Question Cannot boot PC after recent Win 10 update

[i6pwr]

Before shutting down the PC, I had the option to "update then shutdown" so I did.

Never an issue before, now I have the blue screen reading...

"Automatic repair, your PC did not start correctly"

I cannot boot in safe mode, I don't remember how to get the options to choose safe mode, happened by accident. If I choose safe mode it returns to the same blue screen.

For the life of me I entered every password I know, still cannot restore image.

I'm not a rookie to this, just been a long while, I also believe I have a HD with my old windows on it but want to figure this out.

How to force safe mode, and how to reset my passwords.

All help appreciated.

 

[Lutfij]

When posting a thread of troubleshooting nature, it's customary to include your full system's specs. Please list the specs to your build like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this moment of time.

I also believe I have a HD with my old windows on it
Remove all drives with only the drive with your OS on it and see if you're able to get to Repair the OS. You should fabricate a bootable USB installer for your OS at this point to keep handy.

 

[i6pwr]

Sorry, I was thinking I had it in a profile but that's another site.

5950X
Noctua D15
X570 Aorus Master (rev. 1.0)
Trident Z Neo DDR4-3600 (F4-3600C-16-8GTZNC)
980 Pro M.2 1TB
Evga 3060 Ti
Evga 850 G2
Storm Sniper
Win 10 Home
Alienware 34" Ultrawide AW3418DW

All internal hardware is 3.5 YO, except current HD which is 1YO.

BIOS version: F31
BIOS date: 12/31/2020 (might be an issue)
BIOS ID: 8AMTS002

I did try with only the C drive and the Win 10 thumbdrive.

 

[i6pwr]

Sorry, I was thinking I had it in a profile but that's another site.

5950X
Noctua D15
X570 Aorus Master
Trident Z Neo DDR4-3600
980 Pro M.2 1TB
Evga 3060 Ti
Evga 850 G2
Storm Sniper
Win 10 Home
Alienware 34" Ultrawide AW3418DW

All internal hardware is 4YO, except current HD which is 1YO.

BIOS version: F31
BIOS date: 12/31/2020 (might be an issue)
BIOS ID: 8AMTS002

I did try with only the C drive and the Win 10 thumbdrive.

 

[i6pwr]

Well, after numerous attempts at a restore/repair, I was finally able to pull a restore point to a few days ago and all is working.

Will check for all MB updates and create recovery and image file.

 

[BFG-9000]

In their infinite wisdom Microsoft have decided Windows never breaks so disabled the F8 boot menu.

Supposedly after two automatic repairs and no joy, the 3rd time will let you let you get to the hidden secret boot menu to select safe mode via Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options -> Advanced Startup Options -> Startup Settings -> Restart. Once restarted from this selection, choose 4 (safe mode) from the menu. However I've seen this not work too many times.

To restore the F8 functionality of previous versions of Windows,
Open an administrator Command Prompt and enter:
bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy
You will receive the message "The operation completed successfully"
That should make getting to safe mode much easier in the future