Solved Reinstall Window 11 from usb without Losing Anything.

First post here (I hope in the right forum), please bear with me and will include as much info as possible. I’ve been researching my issue for two days. I don't know my version number since I can't get to it

I got BSOD after my 4 year old Samsung Notebook 9 was attempting for the umpteenth millionth time to install 23H2. It was attempting every dang day for months when I opened it. I could not pause the update and I got the same loop manually trying to update. System would always boot to win11 after 8 – 10min of looping prior. I did ALL of the options at Windows recovery console, TWICE!! Much much research done!! I’ve also used many commands @ cmd prompt that I’ve found just for info. It’s been a million years since I’ve used cmd!

First BSOD was stop code:0xc000021a, which I didn’t find much help. The other was DRIVER UNLOADED WITHOUT CANCELLING PENDING OPERATIONS, What failed:Netwtw06.sys. This makes total sense since the win update never updated! BTW, taking screen photos with a cell phone is so much fun! Screen doesn't last long it was recreated many times.

I was able to get into Samsung Recovery with an Fkey (maybe 2 or 4 IDK didn’t write it down in my mess of notes) but “create disk copy” option was grayed so I did the backup option to my external drive. The other options were to reset which I don’t want to do. I need everything in my laptop, it’s my life! Once I did the backup, the BSOD code for “driver unloaded, etc” disappeared and window recovery would not start but I found out how to do that, hold F8 I think. My external drive does have an ISO I made over 2 years ago but no clue what that would do. I’ve read that using ISO file will delete whatever is on same drive so I got brand new usb for the Win11 ISO yesterday. Who knew I had to format it to get that big file in there, not me; I used exFAT..

My brain is so fried (and weather been hot here) I want to make sure I do the right thing. I’ve read this tutorial many times. Repair Install Windows 11 with an In-place Upgrade Tutorial RE: Option Two…Today I’m questioning disabling/ removal of 3rd part AV or security. I can’t get into windows to do that. I have Malwarebytes, Superanti Spyware and AVG installed. Not sure which AVG tho. I think my AV is Defender. I have no clue if I have Bitlocker.

I’m guessing the ISO on usb drive is the way to go to save EVERYTHING??I know I will have to change my BIOS boot and not sure what the second option was when I was in the BIOS.

Thank you for reading and Please help. Using my old tablet is not fun.

I'm not competent to offer you comprehensive advice, but one thing:

To do a repair install (also known as an upgrade in place), you need to be able to boot into Windows on the laptop. You can't do an upgrade install if you boot from an external medium.

Another thing: an ISO is an image of a disk, as a single file. You cannot boot from an ISO. Maybe the easiest way to create a bootable drive from an ISO is to use Rufus.

If you have a bootable USB Windows installation device, I suggest that you boot from it. Use the Repair options rather than proceeding with a Windows installation.

I'm not optimistic that will fix things, but it should do no harm.

There are means of saving data from the laptop if Windows is hopelessly corrupt, including booting from an external Linux drive, but those are beyond me.

You have discovered the importance of backups if your "life" is on the laptop. I use Macrium Reflect. (I think the free version may still be usable.)

If this all sounds complicated, it's because it sorta is.

If you live near a Best Buy, I suggest not taking the laptop to Geek Squad. Maybe they don't still do that. but I've read of incidents where they get a PC running in the way that's painless for them: a clean Windows re-install. That wipes everything from the disk that has the operating system.

Hello, welcome here

I am assuming you have important files. Because the emphasis appears to be on the fact that your “Life” is contained on this Notebook

- If you haven’t already done so yourself, I would as soon as possible, take your laptop somewhere to have the drive removed and the files saved to an external drive so they are backed up.
- I would then have them replace the drive so you can clean install Windows (everything wiped) via a RUFIS made USB.

I also can not say this will fix your computer, but by taking your computer somewhere (if the files are worth the money it will cost) to have your personal files saved, at least you will have your files.
I am not sure that the “Backup” process you attempted would have saved personal files.

It may be possible to boot the computer by disabling driver signature enforcement.





If the computer can boot to the desktop or into safe mode then run the V2 log collector and post a share link







Consider performing a custom install:
(Installs a fresh version of windows)
(saves files to Windows.old)
(drivers and applications need to be reinstalled)

Just a suggestion to anyone here that knows what commands would be needed.
Perhaps there is a way to save all user folders/desktop files externally from a command window at boot? Because gigi69 is obviously very concerned about loosing anything.

One of these perhaps?

gigi69 said:

I need everything in my laptop, it’s my life!

Click to expand...

If you cannot access windows and if you do not have your data backed up, I would think preserving the personal data would be top priority. @bobkn is correct in everything he said.
If the system drive is readable, I would do one of 2 things.
1. Use a live Linux usb boot drive, boot from the usb drive, and copy your personal files to an external drive. I have done this many times. You can use any Linux distro (Mint Cinnamon or Ubuntu is my preference). Using another computer, download it's iso, use Rufus to make your boot drive. Boot from the drive and choose the "TRY" option. You do not install Linux but run it straight off the usb drive...
OR
2. If the drive is removable, put the drive into a usb drive enclosure and connect it to another Windows system to recover your personal data (Note, some devices used eMMC storage and they are soldered to the mobo so can not be removed.)

