I haven't been able to install a major update to Windows 10 since version 1909, well over a year ago. At this point I've tried the usual Windows update route, the Windows Updater Tool, updating from an ISO file, and most recently attempting a clean reinstall from a bootable USB. All have failed.
(I've also run various install repair sequences in command line and the Windows Update troubleshooter, to no effect).
The most recurrent error code has been: 0xC1900101 0x20017
I think this problem (or at least my inability to resolve it) may be rooted in a Windows installation error that dates back to when I first got this tower +3 years ago: Windows came pre-installed on the (single-SSD) system. After installing system updates, I then added an SSD from my previous system. This older SSD still had my old Win10 install on it. I didn't think this would be an issue since my new system had already booted from its Win10 installation, but ever since, this system has required the old SSD to be connected in order to boot. To my inexpert eye, it seems my Windows install is now spread across both drives. And I've never been able to fix this.
In the past I've had periodic Windows boot-up crashes and have also been unable to access my BIOS, but over the last year both of these issues seem to have resolved themselves. However, as noted, all attempts to install new major Windows updates fail.
All my files are backed up, and at this point I'm willing to do a total system wipe / clean install. But I don't seem to be able to boot from the USB-drive I created w/ Windows Media Creation tool (20H2). When I set this as the boot priority in my BIOS, I get a boot cycle: motherboard splash screen to reboot, and repeat.
I'm pushing past the limits of my computer expertise; any help would be really appreciated!
(I've also run various install repair sequences in command line and the Windows Update troubleshooter, to no effect).
The most recurrent error code has been: 0xC1900101 0x20017
I think this problem (or at least my inability to resolve it) may be rooted in a Windows installation error that dates back to when I first got this tower +3 years ago: Windows came pre-installed on the (single-SSD) system. After installing system updates, I then added an SSD from my previous system. This older SSD still had my old Win10 install on it. I didn't think this would be an issue since my new system had already booted from its Win10 installation, but ever since, this system has required the old SSD to be connected in order to boot. To my inexpert eye, it seems my Windows install is now spread across both drives. And I've never been able to fix this.
In the past I've had periodic Windows boot-up crashes and have also been unable to access my BIOS, but over the last year both of these issues seem to have resolved themselves. However, as noted, all attempts to install new major Windows updates fail.
All my files are backed up, and at this point I'm willing to do a total system wipe / clean install. But I don't seem to be able to boot from the USB-drive I created w/ Windows Media Creation tool (20H2). When I set this as the boot priority in my BIOS, I get a boot cycle: motherboard splash screen to reboot, and repeat.
I'm pushing past the limits of my computer expertise; any help would be really appreciated!