If you’re experiencing installation errors on your Windows device, using the built-in recovery drive (also known as a «recovery drive» or «recovery partition») can be a quick and effective solution. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Identify the error
Before attempting to fix the issue, make sure you know what type of error is causing the problem.
Step 2: Create a recovery drive
To create a recovery drive, follow these steps:
- On a computer with Windows installed, press the Start button and select «Settings» (or «Control Panel»).
- Click on «System».
- Under the «Recovery» section, click on «Create a restore point from previous system image.»
- Follow the prompts to download a restore point that was created before the error occurred.
- This will create a recovery drive with a pre-rolled Windows installation.
Step 3: Boot from the recovery drive
To boot from the recovery drive:
- Insert your USB flash drive or CD/DVD with the pre-rolled Windows installation into an empty USB port on the computer’s USB slot, if available.
- Restart the computer.
- The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) should automatically load the built-in recovery drive when you press the key to enter setup or repair mode.
Common errors and solutions:
- Installation error after installing Windows 10: Try booting from a different USB flash drive or CD/DVD, if available.
- Error message says «Failed to locate installation media»: Ensure that your computer has a USB port and a USB flash drive or CD/DVD with the pre-rolled Windows installation on it.
- Error message says «Windows could not be loaded due to an invalid system file error»: Try booting from a different USB flash drive or CD/DVD, if available.
Step 4: Run a System File Checker (SFC) scan
To identify and fix corrupted system files:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the following command:
sfc /scannow
- Follow the prompts to complete the scan.
Common errors and solutions:
- System File Check fails: Run a System File Checker (SFC) scan using the steps above.
- Error message says «No match for file»: Ensure that your Windows installation is installed on a compatible drive and that the drive is not booting from an ISO file.
Step 5: Reinstall Windows
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you can try:
- Restarting the computer.
- Press the key to enter setup or repair mode (usually F10).
- Select «Install Windows» and follow the prompts to reinstall Windows.
Remember to save any unsaved work before attempting to reformat or wipe your hard drive.