Problems re-installing windows as a live upgrade

Hi – I have been trying to re-install W10 v1809 on a Kodlix mini-computer. Link here: http://www.kodlix.com/index.php/gn41-mini-pc/ The system came (Feb. 2019) with 1803 Pro installed on a built-in eMMC 5.1 storage device. Within a week, windows update upgraded to 1809.

Due to problems that belong in a different thread, I have been trying to re-install W10 v1809 as an upgrade repair from within windows. First I used a thumb drive that I have used to install 1809 on other systems and got an error message that Windows can’t be installed on a thumb drive.






Then I re-booted, mounted an 1809 Iso, ran setup and got the same error.

I suspect it has something to do with the eMMC 5.1 storage that hosts the C drive. I say this because I have had issues with some backup and partitioning software recognizing this drive. The drive shows up in Disk Manager and File Explorer. File manager shows approximately 35 Gb free of 57 GB.

Has anyone else experienced this?

- - - Updated - - -

Was working with the Kodlix mini some more, and after a reboot, I got this:



The only things plugged into a usb port are the KVM keyboard and mouse connections.

sn00ker said:

I don't believe you can overwrite the preinstall windows version that came with the unit. I believe you would need to reset it back to factory and then afterward would take the update/upgrade approach again. It all has to do with the preinstall windows version which seems to be lock into the eMMC 5.1 storage

I hate windows installed on these types of drives can't upgrade or even now repair options. If by chance something goes bad with the drive you're pretty much screwed. It would be much better if there weren't any OS on them

Thanks for the input. I may try a clean install jfthoi, or install a SSD card and clean install on that.

Thanks to everyone's invaluable help, the problems are solved. I deleted the "PortableOperatingSystem" key in "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control". I was then able to do an in-place upgrade repair, which fixed windows update. KB4493509 is now installed. I will mark this thread as solved.