Windows 10 Does Not Boot Up, Possibly After An Update

Not sure but I believe I did "Update And Reboot" before this problem arose. After not using the computer for a few days, I discovered that it is stuck on a screen "Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart...". Then, I tried some fixes and the computer got stuck on "Preparing Automatic Repair" screen. Photos of both screens are attached.

It is my understanding that most likely Windows 10 became corrupted during the update.

1. Can Windows 10 Installation Media -- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 -- available on Microsoft site solve the problem?
2. Does Windows 10 Installation Media preserve personal data that was stored on the PC?

Please, help. Family photos stored on the PC are of great sentimental value.

 

Have you tried restarting the computer in Safe Mode? Power down and then when you hit the power button tap the F8 key until you get the option to start Windows in Safe Mode. That way you can get the pictures onto a flash drive before trying the repair.

Yes.

That is an option but depending on how bad the problem is you may be facing a full reinstall. You will just have to run the tool and see if the in-place upgrade/repair works or not.

 

Thank you for replying and giving me hope.

Yes. I believe the first time the result was "Preparing Automatic Repair" screen. The second time the screen went black with a white cursor in the top, right corner. The third time the screen went black.

I have been trying the Windows 10 Installation Media. The sequence of screens is attached. Most times, the data loads, then one of the following screens appear:
- This happened once: a screen asking to install Windows 10. I hesitated and got a blue, " Your device ran into a problem" screen
- Recovery Screen (photo attached) was displayed once
- the Preparing Automatic Repairs screen
- the initial HP screen.
- black screen with Microsoft logo

 

Windows Failed To Start window appeared twice, then Choose Operating System, then black screen.

 

I was also going to add do you ever work on this computer? Is it possible that a connection isn't all the way connected or maybe a memory stick not seated properly?

I think @plodr is suggesting it could be a failing hard drive and I don't disagree. How old is the hard drive? If you don't have the ability or knowledge to do what @plodr suggested and you absolutely must recover the pictures then you might consider taking it to a repair shop.

 

Thank you for all the suggestions and support. With the help of a relative programmer on a phone, I removed the hard drive from the old PC, inserted the drive into a docking station connected to the new PC and copied photos to an external drive.

 

Thanks for the update!

Now look into a good backup drive so you don't get into this situation again.

WD 1TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive - I've had one of these for about 10 years and it's still working fine. It doesn't cost a lot but is an HDD instead of a SSD. The SSD is superior but cost more. I will link a few of those below.

WD 1TB My Passport SSD - I'll probably buy one of these in the next few years to replace the one I have now. Good price and good reviews.

SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable External SSD - I don't have any experience with these but they get good reviews. Expensive though.