Cannot upgrade Windows 10 from 1803 (Build 17134.1130) to 1909

zbook · 13 Jan 2020

Search for: WFP-20200110-1910.dmp > post a share link

Code:

Name                  LastWriteTime       Size (MB)
----                  -------------       ---------
WFP-20200110-1910.dmp 10/01/2020 19:10:43   1761.56

liquidBorn · 13 Jan 2020

Dropbox - WFP-20200110-1910.zip - Simplify your life

Password: 10f0rums_

zbook · 13 Jan 2020

1) Please temporarily uninstall any/all virtual software (vbox etc.) and sony/ericsson software.

2) Run through each step in the upgrade checklist:

Code:

UPGRADE CHECK LIST:
Run through this check list before the next upgrade attempt:

1) remove nonessential hardware
docks
USB devices
printers
headset
speakers
joysticks
projectors
scanners
plotters
portable optical drives (CD, DVD)
microphones
cameras
webcams
smartphones
bluetooth devices
USB drives (other than a windows 10 iso if used for the upgrade)
USB Wireless Mouse or Keyboard Receiver, USB Wireless Network Card
secondary monitors


2) These should be the only attached devices:
wired mouse
wired keyboard
monitor

Any of these that have been done in the past week are not necessary to repeat:


3) open administrative command prompt and type or copy and paste: (repair file system)
chkdsk /r /v 
This may take many hours so plan to run overnight
Find the chkdsk report in the event viewer using the information in this link and post into the thread:
Read Chkdsk Log in Event Viewer in Windows 10 Performance Maintenance Tutorials
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/40822-read-chkdsk-log-event-viewer-windows-10-a.html 

4) open administrative command prompt and copy and paste: (repair operating system)
sfc /scannow 
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth 
When these have completed > right click on the top bar or title bar of the administrative command prompt box > left click on edit then select all > right click on the top bar again > left click on edit then copy > paste into the thread

5) update windows (have all recommended updates installed) and reboot after updates

6) List and uninstall all non-Microsoft antivirus software
(This includes always on and manual software.)
(This includes running the applicable antivirus uninstall tools for any AV that could have been incompletely uninstalled)

7) List and uninstall all non-Microsoft firewall software

8) List all Microsoft and non-Microsoft drive encryption software. 
Uninstall all non-Microsoft disk encryption software

9) Run disk cleanup to clean temporary and system files

10) Verify that the drive has > 30 GB free space (At least 25 GB is needed for creating dumps)

11) Place the computer in clean boot:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/929135/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows
How to perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10 - TechNet Articles - United States (English) - TechNet Wiki
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/29876.how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows-10.aspx
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/41804-perform-clean-boot-windows-10-troubleshoot-software-conflicts.html


12) Detach all SATA devices other than the disk drive that has the Windows operating system
(Make sure that the only disk drive that is attached to the computer at the time of the upgrade attempt is the disk drive containing Windows)
(Other disk drives may be able to be detached by disconnecting cables or if necessary to remove the drive from the computer)

13) Make sure that there is no metered connection:  https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17452/windows-metered-internet-connections-faq

3) Perform an in place upgrade repair with the windows 1909 iso while in clean boot

4) Select to perform updates after a successful upgrade

5) Download and install Everything:
voidtools

6) run setupdiag: post a share link
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/win...rade/setupdiag

7) Use everything to search for these folders/files and include only those from after today's failed upgrade attempt:

Code:

C:\Windows\Panther

folders:
\$Windows.~bt\sources\panther
\$Windows.~bt\Sources\Rollback
\Windows\Panther
\Windows\Panther\NewOS

Setupmem.dmp may be found in either (depending on when the bugcheck occurs)
%SystemDrive%$Windows.~bt\Sources\Rollback
%WinDir%\Panther\NewOS\Rollback

setuperr.log
setupact.log
Setupmem.dmp
setupapi.dev.log
BlueBox.log
Event logs (*.evtx)
C:\$Windows.~BT\Sources\Rollback
$Windows.~bt\Sources\Rollback\setupmem.dmp
$Windows.~bt\Sources\Rollback\setupapi\setupapi.dev.log
$Windows.~bt\Sources\Rollback*.evtx
$Windows.~BT\Sources\Panther\UnattendGC
miglog.xml
Windows\Logs\Mosetup
Setupapi.offline.log

Code:

SetupDiag was unable to match to any known failure signatures.
UpgradeEndTime = 11/01/2020 19:52:31

Code:

