Windows Update when run is corrupting the MBR and laptop will not Boot

zbook said:

1) What were the error messages and codes when you had attempted to upgrade from Windows 1607 to 1703 or Windows 1607 to 1709?

2) Open file explorer > this PC > C: > in the right upper corner search for:
a) supererr.log
b) setupact.log
This by default may be hidden so when using file explore you may need to click on view > check hidden items
3) Post the files into the thread using one drive or drop box share links

4) Run the beta version of the log collector and post a zip into this thread:
log collector v2-beta08.zip
(extract > open)

5) Please complete the steps in post #3

Just tried both searches with 'hidden items' checked and got no results.

I think the reason for that is due to the laptop failing to start and when using 'System Restore' to get back up and running or an Image that was made in Macrium, there is subsequently no evidence or record of any update being run as the laptop goes back to a date before Windows Update was run.

Meanwhile.........Looking at the Registry..........

After some further delving around on the Internet I found that Windows Update is also ‘activated/controlled’ from the Registry and following this line/link after opening up the ‘regedit’ command:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Update

In looking at the ‘settings’ it looks like there is nothing there for Windows Update which made me think that this might be the cause of the Updates failing?

So if anyone who is running a Win10 Home Version could also have a look please and get back to me if there is a difference between what you can see and what is shown in the attached picture, then it might just solve the update problem.

Thanks

Are you not able to perform steps 4 and 5 in post #20?

zbook said:

Are you not able to perform steps 4 and 5 in post #20?

Step 4 has been completed, however the results in the zipped log file are being reviewed from a security aspect point of view as it seems there is quite a lot of personal & private information contained in some of the reports which I am sorry to advise will not be sent.
While Step 5 refers to post #3 which was not considered as I use Macrium for creating and restoring images of the HDD's in this laptop.

There should be no personal files in the log collector.
The log collector collects: msinfo32, dxdiag, mini dumps, hosts, uninstall, install, services, event viewer logs, etc.
There is a BSOD forum in Ten Forums and you can view the log files in the forum.

zbook said:

There should be no personal files in the log collector.
The log collector collects: msinfo32, dxdiag, mini dumps, hosts, uninstall, install, services, event viewer logs, etc.
There is a BSOD forum in Ten Forums and you can view the log files in the forum.

Sorry, I never mentioned 'files' I did however say 'personal & private information' which is in the files.

Callender said:

Mine is the same except for an AU subkey added by me.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate][HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU]"NoAutoUpdate"=dword:00000001


additionally on a 64bit machine:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate

Thanks for that.
The fact that there is nothing extra in that location means the Update should work and not cause any 'problems'

So it's 'Hey Ho' and back to the drawing board.

Callender said:

You've got a Macrium Reflect system image backup so try this:

Grab a copy of this script:

Script Reset Windows Update Agent

Extract to desktop. Then make sure that windows update service is stopped. If it won't stop disconnect from internet (switch off router) and reboot. Check again to make sure that windows update service is stopped.

Right click ResetWUEng.cmd and choose "Run as administrator"

Choose option 11. Reboot when complete. Then recheck that Windows Update Service is stopped and run the tool again but choose option 2. Reboot when done (still with no internet)

Run this command in administrator powershell:

Code:

%SystemRoot%\System32\Cmd.exe /c Cleanmgr /sageset:65535 & Cleanmgr /sagerun:65535

It will run extended disk cleanup. Include Windows Update cleanup options.
Switch on router an reboot when finished.

Wait 5 minutes or so and you should be able to run an update check.

It sounds like you might need to avoid problem updates for the time being so maybe check posts 1 - 3 in this thread:

Stop Windows 10 Updates Properly and Completely Solved - Windows 10 Forums

Hello Callender,

Thanks for your reply and suggestions.
After a further image is created (Just in case!!!) I will having downloaded the script and software get stuck into seeing what happens, then report back and let you know.

It was interesting to also find out that as of 26 November 2017 it is impossible to 'Disable' windows updates due to BIG Brother 'interference' from Windows 10.

That's why my 'Disabled' status on Windows Updates didn't last, and I could not figure out why!