Windows 10: Windows could not complete the installation. To install Windows on this computer........

[TimothyKemp]

This morning I began installing Windows 10 update, and after a couple of hours, it restarts and I get the following pop up notification:

"Windows could not complete the installation. To install windows on this computer, restart the installation."

The only doalog boxes are OK. Click it, and it reboots the computer, which leads back to this pop up, causing an infinite loop where Windows cannot complete the installation.

I've checked numerous sources to see if there is a real fix to this, but all the fixes that are proclaimed as working, simply do not work in this case;

-Bringing up the command line, then going to msoobe: does not work - it doesn't do anything at all.

-Bringing up the command line, then typing MMC to get the Console in order to create an administrator account & password requires a mouse pointer to do so, and the mouse pointer is hidden at this stage of booting.

-Bringing up the command line and trying to run secpol.msc does not work as that is not an executable.

-The registry fix method does not work as the registry already matches what is suggested I modify it to, while other parts it suggests I modify simply are not there.

-Disabling audit mode by running command prompt and sysprep /oobe /generalize doesn't work either.

I'd like to find a fix that doesn't involve preparing a bootable disk of Windows 10 and performing a fresh installation, as there is irreplacable data on the primary partition, and the HP Backup utility in the recovery mode found after startup isn't working. This laptop came with Windows 8.1. I upgraded it to Win10 shortly after Win10 was offered as a free upgrade. I have no bootable Win10 media.

What can I do?

[CF4]

Hi

I note the not wanting to make a W10 DVD/USB, but I still recommend it (NB: the XCOPY part)...

This First part only works when a valid Recovery Partition is enabled.

If it displays an error message then move onto the Second Part:-
OR if you have data you wish to try and save using the XCOPY command.
Then create your own Repair/Recovery/Rebuild/Re-install media or buy a set from HP.

Turn off the computer.

Disconnect all connected devices and cables, Media Drives, USB drives, printers, & faxes.
Remove media from internal drives, and remove any recently added internal hardware.
Do not disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, or power cord.

Turn on the computer and repeatedly press the F11 key, about once every second,
until the Choose an option screen is displayed, and then continue.

On the Choose an Option screen, click Troubleshoot, and work your way through the screens.

Second Part:-
This may require another PC. Find and Download your .iso from…
(You will need a NON_OEM key for W7);
W8.x and W10 should activate automagically from their embedded licence key.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Expand/Extract/Burn the iso Image onto a DVD/USB as needed.
Microsoft’s Creator Tool will make the required DVD or USB.

Even though it has NO actual HP software/drivers included, you may be able to
XCOPY the C:\Users\* area onto a ‘large’ USB stick, via the Command Prompt.

You’ll need to try various drive letters; D:..-..Z: until it’s matched - could be G; mine’s S:

C:\>XCOPY C:\Users\* S:\ /e /i /h (then files like those 3 listed below get copied over)

C:\Users\desktop.ini
C:\Users\All Users\agent.1509128044.bdinstall.bin
C:\Users\All Users\HP Deskjet 2540 series\Help\flash\zoom.swf

Then you can try System Recovery Options / Advanced Options shown in the screenshots.

NB:- W7 Try running a Startup Repair more than once for a full fix.
NB: - W10 Begin with the Automatic Repair, then Startup Settings etc.

From either the C:\ or the X:\ prompt try the following

cd boot
bootrec /FixMBR
bootrec /FixBoot
bootrec /RebuildBCD

If the above FAILS then please try:-
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/repair-master-boot-record-mbr-windows
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/install-windows-7-from-usb
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/install-windows-10-from-usb

If in doubt please ask.