2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    (p)	CSI Payload Corrupt	(n)			amd64_mscorlib_b77a5c561934e089_4.0.15744.328_none_179017275283bfcf\mscorlib.dll
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Repair failed: Missing replacement payload.
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Summary:
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Operation: Detect and Repair 
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Operation result: 0x800f081f
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Last Successful Step: Entire operation completes.
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Total Detected Corruption:	1
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CBS Manifest Corruption:	0
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CBS Metadata Corruption:	0
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CSI Manifest Corruption:	0
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CSI Metadata Corruption:	0
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CSI Payload Corruption:	1
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Total Repaired Corruption:	0
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CBS Manifest Repaired:	0
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CSI Manifest Repaired:	0
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CSI Payload Repaired:	0
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CSI Store Metadata refreshed:	True
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Total Operation Time: 231 seconds.
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Ensure CBS corruption flag is clear
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Not all CSI corruption was fixed, create CorruptionDetectedDuringAcr flag for slow mode reset
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    CheckSur: hrStatus: 0x800f081f [CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING], download Result: 0x0 [S_OK]
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Count of times corruption detected: 1
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Seconds between initial corruption detections: -1
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Seconds between corruption and repair: -1
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Failed to run Detect and repair. [HRESULT = 0x800f081f - CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING]
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Reboot mark cleared
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Winlogon: Simplifying Winlogon CreateSession notifications
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Winlogon: Deregistering for CreateSession notifications
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Exec: Processing complete, session(Corruption Repairing): 30787767_2861863403 [HRESULT = 0x800f081f - CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING]
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Error                 CBS    Session: 30787767_2861863403 failed to perform store corruption detect and repair operation. [HRESULT = 0x800f081f - CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING]
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Session: 30787767_2861863403 finalized. Reboot required: no [HRESULT = 0x800f081f - CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING]
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Failed to FinalizeEx using worker session [HRESULT = 0x800f081f]
2020-01-11 19:49:48, Info                  CBS    Session: 30787768_1209877011 initialized by client WindowsUpdateAgent, external staging directory: (null), external registry directory: (null
2020-01-11 19:49:48, Info                  CBS    Failed to internally open package. [HRESULT = 0x800f0805 - CBS_E_INVALID_PACKAGE]
2020-01-11 19:49:48, Info                  CBS    Failed to create open package. [HRESULT = 0x800f0805 - CBS_E_INVALID_PACKAGE]
2020-01-11 19:49:48, Info                  CBS    Failed to OpenPackage using worker session [HRESULT = 0x800f0805]
2020-01-11 19:49:48, Info                  CBS    Session: 30787768_1209907018 initialized by client WindowsUpdateAgent, external staging directory: (null), external registry directory: (null
2020-01-11 19:49:48, Info                  CBS    Failed to internally open package. [HRESULT = 0x800f0805 - CBS_E_INVALID_PACKAGE]
2020-01-11 19:49:48, Info                  CBS    Failed to create open package. [HRESULT = 0x800f0805 - CBS_E_INVALID_PACKAGE]
2020-01-11 19:49:48, Info                  CBS    Failed to OpenPackage using worker session [HRESULT = 0x800f0805]

Code:

2020-01-11 19:45:24, Info                  DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=11948 Processing the top level command token(cleanup-image). - CPackageManagerCLIHandler::Private_ValidateCmdLine
2020-01-11 19:45:24, Info                  DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=11948 Attempting to route to appropriate command handler. - CPackageManagerCLIHandler::ExecuteCmdLine
2020-01-11 19:45:24, Info                  DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=11948 Routing the command... - CPackageManagerCLIHandler::ExecuteCmdLine
2020-01-11 19:45:24, Warning               DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=11948 CBS AddSource failed with HRESULT=0x80070002! - CDISMPackageManager::Internal_Finalize
2020-01-11 19:45:24, Info                  DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=11948 CBS session options=0x20100! - CDISMPackageManager::Internal_Finalize
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=9504  Error in operation: source for package or file not found, ResolveSource() unsuccessful. (CBS HRESULT=0x800f081f) - CCbsConUIHandler::Error
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Error                 DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=11948 Failed finalizing changes. - CDISMPackageManager::Internal_Finalize(hr:0x800f081f)
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Error                 DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=11948 The source files could not be found; their location must be specified using the /source option to restore the feature. - GetCbsErrorMsg
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Error                 DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=11948 Failed processing package changes with session option CbsSessionOptionRepairStoreCorruption - CDISMPackageManager::RestoreHealth(hr:0x800f081f)

Code:

Event[5934]:
  Log Name: System
  Source: Virtual Disk Service
  Date: 2020-01-11T22:12:30.743
  Event ID: 4
  Task: N/A
  Level: Information
  Opcode: N/A
  Keyword: Classic
  User: N/A
  User Name: N/A
  Computer: liquidBorn-PC
  Description: 
Service stopped.

