Windows 10 Boot mayhem!!

[DeadlyDirk]

Any ideas here would be greatly appreciated.....

Desktop PC, custom built now running Windows 10... However, at the moment when I switch it on it boots past the usual BIOS screen, the ASUS screen, and when it tries to load Windows I am presented with a black screen with the little flat cursor in the top left hand side. And nothing happens, I've literally left it running for an hour or two like that just in case.

What have I done to try and rectify this? Created a Windows 10 instillation USB to try and do a startup repair or system restore, unfortunately, the start-up repair says it can't fix it and there are no system restore points. I'm stuck there. I've tried updating from the USB Install drive but that didn't work, saying I had to boot into windows and do it over the web. I have checked all of the physical connections in the system, stripped it down removing unnecessary peripherals, so it's just the mobo, hard drive and gfx card with a mouse and keyboard, I can see the hard drive in DOS and when I've typed in DIR it has shown all the files that should be there.. I really don't know where else to go now as the problem still persists!!

What do I think caused it? Well, glad you asked. You know sometimes when you shut the computer down it starts to update? Well, that happened and I left it to do it's thing and the next time I started it up (unknown to me there was no internet connection at the time, can't see how this would effect it though) the problems started, it froze during update then after some time it went to the screen I was presented with. It's been stuck there ever since.

I really don't want to have to start with a fresh install!!

[Davkaus]

 

6 hours ago, DeadlyDirk said:

 

I really don't want to have to start with a fresh install!!

How much stuff do you need to reinstall? If you use Reset, you can at least keep all of your files, you'll just need to reset your apps.

A black screen is basically 'something's wrong'. There's no one way to fix it, I think it'll be a lot quicker resetting than trying to sort it out.

If a dodgy update has potentially been the cause, it might be worth a go booting in to safe mode through the install CD then see if you can roll back the latest update.

[DeadlyDirk]

Cheers Davkaus, unfortunately to boot into safe mode on Windows 10 you have to initiate from Windows 10 itself, so if you can't even get into it, it's not an option!! Also I was aware of the reset option, but it's not an option on the bootable installation media, and again has to be initiated whilst in the os. Microsoft have really effed up this new version haven't they! Just bit the bullet in the end have done a complete re-install, there wasn't enough space to create a new partition for a new install (see, I may have been able to do something from there), luckily all my important stuff is saved one onedrive so I can get access to that and the current drive is basically an SSD but a clone of an older 5400 RPM drive at the heart from about 2 years ago, so if there's something I need that bad I can always just grab it. Cheers for the help though, seemed to be done for. Tried boot recover as I could get into DOS but that stated that there wasn't an installation of windows on there. An update gone horrendously wrong. What have I learnt from this? Backup, backup and backup!

[PussEKatt]

Format the HDD and install Windows 7 and all your problems will go away.

Windows 10 is the most useless Windows version ever.

Im still on Windows 7 and I turn off automatic updates when I first got the PC and no problems yet.When you first install Windows ( any version ) it works streight out of the box, so, if dont fix it if it aint broke.

[limpid]

2 hours ago, PussEKatt said:

Format the HDD and install Windows 7 and all your problems will go away.

Windows 10 is the most useless Windows version ever.

Im still on Windows 7 and I turn off automatic updates when I first got the PC and no problems yet.When you first install Windows ( any version ) it works streight out of the box, so, if dont fix it if it aint broke.

I wouldn't visit a website using any Windows version with automatic updates turned off. Unless it's a disposable virtual machine and I'm using it for exploit forensics.

[Tayls]

8 hours ago, limpid said:

I wouldn't visit a website using any Windows version with automatic updates turned off. 

Howcome? 

[Tegis]

12 minutes ago, Tayls said:

Howcome? 

Because you're a zero-day (and any other day) infestation waiting to happen. Firewall or not

Edited September 1, 2018 by Tegis

[Tayls]

6 minutes ago, Tegis said:

Because you're a zero-day (and any other day) infestation waiting to happen. Firewall or not

Yea but, there’s no technical reason as to why they should always be on? Obviously running the updates regularly for the security patches is essential... 

[Tegis]

2 minutes ago, Tayls said:

Yea but, there’s no technical reason as to why they should always be on? Obviously running the updates regularly for the security patches is essential... 

Yep, agreed on patching and reasonable delays in doing so. But going on PussEKatts post he runs Windows 7 without any patches. And that is utter madness (for any os)

[PussEKatt]

@ Tegis

   Yes I run Windows 7 without any updates....and have done so ever since Windows 7 came out, so that is quite a few years now with not 1 update on my PC.

Let me ask you a simple question.You seem to know that a windows update is a patch.May I ask, how many updates/patches does any normal game usually have, how many updates/patches does normal business software have and finally how many updates/patches does ANY version of windows have ?

I mean any version from say Windows 98 right up to Windows 10..................think about it.

As a point of interest I uninstalled my anti virus about 6 months ago as well  BUT IMPORTANT I would not recomend doing this unless you really know what you are doing.

