Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix Windows installation errors:
Preparation
- Ensure you have the official Windows product key.
- Download the Windows installation media (USB drive, CD/DVD, or virtual machine).
- Back up your important files and data.
Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode
- Restart your computer.
- Immediately start pressing F8 repeatedly until ‘Boot Options’ appears on the screen.
- Select ‘Safe Mode’ to boot with minimal services enabled.
Step 2: Check for Corrupt Files
- Go back to Windows.
- Click on ‘Update & Security’.
- Click on ‘System and security’ in the left-hand menu.
- Click on ‘File history’.
- Check if any files are corrupted by clicking ‘Delete problematic files’.
Step 3: Run System File Checker (SFC)
- Go back to Windows.
- Click on ‘Command Prompt (Admin)’.
- Type
sfc /scannow
and press Enter.
Step 4: Run DISM
- Go back to Windows.
- Click on ‘Command Prompt (Admin)’.
- Type
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
and press Enter.
Step 5: Repair Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
- Go back to Windows.
- Click on ‘Command Prompt (Admin)’.
- Type
bcdedit /rebuild boot configuration data
and press Enter.
Step 6: Run System Restore
- Go back to Windows.
- Click on ‘Control Panel’.
- Click on ‘System and security’ in the left-hand menu.
- Click on ‘System’.
- Click on ‘System protection’ in the right-hand menu.
- Check if a restore point is available by clicking ‘View history’.
Step 7: Reinstall Windows
- Go back to the installation media (USB drive, CD/DVD, or virtual machine).
- Create a new installation for Windows.
Common Error Fixes
- Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
+ Try booting in Safe Mode.
+ Run System File Checker and DISM.
+ Update your drivers and BIOS to the latest versions.
- Installation error with a specific driver
+ Check if you have the latest version of the required driver installed on your system.
+ If not, install it via the Microsoft Support website or the manufacturer’s support page.
Post-Recovery
- Restart your computer and try booting into Windows again.
- If you encounter any further errors, consider seeking help from Microsoft Support or a professional technician.
Remember that fixing installation errors can be a complex process, and if none of these steps work for you, it may indicate a more serious issue with your system. It’s always best to err on the side of caution when troubleshooting Windows installation errors.