Event[5935]:
  Log Name: System
  Source: Ntfs
  Date: 2020-01-11T22:16:18.404
  Event ID: 137
  Task: N/A
  Level: Error
  Opcode: N/A
  Keyword: Classic
  User: N/A
  User Name: N/A
  Computer: liquidBorn-PC
  Description: 
The default transaction resource manager on volume C: encountered a non-retryable error and could not start.  The data contains the error code.

Superfly · 13 Jan 2020

How's progress?.. (nope didn't read through all the posts)

MS could make the logs a bit more understandable TBH.. how does one even know where to begin with all those error codes?

liquidBorn · 13 Jan 2020

Superfly said:

How's progress?.. (nope didn't read through all the posts)

MS could make the logs a bit more understandable TBH.. how does one even know where to begin with all those error codes?

Honestly? No better. I can force to the next stage by duplicating the BT folder at C: root becore OK-ing the 'Installation has failed.' dialog, rebooting, and selecting Windows Setup from the boot menu - but it only gets as far as a split-second glimpse of the next stage before insta-rebooting and returning back to Windows. This is via ISO/MCT/WU routes.

I've made no hardware changes besides a small upgrade to the GPU (however I have attempted this with the previous one, with the same results), and no software installs besides a game or 2 maybe? All which have been reversed to recover space.

Why is this failing so hard?

zbook said:

1) Please temporarily uninstall any/all virtual software (vbox etc.) and sony/ericsson software.

2) Run through each step in the upgrade checklist:

Code:

UPGRADE CHECK LIST:
Run through this check list before the next upgrade attempt:

1) remove nonessential hardware
docks
USB devices
printers
headset
speakers
joysticks
projectors
scanners
plotters
portable optical drives (CD, DVD)
microphones
cameras
webcams
smartphones
bluetooth devices
USB drives (other than a windows 10 iso if used for the upgrade)
USB Wireless Mouse or Keyboard Receiver, USB Wireless Network Card
secondary monitors


2) These should be the only attached devices:
wired mouse
wired keyboard
monitor

Any of these that have been done in the past week are not necessary to repeat:


3) open administrative command prompt and type or copy and paste: (repair file system)
chkdsk /r /v 
This may take many hours so plan to run overnight
Find the chkdsk report in the event viewer using the information in this link and post into the thread:
Read Chkdsk Log in Event Viewer in Windows 10 Performance Maintenance Tutorials
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/40822-read-chkdsk-log-event-viewer-windows-10-a.html 

4) open administrative command prompt and copy and paste: (repair operating system)
sfc /scannow 
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth 
When these have completed > right click on the top bar or title bar of the administrative command prompt box > left click on edit then select all > right click on the top bar again > left click on edit then copy > paste into the thread

5) update windows (have all recommended updates installed) and reboot after updates

6) List and uninstall all non-Microsoft antivirus software
(This includes always on and manual software.)
(This includes running the applicable antivirus uninstall tools for any AV that could have been incompletely uninstalled)

7) List and uninstall all non-Microsoft firewall software

8) List all Microsoft and non-Microsoft drive encryption software. 
Uninstall all non-Microsoft disk encryption software

9) Run disk cleanup to clean temporary and system files

10) Verify that the drive has > 30 GB free space (At least 25 GB is needed for creating dumps)

11) Place the computer in clean boot:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/929135/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows
How to perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10 - TechNet Articles - United States (English) - TechNet Wiki
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/29876.how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows-10.aspx
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/41804-perform-clean-boot-windows-10-troubleshoot-software-conflicts.html


12) Detach all SATA devices other than the disk drive that has the Windows operating system
(Make sure that the only disk drive that is attached to the computer at the time of the upgrade attempt is the disk drive containing Windows)
(Other disk drives may be able to be detached by disconnecting cables or if necessary to remove the drive from the computer)

13) Make sure that there is no metered connection:  https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17452/windows-metered-internet-connections-faq

3) Perform an in place upgrade repair with the windows 1909 iso while in clean boot

4) Select to perform updates after a successful upgrade

5) Download and install Everything:
voidtools

6) run setupdiag: post a share link
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/win...rade/setupdiag

7) Use everything to search for these folders/files and include only those from after today's failed upgrade attempt:

Code:

C:\Windows\Panther

folders:
\$Windows.~bt\sources\panther
\$Windows.~bt\Sources\Rollback
\Windows\Panther
\Windows\Panther\NewOS

Setupmem.dmp may be found in either (depending on when the bugcheck occurs)
%SystemDrive%$Windows.~bt\Sources\Rollback
%WinDir%\Panther\NewOS\Rollback

setuperr.log
setupact.log
Setupmem.dmp
setupapi.dev.log
BlueBox.log
Event logs (*.evtx)
C:\$Windows.~BT\Sources\Rollback
$Windows.~bt\Sources\Rollback\setupmem.dmp
$Windows.~bt\Sources\Rollback\setupapi\setupapi.dev.log
$Windows.~bt\Sources\Rollback*.evtx
$Windows.~BT\Sources\Panther\UnattendGC
miglog.xml
Windows\Logs\Mosetup
Setupapi.offline.log

Code:

SetupDiag was unable to match to any known failure signatures.
UpgradeEndTime = 11/01/2020 19:52:31

Code:

2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    (p)	CSI Payload Corrupt	(n)			amd64_mscorlib_b77a5c561934e089_4.0.15744.328_none_179017275283bfcf\mscorlib.dll
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Repair failed: Missing replacement payload.
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Summary:
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Operation: Detect and Repair 
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Operation result: 0x800f081f
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Last Successful Step: Entire operation completes.
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Total Detected Corruption:	1
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CBS Manifest Corruption:	0
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CBS Metadata Corruption:	0
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CSI Manifest Corruption:	0
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CSI Metadata Corruption:	0
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CSI Payload Corruption:	1
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Total Repaired Corruption:	0
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CBS Manifest Repaired:	0
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CSI Manifest Repaired:	0
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CSI Payload Repaired:	0
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    	CSI Store Metadata refreshed:	True
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Total Operation Time: 231 seconds.
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Ensure CBS corruption flag is clear
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Not all CSI corruption was fixed, create CorruptionDetectedDuringAcr flag for slow mode reset
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    CheckSur: hrStatus: 0x800f081f [CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING], download Result: 0x0 [S_OK]
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Count of times corruption detected: 1
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Seconds between initial corruption detections: -1
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Seconds between corruption and repair: -1
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Failed to run Detect and repair. [HRESULT = 0x800f081f - CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING]
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Reboot mark cleared
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Winlogon: Simplifying Winlogon CreateSession notifications
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Winlogon: Deregistering for CreateSession notifications
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Exec: Processing complete, session(Corruption Repairing): 30787767_2861863403 [HRESULT = 0x800f081f - CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING]
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Error                 CBS    Session: 30787767_2861863403 failed to perform store corruption detect and repair operation. [HRESULT = 0x800f081f - CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING]
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Session: 30787767_2861863403 finalized. Reboot required: no [HRESULT = 0x800f081f - CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING]
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  CBS    Failed to FinalizeEx using worker session [HRESULT = 0x800f081f]
2020-01-11 19:49:48, Info                  CBS    Session: 30787768_1209877011 initialized by client WindowsUpdateAgent, external staging directory: (null), external registry directory: (null
2020-01-11 19:49:48, Info                  CBS    Failed to internally open package. [HRESULT = 0x800f0805 - CBS_E_INVALID_PACKAGE]
2020-01-11 19:49:48, Info                  CBS    Failed to create open package. [HRESULT = 0x800f0805 - CBS_E_INVALID_PACKAGE]
2020-01-11 19:49:48, Info                  CBS    Failed to OpenPackage using worker session [HRESULT = 0x800f0805]
2020-01-11 19:49:48, Info                  CBS    Session: 30787768_1209907018 initialized by client WindowsUpdateAgent, external staging directory: (null), external registry directory: (null
2020-01-11 19:49:48, Info                  CBS    Failed to internally open package. [HRESULT = 0x800f0805 - CBS_E_INVALID_PACKAGE]
2020-01-11 19:49:48, Info                  CBS    Failed to create open package. [HRESULT = 0x800f0805 - CBS_E_INVALID_PACKAGE]
2020-01-11 19:49:48, Info                  CBS    Failed to OpenPackage using worker session [HRESULT = 0x800f0805]

Code:

