Boot Configuration Error During Windows 10 Install

cutlassvillager · 18 Nov 2017

I recently updated my HP Compaq Pro 6200 to the Fall Creators Update. After the update, it seemed to lag and video playback was glitchy/dropping frames. I tried to revert back to the previous build, but it encountered an error in the process and made the system unbootable.

Since then, I've been trying to clean install Windows 10 Pro. I created installation media with the Windows Media Creation Tool. It goes thru the process until the "Finishing Up" phase where it reports the error: "Windows could not update the computer's boot configuration. Installation Cannot Proceed." I also tried creating installation media in Rufus by using the Windows 10 ISO and a different thumb drive with the same result.

The boot drive is a Sandisk Ultra II SSD. I've tried having the partition set as MBR or GPT (since I believe this PC uses UEFI) but I get the same error either way. I've never had a problem installing Windows (from XP to 10) so I'm stumped. Any suggestions as to where to start?

dalchina · 18 Nov 2017

Hi, first, there were particular reports of video glitches experienced by a number after the FCU (you can search for them). I believe that was supposed to be resolved by an update.

Which version of Windows was your PC running? Were you upgrading from e.g. Win 7 or 8?

Second, your major problem of reinstallation.

I suggest you first check your disk. Assuming you can't boot presently, please use a boot disk such as Kyhi's from the top of the Software and Apps section here; boot your PC from it and use HD Tune - health tab- (one of the utilities on the disk) and post a screenshot of the result.

You have a SSD; if your BIOS supports UEFI, then use that and GPT format; ensure AHCI is enabled if you have that option.

You might like to format the disk before starting the installation.
Clean Install Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

It may be that there's something about your hardware configuration that gives rise to this message e.g.

Windows could not update the computer’s boot configuration, Installation cannot proceed
One observation is that this issue is more specific to computers using the Intel 82801ER chipset according to Microsoft

Another thing to check is whether you have a 32BIT UEFI only BIOS.
windows could not update the computers boot configuration error. help?

cutlassvillager · 18 Nov 2017

Thanks for the quick response. I believe I initially did the upgrade from Windows 7 to 10, but the PC has (happily prior to the FCU) been running Windows 10 since shortly after the launch of the updated OS.

I booted from Kyhi's boot disk and ran HD tune. It reported the SSD's health as "OK" but I can post the stats if needed. I replaced the SSD with a conventional spinning drive, formatted the disk, and received the exact same error during the same part of the install.

I'm not sure if it has 32bit UEFI. As far as I can tell looking online it does not.

dalchina · 19 Nov 2017

Hi, from what you're saying, it seems the problem began when you upgraded to the FCU (1709). You have a Pro license, and you've previously been running Win 10 satisfactorily.

As you're now looking to do a clean install, I would suggest you reinstall 1703 onto your SSD. As you have Pro, you can use options in Settings to delay any upgrade for a year.

Once you have a working setup again, and you have it secured by using disk imaging, which we constantly recommend people use routinely as a defensive measure against everything from disk failure to burglars and failed upgrades, you can experiment with upgrading again.

If you don't already have a 1703 iso or bootable disk (I keep one each time I upgrade) I can provide ways to get that.

I assume you've recovered or backed up any data you need.

I suggest you research your PC on HP's forum and elsewhere and see if anyone else has had difficulty upgrading HP Pro 6200 to the FCU.

zbook · 19 Nov 2017

How To Fill Out Your System Specs
System Specs - Fill in at Ten Forums:
System Specs - Fill in at Ten Forums General Tips Tutorials
In the left corner below in your post you find 'My System Specs'.
After clicking it you can find a link a little below that says 'Update your System Spec', click on this link to get to the page where you can fill in your system specs.
System Info - See Your System Specs - Windows 7 Help Forums
Include PSU. cooler, case, peripherals and anything attached to the computer by wired or wireless (mouse, keyboard, headset, printer, xbox, etc.)

The HP pro 6200 comes in two forms: micro tower or small form factor.
Which one is this computer?

Please open the HP website for your computers configuration and operating system and post the URL or hyerlink into the thread.

When the computer is powered on repetitively click the F10 key to enter the bios.
Use a smart phone camera to take pictures and post images into the thread.
Look for secure boot. Is it enabled or disabled?
Look for fast boot. Is it enabled or disabled?
Look for UEFI or Legacy or CSM. Which mode is the the current configuration?

If you choose to attempt another clean install of version 1709:
1) Turn off secure boot
2) Turn off fast boot
3) Select Legacy or CSM
4) Make a brand new bootable windows 10 iso
5) Insert the bootable windows 10 iso into any USB port
6) Power on and repetitively click the F9 key
7) Select external USB hard drive
8) When viewing the menu click install
9) Delete all partitions > make an unallocated drive > install Windows

Also look in the bios for HP UEFI hardware diagnostics. Is it present or absent?
To boot directly to the HP diagnostics you can also power on clicking the F2 key.
If you have UEFI diagnostics installed what tests are available?

Kyhi · 19 Nov 2017

OK..
Set your BIOS to the Default Settings...
Reboot into your Setup Media...
When you get to the Partitions screen...
Delete every partition on the Current Boot Disk (Usually Disk 0)...
Allow Windows to install to the unallocated free space....

Since 1703 MS has a included a program to convert a MBR disk to a GPT disk if the disk layout supports it...
And the program comes with a warning about boot configuration...

cutlassvillager · 23 Nov 2017

I tried most of what was mentioned with no change. I'm not sure which version (1703 or 1709) the Windows Media Creation tool was making. I decided to try installing Ubuntu (I've used it in the past) and it installed no problem. I will keep the suggestions in case I try to go back to Windows 10. Thanks for the advice everyone!