long list of updates and failed updates was now deleted; the one failure was the only item listed.

   It appears I will have to go to your next suggested  repair install of Windows 10. I will take some time going over the instructions carefully before starting. I do not want to wind up having to re-install all the programs I have. I also have to complete a writing task before starting the repair; I will have to put up with a 5 or 10 min startup time for a few more days.

   Thank you for your help and detailed instructions. I will let you know how it goes,

                bfrw

[WAWood]

@bfrw 

Glad I could be of some help ...

But BEFORE attempting the 1903 Upgrade, which SHOULD go well -- but you never know -- please read the information below about making an image backup of your current setup.  That way, if things go poorly, you will have something to restore FROM.

------------------------

I personally prefer to use third-party Backup solutions as they tend to be both more flexible and more reliable than any built-in solutions.

Macrium Reflect (MR) provides a FREE version that can be used to image and restore partitions or entire drives.

What I recommend is the following:
1) Download and install Macrium Reflect (MR) from here: http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx
2) Run MR and choose the option: "Create an image of the partition(s) required to backup and restore Windows" to write a full backup to an external drive or USB stick
3) Use the option to create a boot USB stick or CD

My experience is that MR, when using the High Compression option, typically can compress the saved image file to about 50% of the USED space in the OS partition. This means if you have an 80GB OS partition, and 40GB is used, MR only needs about 20GB to store the image file.

I use this all the time and it typically takes less than 15 minutes to do the image backup and about the same time or less to do a restore.

NOW, you have the means to restore a full working system from the external drive or USB stick in only a few minutes.

[bfrw]

Good Afternoon,

   Thank you for your advice, I appreciate your help very much,

I used MR to make a copy as you suggested. I may have copied more than I need as I got a large file which I had to put in an external drive then copied to my IDrive which had much more room that I really need.

I disabled Secure Boot and set a pause on my ESET Security program.

The first try at install resulted in a page that announced that there was a problem proceeding. The program gave several suggestions on how to handle the halt. Following their info I pulled out all my USB connections except for the mouse, removed a SD Card, unplugged a second monitor, and copied the media creation file to the C: drive. They recommended running the installation from that file. 

   I started again and was very happy to see the installation start. It proceeded slowly up to 58% where it stayed for a few hours. Late at night, I canceled it and saw the screen that announced that it was working on stopping. This morning I finally had to do a hard shutdown to stop that screen. I started the computer up again and had to leave in the hope that I would see a working computer a couple of hours later when I returned. Happily here I am again preparing to start again on the installation.

   One thought I have is that I may not have set a long enough pause on my ESET Security. I am not learned enough to know if the ESET could have caused a problem if it came back on again in the background. I will set a long pause the next try.  I access the internet via a "Powerline" connection to the cable modem (Thick walls in an old house). I don't think that should be a problem with an install but I may be wrong. I could bring the laptop to the modem for a direct connection if that is a problem area. Is the installation from the C: drive ok or should I put the Media Creation file on a USB Flash drive.

Sorry, I am so long-winded; I appreciate your expertise and guidance.

       Bill Frew

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

@bfrw 

I had occasion to do an in-place Upgrade from  Win 1809 to Win 1903 -- and it took over 4 Hours!

That is in contrast to the 45 minutes it took to upgrade similar PCs when they would use the ISO file I downloaded from Microsoft.

In you can download and create Win10 install media from this link, that could save you a lot of time:  Windows 10 download

[bfrw]

Good evening,

   I am very happy that your expert advice has helped me to finally accomplish the repair install you suggested. 

   I tried again this afternoon after pausing my ESET Security for four hours. I watched carefully when the installation reached 58% where it stopped forever on my last try. Once it continued past there I had faith that it would be a successful result. It took three hours to complete but I was extremely happy it handled all the updates.

   Thank you so much for all your suggestions; I downloaded your Tutorial and followed it closely.

   You are terrific,

            Bill Frew