Windows 8.1 message "We couldn't complete the updates, undoing changes, don't turn off your computer"

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Windows 8.1 message "We couldn't complete the updates, undoing changes, don't turn off your computer"

Greetings,

I installed updates in my Windows 8.1 partition. Then it asked me to restart the computer and the message "We couldn't complete the updates, Undoing changes, Don't turn off your computer" appeared and has been on the screen for hours. I thought about reinstalling bootcamp but I have software in the Windows partition that cannot be recovered. I have read that one fix is starting Windows in "Safe Mode", but this is not possible. I am using a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015) OS X 10.10.5

How do I fix this issue without wiping the Windows partition and losing my software?

Thanks!

Posted on Mar 16, 2016 3:04 PM

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Answer 1

Loner T

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Mar 16, 2016 3:47 PM in response to ENIAC82

Did you create a Windows System Restore point prior to the upgrade?

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Answer 2

ENIAC82 Author

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Mar 16, 2016 4:17 PM in response to Loner T

No, I did not. However, it the Boothcamp partition I can see all the program files. Also, I do have the installation CDs for WIN 8.1

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Answer 3

Loner T

Level 9

59,536 points

Mar 17, 2016 6:54 AM in response to ENIAC82

You can use the Windows Installer to boot from and run in Safe Mode. Please be careful, the 2015 BC Assistant does not provide an option to create a USB Installer. The OS X side has the ability to read NTFS, but not write to it. Third-party software can allow read-write access, but may not able to make it bootable.

Another option is to use a virtualization engine and import the Windows installation as a VM and try to repair it.

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Answer 4

ENIAC82 Author

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Mar 17, 2016 6:54 AM in response to Loner T

Thank you for your advice! As you suggested, I used the Windows Installer to boot and run in Safe Mode. What one has to do is to delete the contents of the Software Distribution Folder in the command prompt - that would prevent the updates that keep Windows 8.1 in a infinite loop. I found instructions on how to do so in the following link:

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/software-distribution-folder-in-windows

Thanks again!🙂

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