I'm not 100% sure what you're saying. But if it's that you've got the Win 10 ISO on a bootable USB drive then, personally, I would be doing a clean install from that rather than a reset. That way your system will be as clean as it can be.
Remember: if you do clean install you don't need to enter any product keys, press skip when you're prompted for keys, Windows will activate itself when finished.
Thanks again for your assistance, and I apologize if I haven't quite been descriptive enough - my specialties lean more towards hardware.
In your first link, my problems are in step 6 (option 1): upon restart I have tried several keys (F4,F5,F6,F8) and even the numbers and the system ignores the request for safe mode... instead directly entering "Preparing Automatic Repair". I cannot access the desktop, so option 2 is also a bust :-(.
Your second link shows me how to access Advanced Startup Options. However, after my PC goes through "Preparing Automatic Repair" and "Diagnosing your PC", I receive the message "Automatic Repair - your PC did not start correctly - press "restart" to restart your pc which can sometimes fix the problem. You can also press "Advanced Options" to try other options to repair your pc."
So, as you can see, I have complete access to advanced options already (without the usb drive - which is why I am unsure whether to System Reset with USB, or the broken OS on the Hard Drive); but the "startup repair" feature can't fix the problem, windows doesn't detect a restore point, recovery image, and won't go back to a previous build... that, coupled with my inability to access Safe Mode - leaves just 2 options... command prompt and system reset (unless I am missing something). Windows, like I said, was running perfectly one day and the next not at all - so, in my opinion, it has to be related to a failed update of some sort... so I could try to wait it out (though MS hasn't even acknowledged an issue yet, lol).
So, while system resetting via USB ISO I get an error message telling me that I must start windows normally, then plug the USB ISO in and restart the upgrade. Since windows only allows me access to the advanced settings - I am unclear if there is even a way for me to satisfy this error message... I can't start windows normally! Which leaves me to one option... system reset via advanced settings :-(. This is demoralizing lol, everything I have tried for over 3 days has failed... Microsofttttttttttttttttt!!!!!
It appears there is a way to edit the registry when you can't boot into Windows. I have not tried this myself.
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/foru.../#entry3298617
In order to do this you will need to download the Kaspersky Rescue Disk iso. It has a Registry Editor that can edit your registry if Windows does not boot. This may or may not work depending on if you have the registry key we are looking for. You will need to burn the iso image with Imgburn or any burning software that can burn images. If you decide to install Imgburn make sure you opt out of any additional software or toolbars. You may have to disable Secureboot in BIOS in order for the Kaspesky Disk to boot. If it does boot, you can also use the File manager to transfer your important files to a USB drive. You do not have to run the Antivirus section of the disc.
Once the Rescue Disks boots, launch the Registry Editor...
Might be worth a try.
EDIT: Kaspersky Registry Editor Instructions
Sorry, I seem to be posting and missing your posts at the same time...
Question: Did Windows 10 show it was "activated" after you did your upgrade? (Sometimes it takes a few reboots, or even a few days for the activation, since the MS servers were pretty loaded from July 29th on. The reason I ask is, you say it's telling you that you must start Windows normally and then do the upgrade. Doesn't seem to make sense. But, if it was indeed activated, then you will have no problems with activation when doing an install.)
Halasz's post #7 said he was able to do an in-place upgrade from W10 to W10, taking the option to keep all apps and files.
Maybe it's the USB stick? It should be a W10 Installation USB.
If you can INSTALL from it, boot & select Install Windows.
Select your language, time & currency format and keyboard method.
Click on Install Now.
Select Keep Personal Files. Also select Keep Apps (if given that choice, Halasz said he got it).
Skip any requests for a product key.
Upon successful installation, your files will be in a folder on the desktop called Windows.old
Of course, if you think it is related to the post from Chemie, then you could try the Kaspersky Rescue Disk which has the Registry Editor first. Nothing to lose, right?
Windows 10 cumulative update causes 'reboot loop' havoc for some users | ZDNet
I don't know if this will help, but at least it tells us why you're stuck.
I tried to do a system reset which let's me keep my stuff but deletes apps - and even that had an error... which only leaves me with the option to do a completely clean reset... I am beyond upset and disappointed to be losing EVERYTHING... I've tried everything, can't copy half the stuff via the command prompt... and won't let me move anything because it says access denied. And guess what, there is no way to change priveleges without being on the desktop. Fml.
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