Finally I hope this post dosent sound nasty as I am only stating what I do. 

[Tegis]

20 hours ago, PussEKatt said:

   Yes I run Windows 7 without any updates....and have done so ever since Windows 7 came out, so that is quite a few years now with not 1 update on my PC.

And good malware is made not to be noticed. Your choice of course but I would never risk that. If a OS is not good enough for you at handling updates, change OS. There are plenty out there.

20 hours ago, PussEKatt said:

Let me ask you a simple question.You seem to know that a windows update is a patch.May I ask, how many updates/patches does any normal game usually have, how many updates/patches does normal business software have and finally how many updates/patches does ANY version of windows have ?

I mean any version from say Windows 98 right up to Windows 10..................think about it.

I don't get your point here. Any version of OS/game has a cutoff-point in regards to support. That's what I would follow. If that means 2 patches a month or 2 patches a year, so be it. I would prefer to be safe from 0days, so patch often (But obviously don't break stuff, that's up to the company itself).

 

20 hours ago, PussEKatt said:

As a point of interest I uninstalled my anti virus about 6 months ago as well  BUT IMPORTANT I would not recomend doing this unless you really know what you are doing.

This touches on the first point a bit but a bit less so as antivirus helps more if you take chances on dodgy software from dodgy sources. Patches protect you from being infested by stuff out of your control. Security by obscurity is not secure in the grand scheme of things. I've been part of some pretty rampant infections at different sites and many of them could not be hindered because of inherent problems in the OS. Yes, @limpid always Windows

 

20 hours ago, PussEKatt said:

Finally I hope this post dosent sound nasty as I am only stating what I do. 

Absolutely not, its a good and in my view an important discussion with all the stuff we hook up the the net in this day and age.

[PussEKatt]

My point about Windows 98 etc is.If you check any version of windows from 98 on you will see that over a period of 12 months you get around 300 updates and hotfixes, thats nearly one a day.So my point is that MS has been making windows since 1993/95 and it is 2018 and yet his product still has to have over 300 updates/hot fixes every year !?

If his product is that  bad maybe he should make rubber dolls or something instead.

Another point I made about other software was that nearly all software has updates, but nearly 1 a day ?

About the anti-virus:

I downloaded a program ( the program I wanted, the name was in capitals ) the one I downloaded the name was in lower case so I was suspicious of it and thought it could be a virus so before installing it I set a restore point ( MS goes on about how good/helpful a restore point is because if anything goes wrong you can take your PC back in time to that restore point and everything since then is undone ) so I set a restore point.After installing the programme my PC went haywire because it did contain a virus.I thought, no big deal, I will just go back to before I installed this software.It was then that i found out the virus had disabled "shadowcopy" which the restore point needs to work.The virus also disabled restore point and it acted like a anti virus program in reverse.If I tried to download anything that looked like it might be an antivirus it stopped me from doing so.With all these updates and hotfixes, why dosent MS do something to make the restore point more robust ? MS has not touched restore point for years yet it goes on about how good/handy it is.

Your point about malware:

Malware is not made made to be not noticed.The first thing any virus/malware will do is disable certain services like "shadowcopy" and "group policy" then it will go into your registery and alter the HKCM ( Hive Key Current Machine )Your PC and HKCU ( Hive Key Current User )You, the Administrator and it will add a "start once" entry to your startup.After all that, boy do you ever notice it, all sorts of things will go wrong ( depending on the virus/malware ) 

What any virus will do is go into the registery and take control of your PC and it will do what it wants to do, not what you want to do so you certainly notice it.

Finally, in my opinion MS downloads all these multitude of patches/hotfixes because he knows that over a period they WILL slow your PC down ( imagine having a sholder bag and going hiking and every day you add 1 teaspoon to the bag ) after a while the bag will be too heavy to carry.IMHO this is what MS is really trying to achieve because when your PC slows down too much you go out and buy a new PC ( doubtless a MS Windows PC )

As for my anti-virus, it did not flag that suspicious software that I install ed on my PC I also happen to believe that you can keep away from most viruses and malware just by using your common sence.If you want to look at porn ( the biggest source of virus ) dont use a Windows PC to do it ( there are other FREE options ) and if you get (as I have got ) a e mail from a lady in Russia who is in love with you and will come over as soon as you send her the air fare or  you find out that you have won first prize in lotto in Africa ( without even taking a ticket ) you dont click on the link that comes with these e-mails ( its as simple as that ) and if your bank wants you to click on this link so that they can check on your balance ( because they had a PC malfunction ) dont click on the link.Ring your bank instead.

[Tegis]

37 minutes ago, PussEKatt said:

My point about Windows 98 etc is.If you check any version of windows from 98 on you will see that over a period of 12 months you get around 300 updates and hotfixes, thats nearly one a day.So my point is that MS has been making windows since 1993/95 and it is 2018 and yet his product still has to have over 300 updates/hot fixes every year !?

