Failed Windows Update: Windows.old only?

[MudRock]

(second thing caught me off guard in a week)

Client did Windows updates. Their kid was so kind as to turn off computer because "Kid really had to play Fortnite".

Computer comes in, BSOD on boot. Took a look at the folder structure in command prompt. There is a Windows folder, basically empty, a Windows.old folder with Program Files, Program Files (x32), Windows, Users, and a few other folders. Few other garbage folders in root.

I've made an image. I tried the usual roll-back, system restore, etc. None can find Windows folder with contents. All fail.

I'm tempted to try to just copy contents of Windows.old back to root and see if it works, but I don't see it.

Any suggestions, or is this just a N&P? Am I missing something critical?

WHY does Microsoft MOVE instead of a safe copy?

 

[Markverhyden]

I don't even try doing any kind of recovery on a situation like. Image the drive, make sure got all the data and the N&P.

 

[fincoder]

tried the usual roll-back, system restore, etc. None can find Windows folder with contents. All fail.

I haven't seen any Windows recovery options succeed for a long time, maybe years. Apart from system restore after a bad driver install, but many systems don't have sys restore enabled.

 

[MudRock]

I don't even try doing any kind of recovery on a situation like. Image the drive, make sure got all the data and the N&P.

That's what I thought. Just ending up with often "butbutbut... I don't have the CDs to <insert some really obscure business software> and they're out of business..."

 

[Archon Prime]

That's what I thought. Just ending up with often "butbutbut... I don't have the CDs to <insert some really obscure business software> and they're out of business..."

That's when I turn around and say, well the computer is euchred. So it's a wipe and install, or you can use it as a door stop. Contact the company to get an updated version online, or find another solution.

 

[MudRock]

That's when I turn around and say, well the computer is euchred. So it's a wipe and install, or you can use it as a door stop. Contact the company to get an updated version online, or find another solution.

Yep. Well, looked more, no registry hive even left, so I answered my own question. I tried my "copy the folder and hope it works" and used ProcMon (Process Monitor) to look for what its trying to do. Tons of registry calls including licencing. Nope, sorry, nothing I can do. It actually lost data for you.

 

[Sky-Knight]

It says please do not turn off your computer for a reason...

But even so this seems excessive.