[SOLVED] Windows 10 booting into "Recovery"

[pfcooper]

system is Dell XPS One 2720 AIO, Windows 10 Pro
F8 before Dell logo for startup settings
can't get into Safe Mode
can't get into command Prompt

What else can I provide you for help?

This happened suddenly and owner hopes to keep data if possible

 

[Corday]

Go to the Lockscreen and choose Restart. Hold shift key. When presented, choose the option>Troubleshoot. Now Dell Backup and Recovery. They'll be an auto restart and your options will come up. If you do decide to go the reset route you'll be given the option of saving files.

 

[pfcooper]

you already have me confused. How do I get to Lockscreen from the screen I have attached to my thread

 

[Corday]

After you press ESC you'll have choices for installation. One of them will allow keeping the desired files. I thought you closed out of the screen you're showing.

 

[pfcooper]

There is no Dell Backup and Recovery in my TroubleShoot path. Any recovery I see calls for reinstalling windows from
this pc and that has a damaged driver resulting in the same Recovery screen as posted.
Does the posted screenshot not suggest we have to replace that driver (WdFilter.sys).
I need better step by step instructions. I do not want to use a method that will loose all Data/Apps/etc.
I will remove hard drive and place in another USB enclosure before wiping the drive...

 

[Corday]

Before doing anything, I can't tell if you can or have tried to get into Windows. My other posts were based on the idea that you could not. If you can we have options. If not, no matter how much Microsoft indicates data can be saved if that option is chosen, I hope your client has one or more backups.

How to access Advanced startup (WinRE) on Windows 10 - Pureinfotech.

 

[pfcooper]

I can't boot into windows but I found a way to get to Command Prompt if that can help us

 

[Corday]

Run DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth then sfc /scannow. If it works your missing Windows Defender Mini-Filter Driver will be restored. It's part of your Windows Security, but the BSOD usually comes back to Windows with a restart. Don't know why yours didn't.

 

[pfcooper]

good, some things to try

 

[pfcooper]

results.

 

[DR M]

Hello from me too.

in Recovery Environment you can't use DISM and SFC "naked", as we do in normal mode: you need extra switches pointing proper letters. To check this, please do this first:

Type bcdedit followed by Enter.

Give us clear screenshots of what you get.

 

[pfcooper]

results2

 

[DR M]

I'm afraid you will have to repeat the bcdedit command. Stop changing directory to C. Just type the command without changing anything before. If you need to change anything, I'll tell you.

 

[pfcooper]

sorry about the angle, trying to eliminate reflections

 

[DR M]

No problem. I know that the x is confusing.

Now, type very carefully:

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\windows /offlogfile=C:\log.txt

Be patient, because it will take time.

Let us know the result.

 

[pfcooper]

not good

 

[DR M]

Since the first screenshot you posted above indicates that a system file is missing, and SFC couldn't complete, let's see what other colleagues think about it. You will need to wait a bit.

 

[Corday]

In the Recovery Environment, can you get to Startup Repair? If so run it.

 

[pfcooper]

fails

 

[Corday]

You can make a System Repair Disc on any Windows Computer. Boot with it and hopefully you do get to Windows, do as I said in Post #8. Control Panel > Backup and Restore > Create a system repair disc