If his product is that  bad maybe he should make rubber dolls or something instead.

Another point I made about other software was that nearly all software has updates, but nearly 1 a day ?

And you chose to stay and that un-patched level of the OS?

I'm not putting any weight on weather Microsofts way of making an OS is good, bad or same as every other maker, but if you chose to use it, accept its reality. If your figure of 300 patches (they are bundled into 12 yearly anyway, except for 0-days) is what it takes, then so be it.

 

46 minutes ago, PussEKatt said:

About the anti-virus:

I downloaded a program ( the program I wanted, the name was in capitals ) the one I downloaded the name was in lower case so I was suspicious of it and thought it could be a virus so before installing it I set a restore point ( MS goes on about how good/helpful a restore point is because if anything goes wrong you can take your PC back in time to that restore point and everything since then is undone ) so I set a restore point.After installing the programme my PC went haywire because it did contain a virus.I thought, no big deal, I will just go back to before I installed this software.It was then that i found out the virus had disabled "shadowcopy" which the restore point needs to work.The virus also disabled restore point and it acted like a anti virus program in reverse.If I tried to download anything that looked like it might be an antivirus it stopped me from doing so.With all these updates and hotfixes, why dosent MS do something to make the restore point more robust ? MS has not touched restore point for years yet it goes on about how good/handy it is.

So you ran a software as a elevated locally on your PC. NOTHING will protect you from that unless a relatime-scanner is on the ball and stops you.

 

59 minutes ago, PussEKatt said:

Malware is not made made to be not noticed.The first thing any virus/malware will do is disable certain services like "shadowcopy" and "group policy" then it will go into your registery and alter the HKCM ( Hive Key Current Machine )Your PC and HKCU ( Hive Key Current User )You, the Administrator and it will add a "start once" entry to your startup.After all that, boy do you ever notice it, all sorts of things will go wrong ( depending on the virus/malware ) 

I said "good" malware. The once that run on your PC making it a spambot, crypto-cruncher, a jumpstation or a gateway to other malware. They want to stay active and un-noticed, thats their whole point, be distribution-points. The once that wreck your PC is just script-kiddie stuff.
Again, the point, patch and secure, and dont run your login as a constant elevated user. Do not be a link in the crap that flies around the Net

 

1 hour ago, PussEKatt said:

Finally, in my opinion MS downloads all these multitude of patches/hotfixes because he knows that over a period they WILL slow your PC down ( imagine having a sholder bag and going hiking and every day you add 1 teaspoon to the bag ) after a while the bag will be too heavy to carry.IMHO this is what MS is really trying to achieve because when your PC slows down too much you go out and buy a new PC ( doubtless a MS Windows PC )

Both my PCs with Windows and Linux (and the clients we support) are fast, fully patched. You are having other issues if your OS is slowing down. I know apple slowed down some iphones by design and the Spectre/Meltdown will eat some Intel performance regardless of OS as it's a microcode flaw.

 

1 hour ago, PussEKatt said:

As for my anti-virus, it did not flag that suspicious software that I install ed on my PC I also happen to believe that you can keep away from most viruses and malware just by using your common sence.If you want to look at porn ( the biggest source of virus ) dont use a Windows PC to do it ( there are other FREE options ) and if you get (as I have got ) a e mail from a lady in Russia who is in love with you and will come over as soon as you send her the air fare or  you find out that you have won first prize in lotto in Africa ( without even taking a ticket ) you dont click on the link that comes with these e-mails ( its as simple as that ) and if your bank wants you to click on this link so that they can check on your balance ( because they had a PC malfunction ) dont click on the link.Ring your bank instead.

Common sense on the Net here, I agree.

[PussEKatt]

23 hours ago, Tegis said:

And you chose to stay and that un-patched level of the OS?

I'm not putting any weight on weather Microsofts way of making an OS is good, bad or same as every other maker, but if you chose to use it, accept its reality. If your figure of 300 patches (they are bundled into 12 yearly anyway, except for 0-days) is what it takes, then so be it.

I am saying that the amount of patches is excessive.There is no other software on this planet that has that amount of patches.As a point of interest, do you know how a patch works ? I mean we have all heard of patches.updates and hot fixes, but do you actually know how they work ? I learnt how to program in Basic and ( Dark Basic,Visual Basic, Borland C and C and C+ and C++ and C# are all programming languages based on Basic,they are all variations of a theme.If you are interested I can explain how a patch works. 

So you ran a software as a elevated locally on your PC. NOTHING will protect you from that unless a relatime-scanner is on the ball and stops you.

At the time I was using AVG anti virus and had been using it for years.

