This problem is often caused by misconfigured registry entries, making Windows believe the installation process is not complete or needs a restart. Other frequent causes include corrupted Windows installation media, hardware malfunctions, or power loss during the setup process. Now that we have discussed the main causes, let’s quickly dive into the solutions to resolve this issue.
1. Modify the Registry
When Windows mistakenly believes the installation process is incomplete, it leads to an unexpected restart. By modifying the ChildCompletion and SystemSetupInProgress registry entries appropriately, we can inform Windows that the installation is complete, prompting it to bypass any errors during installation.
2. Verify Installation Media
Before performing a clean installation, ensure that your installation media is intact and not corrupted. This can often resolve errors occurring during factory installations. Try recreating your USB installation media using the Rufus tool.
3. Check Hardware Components
If issue persists, it’s important to check the hardware components. A faulty hard drive or other hardware parts can lead to installation problems.
Check all connections and try using different hardware for installation, if possible.Replace or test your hard drive or SSD to rule out hardware faults.
4. Perform a Clean Installation of Windows
If all else fails, and the error persists, performing a clean installation might be necessary. This will eliminate any corrupted files from the previous installation attempts. Before proceeding, make sure you have a bootable Windows USB drive for installation. If not, visit the official Microsoft website to download the media creation tool and follow the on-screen instructions to create a Windows installation drive. If you encounter any issues, you can refer to our guide on installing Windows via USB. Warning: Formatting a drive using Diskpart will permanently erase all data on the selected drive. Ensure you have backed up any important files before proceeding. This action is irreversible and should only be done if you are certain that all data on the drive can be safely deleted. By following these steps in order, you can address the issue with a logical progression, reserving the clean installation as a last resort.
