USB Flash Drive - Create to Install Windows 10?

"I couldn't find Brinks' post you referred to in Windows News so I have not tried it as of now."

Thanks for keeping us up to date with your progress. Nothing more aggravating than posting and having the op leave w/o comment. The forum Mod, Brink, always has a sticky at the top the Windows 10 News section with the latest updates and the msu package. Since the Repair did not work, try installing the CumUpdate from the install package. Relevant CumUpdate topic here -
Cumulative Update KB3194798 for Windows 10 PC & Mobile build 14393.321l

If that fails, do you see the Clean Install option in the Action Center (new feature a couple updates ago) within Win10 and see the tutorial ? This is the easiest clean install method, as dl'g the tool and running it, takes care of everything. I've done it on a few computers, incl my own, before but only if the user can log in and start the computer. Like I said, you can keep the media creation usb as a recovery drive, sort of like having the HP recovery discs but up to date to Win10 Anniv. PS; I have n HP laptop and also an all-in-one desktop too.

Hi mrgeek,

I have tried installing the last few updates using the 'msu' method too and they failed. However, I figured I already had KB3194798 downloaded so I went ahead and tried installing. But ... it failed too.

Tonight after the Mrs. goes to bed and I am done baby-sitting my great grand-daughter I will try the Clean Install Option you mentioned in your response. I take it you are talking about going to Settings >Update and Security >Recovery >More Recovery Options > Learn how to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows > And, After clicking on the last item it takes you to a Microsoft page where you actually download the tool?

I just spent some time making sure I could transfer my personal files from my external drive back to my PC and they all seem to make the journey without any problems. The only thing I haven't been able to save to my External are my Edge Favorites, but the ones I use all the time will be easy to find and save again.

So, I guess I am good to go. I plan on saving nothing for the attempted install.

Keep your fingers crossed and I'll update you one way or the other ... if I still have a computer ....lol

Thanks and regards,
2harts4ever

"going to Settings >Update and Security >Recovery >More Recovery Options > Learn how to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows > And, After clicking on the last item it takes you to a Microsoft page where you actually download the tool?"

If you can see this link, you're good to go. It's like media creation tool except it runs itself since you are able to login and start your computer. Brink's tutorial will show you all the screens to expect so you can plan ahead. Good Luck.
PS; I don't suppose you tried the Control Panel/Troubleshooting/Fix problems with Windows Update tool ?

Hi mrgeek,

Just came back from taking my little 'kiddo' for a stroller walk. It is beautiful out today in Pennsylvania.

You asked: PS; I don't suppose you tried the Control Panel/Troubleshooting/Fix problems with Windows Update tool

Many times ... in fact more than I would like to admit ....lol

Thanks again and keep your fingers crossed for my attempt tonight.

Thanks and regards,
2harts4ever

I didn't see it mentioned but will relate my experience with the Thumb drives. I made a 'mistake' [before I knew better] in using a 64GB Thumb drive for the purpose as it was the only large-enough drive I had on hand and Windows deleted everything and created a 32GB FAT32 partition [Windows has a 32GB limit for FAT32] and I could not create an additional partition in the remaining 32GB. I did get more smaller-capacity drives to have on hand and things were better. I did have to use my Linux computer to delete everything on the 64GB drive and re-partition fully then format as FAT32.

Hi Berton,

Mine was 32 GBs.

I appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks and regards,
2harts4ever

Hi mrgeek, NavyLCDR and all,

I just finished my Clean Install or I should say it finished me ....lol

Got to 34 % of installing Windows 10 and it 'Failed'.

I'm going to call it a day. It has been a long one. Entertaining a 10-month-old little girl is a lot harder at 74 than it was when I was 21 ....lol

I appreciate the efforts of everyone. However, I am getting to the point where I might have to take it to a repair shop or buy a new one. Not being able to install any of the last four Cumulative Updates makes me feel as 'unsecure' as if I was running around town without my clothes!

Any ideas feel free to send them.

Thanks and regards,
2harts4ever

Sorry for the bad news. Did you get an error code that you can post ?
Rather than spend $$$ on a repair shop or new device, I'd stay with the one you have, as is, since you do have the Anniv build. Many of the Updates that you could not install were minor feature changes, etc and few have anything to do with serious security issues and you have Defender to fall back on, anyway.