I said "good" malware. The once that run on your PC making it a spambot, crypto-cruncher, a jumpstation or a gateway to other malware. They want to stay active and un-noticed, thats their whole point, be distribution-points. The once that wreck your PC is just script-kiddie stuff.
Again, the point, patch and secure, and dont run your login as a constant elevated user. Do not be a link in the crap that flies around the Net

I beg to differ there.You are talking about Spyware.As the name suggests spyware spys on your PC and keeps itself hidden so that it can continue spying.The ones that you call "kiddie stuff"are the real nasty ones, "Love bug" comes to mind, this particular virus shut down half the business computers in the world about 15/20 years ago I think.The most recent nasty virus ( the name escapes me ) but the hacker was caught in Wales,that was only about 5/7 years ago.

There are a few diferent types of hackers.The Kiddie ones are the young kids that are just starting to learn how to hack and they make virus that is just annoying.

Then there the ones that write Ransomeware,They infect your PC and you have to pay them $$ to remove their virus.

The most common ones are the ones that write a virus.The most common type of virus, the ones that AVG,Norton etc try to protect you from.

There are groups like "Anonymous" Hackers that are trying to/help the world by breaking into computers owned by members of ISIS and organisations like that,

Finally there the ones that believe that MS is ripping people off so they attack Windows PCs to get back at MS.  

Both my PCs with Windows and Linux (and the clients we support) are fast, fully patched. You are having other issues if your OS is slowing down. I know apple slowed down some iphones by design and the Spectre/Meltdown will eat some Intel performance regardless of OS as it's a microcode flaw.

My PC has not slowed down at all ( you must have misunderstood me ) I was saying that all these updates from MS slow a PC down over a period of time.As far as Linux is concerened, thats what I meant when I mentioned a free alternative to visiting at at porn sites.I was refering to a Linux live CD/USB.

As a point of interest, why not buy a cheap second hand PC that has Windows XP or 7 installed and reset it back to the factory settings and then use it in a normal way without any updates.You will find as I do that having no updates does not effect the PC at all.

Common sense on the Net here, I agree.

One last thing,lets compare a well known piece of software "Football manager "with MS Windows.

Lets say that FM 2014 comes out ( it is supposed to be the finished article when it hits the shop shelves ) and users find out that if you score 122 goals in a season you automaticaly qualify for europe.So SI Games bring out a patch/update/hotfix to rectify that.Then users find that if you pay 1 billion for a player after the player signs the amount goes down to 1 pound.Si will issue another patch/update/hot fix to correct that flaw.So what im saying is how many flaws does Windows ( any version ) have that MS has to issue hundreds of patches/updates/hot fixes ?

The other point is this:Windowws first came out in 1993 it is now 2018 when will MS get their product right or at least to a point that it does not need hundreds of patches ? From 1993 to the presnt day PC hardware has gone from a simple motherboard with no frills to a motherboard that has north bridge south bridge onboard sound onboard graphics.The CPU has gone from a Celeron ( single core CPU ) to if quad core and above with multi threading.Sound has gone from single channel mono to dual speakers and sourround sound.Graphics cards have gone from 8 colours to 16 colours to 32 colours and now to hundreds of colours and PCs have gone from 8 bit to 16 bit to 32 bit and now 64 bit.In all this time what has Windows done ?

It is still bieng sold in an unfinished state,a state that needs hundreds of patches to supposidly bring it up to scratch !?

 

 

Edited September 4, 2018 by blandy
bolded text as quoting all screwed up

[Davkaus]

23 hours ago, PussEKatt said:

The other point is this:Windowws first came out in 1993 it is now 2018 when will MS get their product right or at least to a point that it does not need hundreds of patches ? From 1993 to the presnt day PC hardware has gone from a simple motherboard with no frills to a motherboard that has north bridge south bridge onboard sound onboard graphics.The CPU has gone from a Celeron ( single core CPU ) to if quad core and above with multi threading.Sound has gone from single channel mono to dual speakers and sourround sound.Graphics cards have gone from 8 colours to 16 colours to 32 colours and now to hundreds of colours and PCs have gone from 8 bit to 16 bit to 32 bit and now 64 bit.In all this time what has Windows done ?

It is still bieng sold in an unfinished state,a state that needs hundreds of patches to supposidly bring it up to scratch !?

You talk about having experience in development, and come out with nonsense like this?

There's not a product with greater complexity than 'Hello world' that doesn't have bugs. An operating systems is an incredibly complex piece of software that has to support an almost inconceivable amount of variations in hardware and config, not to mention the ballache of legacy support. Any OS having to be patched frequently should be expected.

Furthermore, there aren't a huge number of updates, per se, but when you browse for a list of hotfixes, it lists each individual hotfix, as they make bug fixes available separately. Typical users don't notice this - nobody's PC is being updated separately for each individual hotfix. It's akin to reading a release note for a new version of any other app, and considering each individual fix in the same version to be a new update.

Most pertinently, this point:

Quote

In all this time what has Windows done ?

It's continued to expand in scope to support all of those other technical advancements that you've mentioned. Which, guess what, adds complexity. 

Edited September 4, 2018 by Davkaus

[PussEKatt]

 

29 minutes ago, Davkaus said:

You talk about having experience in development, and come out with nonsense like this?

