Windows 10 Update

[Gray-D1321]

Hi,  

Windows recently did a self-update to the latest Windows 10 version, due to lack of space...(which is odd as nothing is stored on the internal hard drive) it asked me to plug in USB. I did this as the download/install started however at 45% a message asked me to re-insert USB and click ok. but nothing happened. Eventually, the below appeared.  I now cant use the laptop. 

Do I need to reinstall windows because I don't have a USB Installation Media?  I have no idea what causes this, and my OS, I believe is on my SSD which isn't broken. So please help I need this pc for homework

RECOVERY

Your PC/Device needs to be repaired

The application or operating system couldn't be loaded because a required file is missing or contains errors.

File: \Windows\system32\winload.exe

Error code: 0xc000000f

You'll need to use recovery tools. If you don't have any installation media {like a disc or USB device), contact your PC administrator or PC\Device Manufacturer.

Press Enter to try again, (Which does nothing)

Press f8 for Startup Settings (Which does nothing)

[IT_WinSec · Accepted solution]

Hi @Gray-D1321

Welcome to the HP Support forum. Thank you for posting !

The issue is most likely caused by the small amount of the disk space on these devices. Windows 10 is now corrupted (not fully installed) and needs to be reinstalled.

Not sure you are aware but based on my research, this PC model does not have SSD but eMMC 32 GB. Correct me if I am wrong. eMMC is a small device. Here is more info >> https://www.howtogeek.com/196541/emmc-vs.-ssd-not-all-solid-state-storage-is-equal/

Considering the Windows 10 size, the built-in recovery partition and your files, it may well have been lacking disk space.

If you perform clean Windows 10 reinstallation, you will be able to remove the unneeded recovery partition and reinstall Windows and will free up at least 8 GB free space compared to what you had before.

Here are instructions how to do it:

Windows reinstallation / clean installation :

- You can directly download Windows 10 ISO from MS site or download >> Media creation tool from Microsoft site, create installation DVD or installation USB  and  proceed with clean installation/reinstallation.

Download:

>> https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

Make sure you select the proper version (64 bit / Home or Pro) 

Media Creation tool will always provide you with the latest Windows version/build - now 1709 Fall Creators Update.

- When download completes, you will need to write  the ISO image and boot from a bootable media. You will need a blank USB pendrive (min 4 GB capacity). Use the Media Creation tool.

When ready with the USB drive:

Please, shutdown the computer using the power button.

Insert the Windows USB thumdrive prepared previously

Power on the PC.

As soon as you press the power-on button, start hitting the Esc button repeatedly (like tap-tap-tap).

This should open a HP Startup Menu

Choose F9 to open Boot options. Select the USB thumb drive as a boot option.

- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10. Perform clean installation/custom installation (not repair).

Delete all existing partitions and install Windows on Disc 0 Unallocated space

- After successful Windows installation, make sure Windows is updated and that drivers are install via Windows Update/Device Manager >> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03330139

- Make sure Windows is Activated by going to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Activation

- You may wish to stop some of the Windows Telemetry by using free tools such as Spybot AntiBeacon or DWS Lite

N.B. ! The above procedure will remove everything. If you currently have very important files you wish to back up, please let me know and I may post additional instructions for back up of the data.

Hope this helps. Let me know how it goes

[Gray-D1321]

Thanks so much IT_WinSec

Clean install went well and I'm back up an running. Appreciate your post and clear instructions. Luckily I don't use it for anything other than work (remote connection) so didn't have anything stored on it!

I have however lost all data on the external storage device used to download the OS. Didn't have a pen drive so thought of using my WD 500G storage device. the download seems to have deleted everything from it, renamed it to ESD-USB and it now only shows a maximum storage capacity of 31.9G, not sure what happened to the other 469G but regards to using a blank stick (as advised) I live and learn.

Thanks again

[IT_WinSec]

You are welcome !