Can't start Windows after incomplete update

[nicko786]

Hello all, first post here and I hope this is the right board, not sure where to post this!

The other day my wife was using the laptop and it forced an update, shutting the laptop down. While it was installing the updates, she manually turned it off and now it won't boot.

Basically, no matter what I do, Safe mode, system restore, anything, will not get past the startup screen. It attempts to load the drivers and usually stops at around 381 out of 10,068 (or something like that). It will then ask me to "Start Windows Normally" or "Perform a System Restore". Neither option works.

I'm afraid a driver became so damaged that no matter what I do, I can't get past the startup or advanced startup options. Even when trying to backup all the files in HP Recovery mode, it doesn't recognize my external hard drive.

Is there anything else left to do, or is this one toast? Most likely going to buy a new laptop at this point because I feel like I've tried everything!

Thanks!

 

[RolandJS]

What CD/DVD disk do you have? OEM Windows 7? Microsoft "blue-disk" set? Your created rescue DVD? Your created rescue USB stick? Can you do an F12 [or is it F9] to get into the Boot Menu [where you can choose what to boot]?

 

[nicko786]

Sorry, forgot to mention I don't have any discs. We moved recently so even if we did, I haven't seen it nor would I be able to find it!

Sometimes if I hit esc fast enough it gives me the option to press f8. Other times I hit it, it takes me back to same screen I mentioned in my original post.

 

[RolandJS]

There are a few options. If/when you can successively F8 into Safe Mode options, as silly as this sounds:
first Safe Mode, wait til desktop's at ease, start --> restart
then Safe Mode with Network, wait til desktop's eat ease, start --> restart
then if you're presented with a screen of several choices, and one of them is: last known good configuration pick last known good configuration -- and patiently wait until desktop's at ease.
Hopefully, the above will take you back to your normal Windows operations.

Unless advised otherwise either in BleepingComputer or here: never, ever again interrupt a Windows Updates in progress. You can always, in the future, go into WU history and uninstall almost all updates, thus rolling back some.

If you want a VBS script/BATchfile combination that will turn off Windows Updates for any particular session you're currently in -- advise either place; the VBS script/batchfile is available.

Ok, in this Windows Chess game -- your move.

 

[nicko786]

Thanks for your reply.

The problem is that I can't even get to the desktop. When I get to the F8 options, System restore, BIOS menu, or anything, no matter what I choose, it stops while on the "Applying update operation 384 of 39661 (amd64_microsoft-windows...) screen.

I'm almost positive that even a factory reset wouldn't fix it at this point as whatever is stopping the update operation must be damaged and no matter how far back I go, it won't get past this point. I've run out of options and just wanted to see if anyone else knew an alternative before I buy a new one.

And yes, hopefully she learned her lesson! I told her right after it was done that she probably just ruined it lol... Sure enough, that seems to be the case!

 

[RolandJS]

There are two more options, one will cost ya. Bring it to a local business-oriented computer, talk to a true-blue computer tech, and find out what s/he says can be done to bring you back to a normal desktop.
The last option is: await and see if any regular 7forum tech will enter and give advice.

 

[NoelDP]

You need to get to the extended boot option - which usually include 'Repair my computer' - using the F8 key.

If that option is not available, you need to check your manual to find out what recovery options are available for your computer, and see if they can help - please tell us the make/model of computer.