DoctorLaptop Windows 10 Update Problem Alert 30May18

Buggy Spring 2018 Update plaguing Windows 10 Users

I repair what others can only replace!

The Windows 10 V1803 update, released 30APR18, has caused 2 major problems for users. I have recovered a dozen of these victim computers for clients since this was released a month ago.
1. Some users, especially those that had updated from Win 7 or 8/8.1, are finding that after the update, they reboot to a blank Desktop with an error message that a user profile file cannot be accessed so Desktop is unavailable. No buttons or icons will work. Both System Restore and System Rollback/Refresh are unavailable, even from Safe Mode or a recovery drive. A repair is possible but beyond the ability of most casual users, many of whom have no install disc or recovery drive to provide the required tools. Warning, some users who attempted a self-repair by trying a System Rollback or Refresh discover the repair has not only failed, but when they bring it to me for repair, I remove the hard disk and check it in another computer only to find the attempted repair deleted much of their data! This is why everyone should be doing regular data backups! If it gets to this point the only solution is to do a data recovery if you neglected doing backups  (expensive), and then do a fresh reinstall of Windows. Users fed up with Win 10 are often choosing to go back to Win 7/8.1 at this stage.

2. After the update, some people will suddenly see a new OEM or recovery partition in their File Manager that has a logical drive letter assigned to them. No files appear in the partition despite it claiming to be full, and showing hidden files does not reveal the contents either. Options for deleting or renaming the new partition are not available. Then Windows 10 starts with constant notifications that the drive is full.

This is annoying, but does not prevent one from using the computer. The cause appears to be that the Win Update creates this new partition to store undo/recover info. The first idea many users have is to remove the drive letter from the disk management partition. If you try to use Disk Management to fix the issue and remove the drive letter from the partition, you will fail in most cases. The context menu does not support commands on this recovery partition. There is no real fix for this problem yet, but you may be able stop the annoying “disk full” messages by disabling the Windows Explorer notifications function. Other proposed solutions, removing the new partition’s mount point or deleting the partition with 3rd party tools, may work but can break BitLocker and block the recovery functions if you need them to fix an other, unrelated problem. Not advisable.

What to do, since there is no obvious way to block Win 10 from updating? First, make sure all your data is backed up on another device. Then, depending on what version of Win 10 you have, Home/S/Pro/Ultimate/Enterprise, you may be able to use a Settings trick to delay, or block updates. Look in Advanced Settings in the Update Settings for a delay update function. It may offer a setting to delay updates for 35 days. Not there? Then go to Network Settings and set your computer to “On a metered connection”. That should prevent updates, at least for a while. Hopefully long enough to allow Microsoft to correct and reissue this bad update.

Sources:
https://borncity.com/win/2018/05/02/windows-10-v1803-update-creates-a-new-oem-partition/
https://www.tenforums.com/drivers-hardware/109077-new-1803-version-created-new-disk-partition-can-i-reclaim.html#post1359096
https://www.disk-partition.com/windows-10/recovery-partition-after-upgrading-to-windows-10-4348.html

As always, I am available for consults and repairs should you experience either of these problems.

doctorlaptop@protonmail.com ; mobile 675 993 069 (no calls before 11am please)

DoctorLaptop’s Tips #68 and April 2018 Special

DoctorLaptop’s Tips #68 and April Special

Special: Slow tablet rescue. Full cleaning, tune-up, updating and optimization of slow but otherwise functional tablets, only €30 till 01May18.

Tips:
1. Windows 10 needs to be updated regularly. If you leave it inactive for more than 2 weeks, when you next use it leave it connected to the internet, running all night, then in the morning shut it off and restart it. If it has shut down automatically, start it, then once it’s done loading restart it. This should allow your computer to get current on updates.
2. Keeping your computer cool in the summer is important, for both the health of the unit and for best performance. Part of that is keeping all the air vents free of dust, lint and hair. I use a dry toothbrush for this task. Do not blow air into the vents, that pushes the dirt back into the fan. Another good idea is to place small lifters under the back side of a laptop to increase the air space under it. During peak heat days (30C+) I recommend blowing a desk fan directly on your computer. If your computer shuts down due to over-heating, leave it at least 30mins before attempting a restart. If that restart fails, do not keep trying, get it serviced to avoid damaging it further (or run chkdsk and scannow tools from a recovery DVD if you know how).
3. If you have a newer computer with a SSD (solid state hard disk) it is imperative you keep current backups of you data on an external memory device. Should your SSD fail there is no way to recover the data, short of sending it to a specialist SDD data recovery center in Sevilla or Madrid where recovery fees begin at €300 and often run into thousands!
4. Be aware that some new generation mobile device models of tablets and smartphones are not designed to be opened and serviced. Basically they are disposable once they have a hardware failure outside of the warranty period. If this concerns you, inquire at the time of purchase if battery replacement service for that model is available from the seller. Tablet batteries are designed to last 3yrs at 2hrs per day use, iPad batteries may last longer.

Contact: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com or call 675 993 069 (no calls b4 11am).
Computer repairs, lessons, websites/blogs/forums/SEO, Social Media promotion & marketing, business computer maintenance service.
Windows, Apple/Mac, Linux, Android.