Here's a complete list of Cum Updates and. if you click the date/build#, you can see what was added since your last successful one (I'm assuming you're up to date thru end of Aug). -
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...update-history

Unless you see something that's an every day issue, and since your Windows Update troubleshooter found no issues, I would just wait for the next CumUpdate (they come out about every 2 wks) and if it's successful, it will install everything you missed out on (that's why it's called 'Cumulative'). Bottom line, I think it's silly to spend $$$ on a repair or new computer just because hte Updates won't install. Just my 2 cents. Good Luck.

One Last idea to try. Some update files get downloaded and become corrupt. If this happens you can delete or rename the folder and it will be recreated in the same location.
Hit WindowsKey + X/Command Prompt (admin). Type net stop wuauserv to stop Windows Update service. Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution Rename it SoftwareDistributionOLD. In Command Prompt again, type net start wuauserv to restart Windows Update. It will create a new SoftwareDistribution folder and download new copies of Updates, hopefully less any corrupted ones. You can open both the old and new folder in separate windows to compare files. Try Windows Update again from the Action Center. Hopefully ... Worst comes to worst, you can get back to Square 1 by deleting new SoftwareDistribution folder and renaming the OLD one back to orig.

Morning mrgeek,

I really appreciate you hanging in here with me on this problem.

This morning when I turned on the computer I discovered I had to log-in again. Prior to running the Clean install last night I had it set so my log-in was automatic. I finally figured out how to get it back to automatic log-in and now I am ready to follow up on your last two responses.

(1) There was only one error in my Event Viewer during the time I was trying to do a 'clean install'. This happened right about in the middle of my attempt to do a 'clean install'. It said:

Log Name: Application
Source: SideBySide
Date: 10/14/2016 9:04:13 PM
Event ID: 35
Task Category: None
Level: Error
Keywords: Classic
User: N/A
Computer: xxxxxxxxxxxx
Description:
Activation context generation failed for "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15\lync.exe.Manifest".Error in manifest or policy file "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15\UccApi.DLL" on line 1. Component identity found in manifest does not match the identity of the component requested. Reference is UccApi,processorArchitecture="AMD64",type="win32",version="15.0.0.0". Definition is UccApi,processorArchitecture="x86",type="win32",version="15.0.0.0". Please use sxstrace.exe for detailed diagnosis.
Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
<Provider Name="SideBySide" />
<EventID Qualifiers="49409">35</EventID>
<Level>2</Level>
<Task>0</Task>
<Keywords>0x80000000000000</Keywords>
<TimeCreated SystemTime="2016-10-15T01:04:13.268140900Z" />
<EventRecordID>45996</EventRecordID>
<Channel>Application</Channel>
<Computer>PhilandDonna</Computer>
<Security />
</System>
<EventData>
<Data>UccApi,processorArchitecture="AMD64",type="win32",version="15.0.0.0"</Data>
<Data>UccApi,processorArchitecture="x86",type="win32",version="15.0.0.0"</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15\lync.exe.Manifest</Data>
<Data>C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15\UccApi.DLL</Data>
<Data>1</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
<Data>
</Data>
</EventData>
</Event>


B

(2) You recommending that I don't go to a repair shop or buy a new computer came just in time because I was ready to do just that today. Your explanation why I shouldn't put me at ease for now. Thanks for the advice. When your 74 these kind of problems make your 'armpits' sweat ...lol

(3) According to the list of Cumulative Updates on the link you posted my last successful one was KB3176938 on Aug. 31.

(4) You also added another suggestion to try to get rid of my problem. Before trying it I want to make sure I am reading it correctly before I give it a try. When you were telling me to enter items in my Admin command prompt like net stop wuauserv

and net start wuauserv did you mean to have spaces between the words? or should the words run together like: netstartwuauserv ?

(5) Then when you say to try Windows Update again from Action Center are you referring to the normal 'Check for Updates' button?

I have to get the Mrs. out of the house today to try to whittle down 'her' list of 'honey-do's' before she throws me and this computer out in the street.

Once again I really appreciate you and the others for sticking with me. :)

Thanks and regards,
2harts4ever