Once your data is preserved, you have several options to try. See if you can get into recovery (hold shift key down while booting) If so, try reset option. Choose reset and keep files.
If that doesn't work, you can use an installation usb drive to get into recovery. Option 7 in this tutorial. Boot to Advanced Startup (WinRE) in Windows 11 Tutorial


If you're unable to reset, you can install windows using this tutorial. Keep in mind there is a possibility that that notebook will NOT run 23h2. I don't know the specs of the device. It's worth a try clean installing 23h2 first.
Clean Install Windows 11 Clean Install Windows 11 Tutorial

Let me also point out
Since you do not know the version of windows you had, be sure to download the multi-edition WIndows 11 iso.
Third option here

gigi69 said:

I was able to get into Samsung Recovery with an Fkey (maybe 2 or 4 IDK didn’t write it down in my mess of notes) but “create disk copy” option was grayed so I did the backup option to my external drive. The other options were to reset which I don’t want to do. I need everything in my laptop, it’s my life!

Click to expand...

Please edit your profile with ALL your hardware specs (at least the model of your laptop. See the tags under it). It will help us to help you

Did you check on another computer what was created on the backup to see if all your files are on it?

Now that you're facing the possibility of loosing everything I hope you understand the importance or regular backups on an external drive.

What is your computer knowledge?
Using another computer, I suggest you build the USB Win 11 23h2 installation drive using MCT . Although you can't use it to boot into windows, it has tools that can help you fix the current installation.

Don't try to fix it following any internet advice. First you need you be sure you have all your files backed up.

I would love to edit my specs but can’t access the laptop where that info is. I bet I also have a file too! Can’t find it on my samsung account on tablet or phone mobile app. It’a Notebook 9 15” w/ SSD, 4 years old.

No, I haven’t checked the SS backup on another non SS (HP) computer so I will check before I proceed. If there’s a way with cmd, I’ll can do that too

I do have backup of files, photos, etc on my external but not sure of last. I do have an ISO from my laptop when I got the Seagate external two years ago.

My computer knowledge goes back to DOS and Win3.1 when I got my first computer in 1992 when I needed to learn WordPerfect and Lotus (which I still use) while looking for a job! I had no idea what a PC was J I had a subscription to PC Magazine and a couple more during dial up era!

I have already downloaded the all the files in the link you provided. What exactly does happen (when I change Bios boot) when I insert the usb with the ISO file?

Trust me, I’ve been working on this for three days but I surely need internet advice which I am scrutinizing AND getting headaches. This is a copy/paste from Word app I found in my tablet :O


TY for responding.

Thanks all! I want to respond to all comments but I can't figure out out to reply to each one using my tablet. Someone help with that also

When the computer is powered on what do you see?

Can the computer boot using hard reboot: option #9

antspants said:

Just a suggestion to anyone here that knows what commands would be needed.
Perhaps there is a way to save all user folders/desktop files externally from a command window at boot? Because gigi69 is obviously very concerned about loosing anything.

One of these perhaps?

Master 4 Windows 10 Backup Command Lines Effortlessly

Do you know how to back up files from Command Prompt? In this post, we will show you 4 types of Windows 10 backup command line tools.

www.minitool.com

Click to expand...

TY. I think I've used xcopy a million years ago! I'll do anything to save my files

gigi69 said:

TY. I think I've used xcopy a million years ago! I'll do anything to save my files

Click to expand...

I would consider post number 6 by glasskuter
And trust me when I say that I understand your concerns. This is not ideal, ever.

zbook said:

When the computer is powered on what do you see?

Can the computer boot using hard reboot: option #9

Boot to Advanced Startup (WinRE) in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to boot to the advanced startup (WinRE) in Windows 11. The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) is a companion operating system installed alongside Windows 11, typically in a separate partition, that can help with troubleshooting, recovery, or booting from...

www.elevenforum.com

Click to expand...

TY. Power on isb SAMSUNG, then BSOD. F2 gets me to SS Bios, F8 gets me to windows recovery

to add to the good advice that has already been given ..
you can use a live Linux USB to get all your data from the computer. thats if you are able to burn a live Linux USB. then you can transfer the data to another drive or USB key drive.

the other way would be to remove the drive from the computer replace the drive with a new one .. then re-install windows.
the drive you have removed can then be placed into a USB caddy and all the data transferred to the new drive.

i am not sure an in place upgrade is possible if the system is that corrupt and could even do more damage then there is already.

i do hope this helps and best of luck. Steve ..

It’s a good idea to read a thread through when possible.

Boot to RE

attempt startup repair > indicate if it creates srttrail.txt

attempt system restore to the oldest system restore point

I cannot over emphasize the purpose of having a complete clone of your OS drive and the data on that drive. I've stressed this matter numerous times. Even if the drive is "messed up" get an exact duplicate made ASAP. Once you do this you can afford to "experiment" with repair methods. Also, in the event that your repair manages to restore your operating system but a number of files and/or folders appear to be missing you can put the clone in a USB enclosure, plug it into your unit and access the clone to find the missing data via Computer Management and drag and drop that data to your functional operating system simply by copying over those files to your main* drive. The process is simple and easy and you lose nothing.

To future proof your data you can copy all the important personal files onto a second drive and short cut to them from your main drive much the way glasskuter and many others here do. *Hoping this will help*

@Scannerman
that was first concern .. getting the data off the system safely. a live Linux USB can be a lifesaver for exactly that when other method's have not been successful. once that has been achieved then play with system as much as anyone cares to .. but .. at least the data is safe ..

best wishes. Steve ..

What is live Linux USB?