Windows 10 rollback stuck

Anonymous
2018-01-16T17:00:04+00:00

A client of mine has a Windows 10 desktop she bought a couple of years ago. Last week a user (we think her grandson) tried to rollback to a previous version of Windows. But, since Windows 10 is the original OS on the computer, it's stuck. Asks for keyboard language, then gives options to run Windows rollback or Windows 10. When you choose, it reboots and goes right back to the keyboard options. How can I get past this and fix the issue?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

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Anonymous
2018-01-16T18:46:36+00:00

Hi Andrea,

Corrupted system files after trying to rollback are one of the possible reasons why this issue is happening. Usually, restarting the computer should resolve the issue.

If the issue still persists even after restarting your computer, we recommend repairing Windows thru Advanced options. Follow the steps below:

  1. Press F8 while booting your computer to access System Recovery options.
  2. Click Troubleshoot.
  3. Select Command Prompt.
  4. Enter the following commands below, then press Enter after each command:
    • chkdsk c: /f
    • bootrec /fixmbr
    • bootrec /fixboot
    • bootrec /rebuildbcd
    • bcdboot c:\windows /s c:
  5. Once done with the above commands, restart your computer and see if the problem is fixed.

Keep us in the loop with the result.

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-05-24T00:36:39+00:00

    Thank you for this posting. I experienced the same problem after installing the recent Windows 10 update. I have a Dell Inspiron desktop that came with Windows Professional installed (no discs) and then a free upgrade to Windows 10. Following the update two days ago I had the pleasure of awaking to find the Choose a Keyboard Layout screen followed by the Windows Rollback option which I clicked and that didnt work and got into the loop many others experienced. None of the recovery options worked but I was able to get to the cmd prompt. I noticed the C: drive was a volume named RECOVERY but none of my data was there and everything else I expected was under D: drive. I didnt think it came configured like this from Dell (but not sure?). Under D: drive I saw  the familiar file structure but could not find any of my data where I expected it but noticed a folder WINDOWS.OLD which did contain all of my data under the user profile folders within it. I used xcopy commands to backup important data to an external disk.

    The only other pc I have is an older laptop with Windows Vista. In Step #2 when I clicked the link to download the official Windows 10 Media Creation tool I was rerouted to the following Microsoft page:

    "You’ve been routed to this page because the operating system you’re using won’t support the Windows 10 media creation tool and we want to make sure you can download Windows 10. To use the media creation tool, visit the Microsoft Software Download Windows 10 page from a Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 device.

    You can use this page to download a disc image (ISO file) that can be used to install or reinstall Windows 10. The image can also be used to create installation media using a USB flash drive or DVD"

    I proceeded to download the ISO file to my laptop hard drive where it sits now and I have a new USB flash drive ready and waiting. But I'm not clear on what I need to do next with this file to transfer it to the flash drive and make it bootable so it can be used in my broken pc? Thank you.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-05-23T22:45:50+00:00

    Just want to add to the chorus of thanks for this post. It appears to have worked perfectly. Far as I can tell, all my files and even my apps/programs are still there.

    One thing I'll add is that I burned the ISO file to a blank DVD rather than a USB drive, and that worked as well. Just ignore the requests to "press any key to boot from a CD or DVD" that will pop up when the computer restarts while installing.

    Again...thank you so much.

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-05-23T21:49:12+00:00

    Help my option to use other Operating System for Windows rollback and 2 Windows10 gone... I was have that option, i think its because i type bootrec/rebuildbcd on promt...

    now only have 1 new "Windows 10 Pro" and 1 blank but after i click that OS got a bootloop in keyboardstuff.. cant get to desktop

    Any idea to get back the 3 OS?

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-05-23T21:09:34+00:00

    If you have other files on your USB drive, you will lose them, but you can always remove the new windows installation files from your USB drive (just delete them, or do a quick format) and use your USB for other things. You can also keep the windows files on it, and use the extra capacity left on it for other purposes.

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