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Question

Computer stuck in boot loop after power outage during update

Mar 1, 2018 5:30AM PST

I was 'AFK' for about half an hour and when I came back I discovered my PC updating witg 20% progress before then experience a power cut/outage. After regaining power I switched my PC back on and discovered it is now stucm in a Loop: It says 'Zoostorm' with a loading circle underneatg it (what normally displays when starting up my PC) for around 20 seconds, the screen goes black, new display and at the bottom of this black screen it says 'Attempting to recover installation' with a loading circle above for around 1-2 seconds, new display at the bottom of this black screen is says 'Restoring your previous version of Windows...' for around 1-2seconds, then another black screen comes out for around 1-2 seconds, finally it cuts out and my monitor displays 'No Signal Detected!' (What normally happens when my PC is turned off). I had my PC turned off and all the wires disconnected overnight (for 14hours total) and it has now been in this loop for an hour so I know for sure there is no progress that will take place. No F2, F8, F12 or Ctrl + Shift + Esc is working, I've looked through forums and can't find any solution for my problem. Please can someone help, even if it means losing all of my data.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: poiwer outage
Mar 1, 2018 6:18AM PST

This story shows it makes sense to postpone automatic backups and run them manually immediately after making an image backup, so you can go back easily if you need. I don't do it for the monthly backup, but I do for the upgrade each 6 months.

Anyway, use Microsofts Media Creation Tool to make an install disc or stick of the latest version and use that to reinstall Windows over this corrupted installation. There's a very good chance it works.

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How do I reinstall Windows using the Creation Tool & A USB
Mar 2, 2018 5:43AM PST

Right so I have downloaded the Microsoft Media Creation Tool onto my USB using my laptop however I'm not sure how to use it on my PC as I don't know how to access the files due to me being stuck in the Boot Loop. Please help,
Thank you

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IGNORE THE LAST MESSAGE - FIGURED IT OUT
Mar 2, 2018 5:46AM PST

Sorry

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How?
Mar 3, 2018 1:19PM PST

I have the same situation with my laptop. How did you get the tool to start from the usb? Thanks

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Reinstalling Windows via a USB isnt working
Mar 2, 2018 8:32AM PST

I have completed all the steps, gone into Bios, clicked 'UEFI: SanDisk, Partition 1' (my USB) looks like its about to work and then i get an error which reads 'It looks as though you started an upgrade and booted from the installation media. If you want to continue with the upgrade, remove the media from your PC and click Yes. If you want to preform a clean installation instead, click No.'
Clicking Yes takes me back to the Boot Loop.
Clicking No displays a page with 'Setup is starting' at the bottom of a blue screen and then brings me to another error saying 'Windows cannot read the <ProductKey> setting fron the unattend answer file.' With the only option of clicking OK and then resuming the Boot Loop.
As far as I know I haven't done anything wrong, please help.

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I've seen that message
Mar 2, 2018 9:22AM PST

But it was from an USB stick the owner had made from some ISO download and not the Microsoft Media Creation Kit. Be sure to reveal if you change from the advise procedure.

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I used the creation tool
Mar 2, 2018 10:02AM PST

I had gone onto Microsofts website, installed the Microsoft Media Creation Tool and then opened it up and downloaded the Windows 10 'for another PC' from my laptop onto my blank USB Flash Drive. I don't understand what you mean by 'owner'??

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Owner
Mar 2, 2018 10:15AM PST

I deal with many repairs at a few shops. Owner means who owns the PC.

As to your issue I worry the installed OS is now blown. When you boot the W10 install and repair USB stick, do you see the Repair option?

It's on one of the first screens as we boot this stick.

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No I don't get an option for repair.
Mar 2, 2018 10:48AM PST

(Thank you for your help and quick response, and sorry to be a nusence)
Oh okay.
The only options are 'continue with the upgrade and remove the media' or 'clean installation'.

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Something may have changed.
Mar 2, 2018 11:47AM PST

Skip to Installing Windows 10.
The first screen show be:


I worry that maybe you are running Setup.exe instead. It's very important that the USB stick is booted.

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I think you're right, how would I make the USB booted please
Mar 2, 2018 11:59AM PST

As I don't even get that screen you linked pop up I think you must be right and I am running a Setup.exe... When I click on the USB (on my laptop) in it is the following:
- boot (File folder)
- efi (File folder)
- sources (File folder)
- support (File folder)
- autorun (Setup Information)
- bootmgr (File)
- bootmgr.efi (EFI File)
- setup (Application)

If it is that my USB stick is running Setup.exe, how do I boot it please?

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I forgot a link in my last reply.
Mar 2, 2018 12:23PM PST

Post was last edited on March 2, 2018 12:24 PM PST

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Re: boot
Mar 2, 2018 12:55PM PST

Two ways to boot from it:
1. Very early in the boot press the magic key that lets you choose from what device to boot.
2. Very early in the boot press the other magic key that lets you go into the BIOS setup. Locate the boot sequence and change it to "USB first". Then close the BIOS setup to reboot.

#1 is easier than #2. But it's totally your choic. The user manual of the PC and laptop should tell what the 2 magic keys are, or maybe the instruction shows on the screen.
On my MSI motherboard it's F11 and F2, I think.

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Answer
Same Problem
Mar 1, 2018 10:02AM PST

hey i had this exact same problem last week when i was working on my website my system shut down completely due to a power outage

Irrelevant link removed by moderator.

Post was last edited on March 1, 2018 1:21 PM PST