You are getting me mixed up with someone else there.Im not in nor ever have been in developement.

As far as my last point goes."What has Windows done" Like I said above, I know how to write a computer program and I would guess that the windows code would streatch to quite a few pages but all these updates when windows has been going since 1993 is silly ( bearing in mind that Windows has loads of updates each year.I am willing to bet right now that when Windows 11 comes out it will be followed by loads of updates/patches/hot fixes.

If MS really wanted to do something useful why not concentrate on something like how easy it is to get admin rights.I mean all you have to do is right click on a shortcut and select run as administrator.To alter the registery all you have to do is type regedit, to alter the boot sequence all you have to do is type msconfig.All these things can be done from within windows so a virus can do all this once it is on your PC.How about if you wanted to run software as an administrator you had to do it through the BIOS or what about having to go into safe mode and having to select "run as administrator "That way a piece of malicious software could not alter your registery and take over your PC as administrator because to get admin rights or change the boot etc you would have to do it from outside windows OS.

[Davkaus]

I took you talking about your experience with x and y programming languages to be you having some experience in software development. If you don't, that explains an awful lot.

Sometimes, someone just needs to be told this: You have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.

Quote

 I know how to write a computer program and I would guess that the windows code would streatch to quite a few pages 

...Yes. Quite a few pages. You're talking about a piece of software that still has its roots going back to the 90s (because people still want their legacy apps to run), that at any one time has over 2000 developers working on it, split in to 25-30 feature teams. I don't think you can even conceive of how challenging it is making even a simple change to a codebase that's this complex. 

Quote

bearing in mind that Windows has loads of updates each year.I am willing to bet right now that when Windows 11 comes out it will be followed by loads of updates/patches/hot fixes.

If Windows 11 materialises, of course it will. Nobody would bet against that, because it's stating the bloody obvious. Look at the release notes for any comparably complex piece of software.

Quote

 

If MS really wanted to do something useful why not concentrate on something like how easy it is to get admin rights.I mean all you have to do is right click on a shortcut and select run as administrator.To alter the registery all you have to do is type regedit, to alter the boot sequence all you have to do is type msconfig.All these things can be done from within windows so a virus can do all this once it is on your PC.How about if you wanted to run software as an administrator you had to do it through the BIOS or what about having to go into safe mode and having to select "run as administrator "That way a piece of malicious software could not alter your registery and take over your PC as administrator because to get admin rights or change the boot etc you would have to do it from outside windows OS.

 

There's so much wrong with this, I don't know where to start. There's a spectrum with security on one end, and usability on the other. Even if this could be implemented, it's a usability disaster. 

Edited September 4, 2018 by Davkaus

[Tegis]

Nope, Im done. Sorry

[PussEKatt]

First of all, I sence that this thread is not as friendly as it was.

On 04/09/2018 at 13:06, Davkaus said:

I took you talking about your experience with x and y programming languages to be you having some experience in software development. If you don't, that explains an awful lot.

Sometimes, someone just needs to be told this: You have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.

As it happens I was living in New Zealand at the time and I enrolled in a paid course in night school to learn computer programming.I attained the level of U.E but we wont bother going into this part anymore.

...Yes. Quite a few pages. You're talking about a piece of software that still has its roots going back to the 90s (because people still want their legacy apps to run), that at any one time has over 2000 developers working on it, split in to 25-30 feature teams. I don't think you can even conceive of how challenging it is making even a simple change to a codebase that's this complex. 

I am fully aware of how many pages the Windows OS code would run to but this discussion is not about exactly how many pages of code is involved.I also mentioned that Windows has around 300 updates a year ( I suppose you could correct me there as well by stating exactly how many updates there are a year )

I have stated myself that that Windows goes back to the 90s ( I mentioned 1993 ) IMHO thats all the more reason to expect that MS should know by now how to put out a version of windows that is nearly perfect.While we are on the subject of coding

*****  I don't think you can even conceive of how challenging it is making even a simple change to a codebase that's this complex. *****

A patch is exactly as the name implies.It is placed where it is needed.So if Windows has problems with its code on pages 17,32,56,103,106,200,etc etc etc right on up to page 12000 then patches have to be applied to all these pages.Dont you think that instead pf all these patches and at the same time concentrating on things like aeropeek it would be more benificial to get Windows 7 up to near perfect ?

If Windows 11 materialises, of course it will. Nobody would bet against that, because it's stating the bloody obvious. Look at the release notes for any comparably complex piece of software.

There's so much wrong with this, I don't know where to start. There's a spectrum with security on one end, and usability on the other. Even if this could be implemented, it's a usability disaster. 

So  if you are logged on and sitting in front of your PC you can give yourself Admin privilege, you can get into the registery etc.Which means ( obviously+++ ) that a virus that is on your PC can do all the same things.Because all these things are done from within windows.