2020-01-11 19:45:24, Info                  DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=11948 Processing the top level command token(cleanup-image). - CPackageManagerCLIHandler::Private_ValidateCmdLine
2020-01-11 19:45:24, Info                  DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=11948 Attempting to route to appropriate command handler. - CPackageManagerCLIHandler::ExecuteCmdLine
2020-01-11 19:45:24, Info                  DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=11948 Routing the command... - CPackageManagerCLIHandler::ExecuteCmdLine
2020-01-11 19:45:24, Warning               DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=11948 CBS AddSource failed with HRESULT=0x80070002! - CDISMPackageManager::Internal_Finalize
2020-01-11 19:45:24, Info                  DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=11948 CBS session options=0x20100! - CDISMPackageManager::Internal_Finalize
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Info                  DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=9504  Error in operation: source for package or file not found, ResolveSource() unsuccessful. (CBS HRESULT=0x800f081f) - CCbsConUIHandler::Error
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Error                 DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=11948 Failed finalizing changes. - CDISMPackageManager::Internal_Finalize(hr:0x800f081f)
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Error                 DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=11948 The source files could not be found; their location must be specified using the /source option to restore the feature. - GetCbsErrorMsg
2020-01-11 19:49:16, Error                 DISM   DISM Package Manager: PID=10220 TID=11948 Failed processing package changes with session option CbsSessionOptionRepairStoreCorruption - CDISMPackageManager::RestoreHealth(hr:0x800f081f)

Code:

Event[5934]:
  Log Name: System
  Source: Virtual Disk Service
  Date: 2020-01-11T22:12:30.743
  Event ID: 4
  Task: N/A
  Level: Information
  Opcode: N/A
  Keyword: Classic
  User: N/A
  User Name: N/A
  Computer: liquidBorn-PC
  Description: 
Service stopped.

Event[5935]:
  Log Name: System
  Source: Ntfs
  Date: 2020-01-11T22:16:18.404
  Event ID: 137
  Task: N/A
  Level: Error
  Opcode: N/A
  Keyword: Classic
  User: N/A
  User Name: N/A
  Computer: liquidBorn-PC
  Description: 
The default transaction resource manager on volume C: encountered a non-retryable error and could not start.  The data contains the error code.

I'll have a go at these at some point soon. My patience is wearing a little more thin (only slightly) and all I seem to have been doing lately is staring at Setup and rebooting..!

zbook · 13 Jan 2020

These are alternatives to troubleshooting and are backup plan options:

a) reset save files:
Reset Windows 10

b) custom install:
Custom Install Windows 10

c) clean install:
Clean Install Windows 10

Superfly · 13 Jan 2020

Well, my goto is always backup-clean install but somehow, whenever I mention it, I get "no, it's too much work"

.. Well then, how much work is there in trying to understand Windows and it's cryptic clues?

I do understand there are lost app activation keys that prevent a clean install but failing that what gives?

liquidBorn · 18 Jan 2020

I crumbled.

I'm a weak man.

I did a successful clean reinstall to 1909, and now I face the arduous task of using Edge to download Firefox, and other menial tasks to get things back to the way I like 'em.

It's a shame that something had caused the process to mess up that severely - possibly years of Registry tweaking etc. had finally met it's match? Who knows.

Thanks so much, all of you, for your time and efforts in diagnosing things - I apologies that it was all in vain!

zbook · 18 Jan 2020

The clean installs will have an easier time for future Windows upgrades (silver lining).

Note

Starting with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903), reinstalling Windows 10 using installation media while choosing to ‘Keep nothing’ (a clean install) will automatically enable reserved storage if the partition you reinstall Windows to is 20GB or larger. Reserved storage sets aside disk space to be used by updates, apps, temporary files, and system caches, thus improving the day-to-day function of your PC by ensuring that critical OS functions always have access to disk space.

For devices with reserved storage, a reset or reinstall will first use the reserved storage space before using other disk space. For more info, see How reserved storage works in Windows 10.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...s-10-reinstall

Glad to read the progress.

You are welcome.

Please make backup images:

(there are free and pay versions)

Acronis, Aoemi, EaseUS, Macrium, Paragon, etc.)

Macrium is widely used in Ten Forums:

Macrium Software | Your Image is Everything
Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect

dalchina · 18 Jan 2020

I suggest this approach when rebuilding your system:
a. As indicated by zbook, start as early as you can by creating your first disk image of Windows (and a backup job).
b. Keep a record of your configuration changes as you make them, and if registry changes, create and file an appropriate reg file.
c. After having made a number of changes, installed progs etc, create a differential image using the backup job you created in (a).

Repeat b & c.

That way you can restore an image and reproduce steps.

Note: other imaging methods than differential may be available depending on your choice of program.