"Windows could not update the computer's boot configuration" error

Misiowiec · 1 Jun 2017 at 10:54

My better half’s Toshiba Portege Z935 was slowing down, and I figured I’d do some spring cleaning by means of a clean install of Windows 10. I’ve done this tons of times before and proceeded to create bootable media on a USB stick using Microsoft’s tool, booting from said stick, removing, recreating and formatting all partitions, and installing Windows. Except that I get the following message at the end of the installation: “Windows could not update the computer's boot configuration. Installation cannot proceed”.

Google tells me this is a message that happens with all versions of Windows, including those before Windows 10. Funny thing is that we used Windows 10 on this laptop for ages without any issues. Any ideas of what I could try?

For the record, the SSD is a Toshiba THNSNS128GMCP mSATA. I don’t have an external enclosure for it, though I can pick one up if need be. I’ve tied a few installs but nothing seems to get me past the error message.

Any idea?

Misiowiec · 1 Jun 2017 at 11:25

Sorry, should have been clearer - it's at the latest BIOS already. Also, that link suggests I make a clean install which is exactly what I'm trying to do

Maybe I can try resetting the BIOS to default tonight

Misiowiec · 1 Jun 2017 at 13:34

Thanks, I'll give it a go

Not sure if the laptop has UEFI, but I'll try disabling if that's the case. Fixing the mbr has also popped up a few times, but I've already wiped the old Win 10 installation off the drive. Can I start a c prompt from the Win 10 installation USB so that I can get to the mbr fixing part?

Misiowiec · 1 Jun 2017 at 13:41

Excellent, appreciate the detailed instructions. I'll give that a go tonight

Misiowiec · 4 Jun 2017 at 08:10

All sorted. It was the diskpart clean command that did it in the end, all the mbr tinkering before that didn't help.

Thanks again for the help!