What I was suggesting was that to grant Admin rights you should have to go outside the PC eg to the BIOS or to an extra item in the boot menu or an extra option on the safe mode screen.The whole point is that to do any of these things you would have to restart your PC.As I said a virus works by granting itself admin rights from within the PC I have yet to hear of a virus that forces you to restart your PC.Which means that if you had to restart your Pc to get admin rights then a virus could not do that.

*****  I don't think you can even conceive of how challenging it is making even a simple change to a codebase that's this complex. ***

Im so glad you said that because I and quite a few other people are having trouble getting Championship Manager 97/98 and Ultimate soccer manager to run on a modern PC, so vould you please download any or both of these games ( they are both free ) and let me know which settings to use and I will pass this information on to all the other people that are having the same problem.

One other very simple question:

Windows 98   98SE  2000 2000 Millenium  XP   Vista 7  8 and 8.1 all have the option to turn windows updates off. My question is why has MS Windows included this option if they dont want you to use it ?

Here is some more information about updates, legacy apps/software etc that might be of intrest.

Turn off Updates:
https://www.tenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/117214-how-completely-switch-off-updates-windows-10-pro.html
https://www.tenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/104945-stop-windows-10-updates-properly-completely.html
...........................
Windows 10 April 2018 Update common problems and fixes
If you're having problems upgrading to the April 2018 Update, in this guide, we'll highlight the most common issues and the steps to resolve them.
How to fix Windows Update errors installing April Update
How to fix Windows Update error 0x800F0922 downloading April Update
How to fix unexpected error downloading installation files
How to fix Windows Update error 0x80070020 installing April Update
How to fix missing or damaged update files error 0x80073712
How to fix update isn't applicable to your device problem
How to fix Media Creation Tool errors installing April Update
How to fix stuck downloading updates using the Media Creation Tool
How to fix damaged files on USB bootable media
How to fix error 0x8007025D using an ISO file installing April Update
How to fix storage error 0x80070070 during installation
How to fix error 0x80070522 installing April Update
How to fix Windows 10 before installing a feature update
How to fix compatibility error 0x800F0923 during installation
How to fix driver error 0xC1900101 during installation
How to fix installation error 0x80200056 after accidental restart
How to fix software compatibility error 0xC1900208 during installation
How to fix problems trying to complete the installation
How to fix minimum hardware requirements error 0xC1900200, 0xC1900202
How to fix Windows 10 activation problems
How to fix microphone problems after the Windows 10 April 2018 Update
How to fix Update Assistant stuck downloading Windows 10 April 2018 Update
How to fix slow Alt + Tab while gaming after installing Windows 10 version 1803
How to fix new partition appearing after installing Windows 10 April 2018 Update
How to fix black screen problem on Windows 10 April 2018 Update
How to fix camera access problem after installing Windows 10 April 2018 Update
How to fix Nvidia settings issue after installing Windows 10 version 1803
How to fix GPU issue upgrading Windows 10 version 1803
How to fix Fast Startup re-enabled after installing Windows 10 version 1803
How to fix System Protection disabled after installing Windows 10 version 1803
How to fix apps freezing on Windows 10 April 2018 Update
How to fix error 0x8007042B upgrading to Windows 10 version 1803
How to fix upgrade process installs wrong edition of Windows 10
How to fix Chrome freezing after installing Windows 10 April 2018 Update
How to fix File Explorer crashing on Windows 10 April 2018 Update
How to fix networking problems on Windows 10 April 2018 Update
How to successfully install the Windows 10 April Update........................
Some helpful information  about Windows 10 upgrades from another windows 10 site at
s://forums.windowscentral.com/windows-10/444726-common-error-codes-solutions-windows-10-upgrade.html

 [NOTE]Windows 10 upgrade as easy it seems may sometimes turn ugly for many users , fortunately windows provide us with error codes so that proper solution and reporting tasks could be done accordingly. Keeping in mind the number of requests from members for a solution to an error code generated during the upgrade, i have compiled a list of possible error codes which may pop up during the upgrade with proper solution as mentioned and reported with verified solutions on Microsoft web forums and official troubleshooting pages.

Community members can help extend this list.
[/NOTE]

[INFO]
Code: 0xC1900101 - 0x20004 - Causes: This is generally caused by out-of-date drivers. Possible Solutions: Uninstall antivirus applications/ Remove all unused SATA devices/ Remove all unused devices and drivers/Update drivers.
Code: 0xC1900101 - 0x2000c - Cause: This is generally caused by out-of-date drivers. Possible Solution: Disconnect all devices that are connected to the system, except for the mouse, keyboard and display/ Contact your hardware vendor to obtain updated device drivers/ Ensure that "Download and install updates (recommended)" is accepted at the start of the upgrade process.
Code: 0xC1900101 - 0x20017, Cause: Windows was not able to migrate the driver, resulting in a rollback of the operating system. Possible Solution: Ensure that all thpse drivers are updated/Open the Setuperr.log and Setupact.log files in the %windir%\Panther directory, and then locate the problem drivers/ Update or uninstall the problem drivers.
Code: 0xC1900101 - 0x30018, Cause: A device driver has stopped responding to setup.exe during the upgrade process. Possible Solution: Disconnect all devices that are connected to the system, except for the mouse, keyboard and display/ Contact your hardware vendor to obtain updated device drivers/ Ensure that "Download and install updates (recommended is accepted at the start of the upgrade process.
Code: 0xC1900101 - 0x3000D, Cause: This can occur due to a problem with a display driver. Possible SOlution: Disconnect all devices that are connected to the system, except for the mouse, keyboard amd display/Update or Uninstall the display driver.
Code: 0xC1900101 - 0x4000D, Cause: A rollback occurred due to a driver configuration issue. Possible Solution: Try changing video adapters.,Make sure you have enough disk space., Disable BIOS memory options such as caching or shadowing..
Code: 0xC1900101 - 0x40017, Cause: This is usually caused by a faulty driver. antivirus filter drivers or encryption drivers, Possible Solution: Clean boot into Windows, and then attempt the upgrade to Windows 10, Make sure you select the option to "Download and install updates (recommended).
Code: 800704B8 - 0x3001A, Cause: An extended error has occurred during the first boot phase., Possible Solution: Disable or uninstall non-Microsoft antivirus applications, disconnect all unnecessary devices, and perform a clean boot.
Code: 8007042B - 0x4000D, Cause: This issue can occur due to file system, application, or driver issues. Possible Solution: Analyze log files in order to determine the file, application, or driver that is not able to be migrated/Disconnect, update, remove, or replace the device or object.
Code: 8007001F - 0x4000D, Cause: General failure, a device attached to the system is not functioning Possible Solution: Analyze log files in order to determine the device that is not functioning properly/ Disconnect, update, or replace the device.
Code 8007042B - 0x4001E Cause The installation failed during the second boot phase while attempting the PRE_OOBE operation. Possible Solution: This error has more than one possible cause/ Attempt quick fixes, and if not successful analyze log files in order to determine the problem and solution.

Other error codes Includes:

0xC1800118 : See Steps to resolve error 0xC1800118 for information.

0xC1900200: Ensure the system you are trying to upgrade meets the minimum system requirements. See Windows 10 specifications for information.

0x80090011: Contact your hardware vendor and get all the device drivers updated. It is recommended to have an active internet connection during upgrade process.
Ensure that "Download and install updates (recommended)" is accepted at the start of the upgrade process.

0xC7700112: This issue is resolved in the latest version of Upgrade Assistant.
Ensure that "Download and install updates (recommended)" is accepted at the start of the upgrade process.

0x80190001: To resolve this issue, download and run the media creation tool. See Download windows 10.

0x80246007: Attempt other methods of upgrading the operating system. download and run the media creation tool. See Download windows 10.

0xC1900201: Contact the hardware vendor to get the latest updates.

0x80240017: Administrative policies enforced by your organization might be preventing the upgrade. Contact your IT administrator.

0x80070020: Use the MSCONFIG tool to perform a clean boot on the machine and then try to perform the update again. For more information, see How to perform a clean boot in Windows.

0x80070522: Ensure that you have signed in as a local administrator or have local administrator privileges.

0xC1900107: Reboot the device and run setup again. If restarting device does not resolve the issue, then use the Disk Cleanup utility and cleanup the temporary as well as the System files. For more information, see Disk cleanup in Windows 10.

0xC1900209: Incompatible software is blocking the upgrade process. Uninstall the application and try the upgrade again. See Windows 10 Pre-Upgrade Validation using SETUP.EXE for more information.
You can also download the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) for Windows 10 and install Application Compatibility Tools.

0x8007002: To resolve this issue, try the OS Deployment test on a client in same VLAN as the Configuration Manager server. Check the network configuration for random client-server connection issues happening on the remote VLAN.

0x8007025D - 0x2000C : Re-download the ISO/Media and re-attempt the upgrade. Alternatively, re-create installation media the Media Creation Tool.

0x80070490 - 0x20007: Verify device drivers on the computer, and analyze log files to determine the problem driver.

0xC1900101 - 0x2000c : Update drivers on the computer, and select "Download and install updates (recommended)" during the upgrade process. Disconnect devices other than the mouse, keyboard and display.

0xC1900200 - 0x20008: See Windows 10 Specifications and verify the computer meets minimum requirements. 

0x80070004 - 0x3000D: Analyze log files to determine the issue.

0x80070005 - 0x4000D: Refer to error 0x80070004 - 0x3000D.

0x80070004 - 0x50012 : Refer to error 0x80070004 - 0x3000D.

0xC190020e : These errors indicate the computer does not have enough free space available to install the upgrade.
0x80070070 - 0x50011 : These errors indicate the computer does not have enough free space available to install the upgrade.
0x80070070 - 0x50012 : These errors indicate the computer does not have enough free space available to install the upgrade.
0x80070070 - 0x60000 : These errors indicate the computer does not have enough free space available to install the upgrad
Some Windows 7 Update problems:
Windows Update Doesn't Work even with the SOLUTION
FIRST. If Windows Update is not working or taking far too long (more than 15 to 30 minutes) try the Solution described in the thread at
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-update/windows-update-doesnt-work-even-with-the-solution/1e7c6642-fd2b-4122-a62d-b5dff90b777d
Problems installing Windows 7 updates
by Yahomar / September 10, 2017 2:48 AM PDT
I reinstalled Windows 7, subsequently the system tried to install maybe 160 updates. Each time I get an error message: "Failure configuring Windows updates. Reverting changes. Do not turn off your computer." 
He is trying to install 160 updatea
https://www.cnet.com/forums/discussions/problems-installing-windows-7-updates/
Windows Update Stuck Checking for Updates forever 
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/632621/windows-update-stuck-checking-for-updates-forever/
Some update problems on Windows XP:
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/637290/windows-update-not-working-on-windows-xp-home/
Windows xp won't update
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/579269/windows-xp-wont-update/

Concerning legacy software:

Which versions of Office work with Windows 10?
The following versions of Office have been fully tested and are supported on Windows 10. They will still be installed on your computer after the upgrade to Windows 10 is complete.
Office 2016 (Version 16)
Office 2013 (Version 15)
Office 2010 (Version 14)
https://support.office.com/en-us/article/which-versions-of-office-work-with-windows-10-0fc85c97-da69-466e-b2b4-54f7d7275705
Here is a problem with Photostop 2017 and Windows 10:
https://forums.adobe.com/thread/2248870
Keep getting a "problem with Photoshop 2017" message after I upgraded from 2015 on my Windows 10 desktop.
Windows 10 keeping up with Photostop 2016
https://feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family/topics/ps-cc-2016-win-10-64bit-doesnt-open-a-mov-file
Windows 10 and Photostop 2016 again
https://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/97549/win10s-explorer-does-not-show-thumbnails-for-psd-files-from-photoshop-cc-2016
Quickbooks 2015 and Windows 10
My QuickBooks 2015 is not compatible with Windows 10. 
https://community.intuit.com/questions/1395578-my-quickbooks-2015-is-not-compatible-with-windows-10-i-went-back-to-windows-8-and-i-still-cannot-open-my-files
Windows 10 and Office
Known issues with Office and Windows 10
https://support.office.com/en-us/article/known-issues-with-office-and-windows-10-28d56d84-c16c-4763-8eac-e51e05a37a16
Beware these Windows 10 software gotchas
Here are some long-standing issues to be aware of with third-party apps for Windows 10 -- and possible fixes
https://www.infoworld.com/article/2984530/microsoft-windows/beware-these-windows-10-software-gotchas.html
Windows 10 and Bitdefender Conflict
I just installed windows 10 and I my Bitdefender Total Security 2016 "Real-time file protection" is disabled.  I stopped Windows Defender but that did not fix problem,  anyone have any ideas?
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/forum/all/windows-10-and-bitdefender-conflict/7850313c-3a3e-4bbe-b304-ea1c33b315bf

Finally, concerning games:

Its not only buisness software
trying to play cm97/98 without success im on windows7 please help
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-gaming/trying-to-play-cm9798-without-success-im-on/678b1a91-f6bd-4dab-affc-3b192aaf55e1
Championship Manager 97-98! Help needed installing!....This Windows Vista
Problem is it doesn't seem to want to install on my Windows Vista laptop. 
https://www.hotukdeals.com/discussions/championship-manager-97-98-help-needed-installing-904107
Couple of different games that will not run on Windows 7
Cant Install old games
Well, I tried to install two old games: Pizza Syndicate and Ultimate Soccer Manager 98-99. However, when i clicked the setup, nothing happens
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-gaming/cant-install-old-games/ff659d04-2347-48ee-bf1c-30ff7e9bb976
How about Ultimate Soccer Manager
ultimate soccer manager 98 not working on Windows 10
https://www.reddit.com/r/RetroWindowsGaming/comments/8rh2o2/ultimate_soccer_manager_98_not_working_on_windows/
How about Football Manager 2007
Football Manager 2007 not working on Windows 10
https://community.sigames.com/topic/352612-football-manager-2007-not-working-on-windows-10/
Had anyone managed to run Football Manager 2008 on Windows 8.1?
https://steamcommunity.com/app/34000/discussions/0/611696927926606990/
What about something newer,Football Manager 2013 on Windows 10
https://steamcommunity.com/app/207890/discussions/0/541907675760303546/
Football Manager 2016 and Windows 10 update
FM WONT LOAD - AFTER WIN 10 UPDATE :((
https://steamcommunity.com/app/378120/discussions/0/487876568242885711/

 

Edited September 5, 2018 by blandy
learn to quote, please.

[Tayls]

I take it all you chaps work in IT? I know @Davkaus does based on previous conversations.