Dual boot - windows boots but can't login - Blurred screen then blue loop

[glennpm]

Details

- Dual boot system; Windows 11 & Ubuntu

- I run Ubuntu most of the time but a couple of days ago I re-booted in an attempt to login to Windows, but didn’t get my Grub screen. Last boot to Windows was fine with no issues back a couple of weeks ago. during the first recent boot attempt the system seemed to be trying to run a boot service perhaps, AOMEI Backupper. I thought there may have been a boot script by AOMEI Backupper but nothing to prove this.

- DELL Inspirion laptop

- On boot, I get the std Windows screen but no box to add PIN or password for normal or safe modes. I get into SAFE mode via a Windows startup iso

- When I click or "enter" I get a blurred screen, then blue screen, then back to the std Windows boot screen

- Best search yielded this, [SOLVED] - windows 10 Blurred and stuck on the login screen (fuzzy blurry)

- I ran all the Windows install/repair iso options to no avail.



BOOT Mode is set to: UEFI with Legacy OPROH; Secure

UEFI BOOT:

HDD1-Windows Boot Manager (Samsung SSD 870 EVO 1TB)

ISB1-1

HDD2-ubuntu (Samsung SSD 870 EVO

********

DISKPART> list volume

Volume ### Ltr Label Fs Type Size Status Info

._ _ _

— — — — — —.— ————————— ——————

Volume e L CCC0MA_X64F UDF DVD-ROM 5549 MB Healthy

Volume i C Windows NTFS Partition 150 GB Healthy

Volume 2 D D_on_DELL NTFS Partition 703 GB Healthy

Volume 3 ESP FAT32 Partition 499 MB Healthy Hidden

Volume 4 WINRETOOLS NTFS Partition 750 MB Healthy Hidden

Volume 5 F NTFS Partition 853 MB Healthy Hidden

Volume 6 G PBR Image NTFS Partition 7409 MB Healthy Hidden

Volume 7 H WD4TB-Dell NTFS Partition 3399 GB Healthy

Volume 8 I RAW Partition 299 GB Healthy

Volume 9 J Ventoy-Baks exFAT Partition 831 GB Healthy

Volume 10 VTOYEFI FAT Partition 32 MB Healthy

DISKPART> select volume

********

I've run these commands:

K:\sources>bootrec.exe /fixmbr

The operation completed successfully.

K:\sources>bootrec.exe /fixboot

Access is denied.

K:\sources>bootrec.exe /scanos

Scanning all disks for Windows installations.

’lease wait, since this may take a while...

Successfully scanned Windows installations.

Total identified Windows installations: 0

The operation completed successfully.

K:\sources>bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd

Scanning all disks for Windows installations.

Please wait, since this may take a while...

Successfully scanned Windows installations.

Total identified Windows installations: 0

The operation completed successfully.

K:\sources>bcdboot C:\windows

Boot files successfully created.

X:\sources>

**********

Deleted all files inside caches, %windir%\system32\config\systemprofile\appdata\local\microsoft\windows\caches

***********

I also restored the latest AOMEI disk image and still have the same issue. Seems like there is an issue with my boot records

#########

PASTEBIN urls:

Paste from boot-repair application Ubuntu Pastebin

Paste from boot-info Ubuntu Pastebin

 

[ChatGPT]

Perfect — here’s the exact WinRE command block to run now. Boot to your Windows install USB → Troubleshoot → Advanced → Command Prompt, then paste these commands (verify drive letters after diskpart). I’ll wait while you run them.
1) In WinRE paste these (one block):
diskpart
list vol
exit
REM — confirm Windows is on C: and F: is your backup drive; if letters differ, substitute them below
REM — take ownership and grant permissions so robocopy can read protected files
takeown /f "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /r /d Y
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /grant "Administrators":F /t
REM — robust backup (Backup mode) to F:\DriverStore_BAK (creates log)
robocopy "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "F:\DriverStore_BAK" /MIR /COPYALL /B /R:2 /W:1 /NFL /NDL /V /LOG:F:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt
REM — if robocopy finished (or even if some files failed), rename the live repo out of the way
rename "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "FileRepository.old"
REM — create a fresh repository and set ACLs
mkdir "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /grant "Administrators":F /T
REM — show results and the robocopy log (so you can capture errors)
dir "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore"
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
type F:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt
wpeutil reboot
2) After Windows restarts, run these (Admin CMD) and paste the outputs here:
pnputil /enum-drivers
dir /b "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" | find /v "" /c
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
3) Next steps based on result

• If pnputil now enumerates drivers: re‑run setup (mounted ISO → setup.exe) or install the Realtek INF:
  pnputil /add-driver "D:\Reference...\rt640x64.inf" /install
• If pnputil still errors: paste the pnputil error and the contents of F:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt (the WinRE log) and I’ll advise the safe next move.

If you prefer to skip the backup (faster) and just rename the FileRepository.old in WinRE, tell me and I’ll give the shorter command list — but backing up is safer if possible.
And yes — I do “electron breaks” (coffee + cursor rest) — highly recommended.
Tell me when you’ve run the WinRE block or paste any errors and I’ll guide the next step.

 

[ChatGPT]

Nice — go for it. I’ll be here while you run it (or take a break), and I’ll parse the results as soon as you paste them.
Quick reminders before you boot to WinRE

• Confirm F: is the correct backup drive in WinRE (diskpart → list vol). If it’s different, use that letter instead.
• Run these commands only from WinRE (Install USB → Troubleshoot → Advanced → Command Prompt). Running them in normal Windows will hit file locks.
• If robocopy still reports lots of Access Denied errors, you can skip the backup and just rename FileRepository (I’ll show that alternate command below). Backing up is preferred but not mandatory.

WinRE copy/rename command block (copy‑paste in WinRE Command Prompt)
diskpart
list vol
exit
REM — take ownership and grant permissions so robocopy can read files
takeown /f "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /r /d Y
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /grant "Administrators":F /T
REM — backup (robust; /B runs in Backup mode)
robocopy "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "F:\DriverStore_BAK" /MIR /COPYALL /B /R:2 /W:1 /LOG:F:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt
REM — if backup succeeded (or you want to proceed regardless), rename live repo out of the way
rename "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "FileRepository.old"
REM — create new empty repo and set ACLs
mkdir "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /grant "Administrators":F /T
REM — inspect and reboot
dir "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore"
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
type F:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt
wpeutil reboot
If you want to skip the backup (faster)
(Use only if you don’t have space or robocopy keeps failing)
diskpart
list vol
exit
takeown /f "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /r /d Y
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /grant "Administrators":F /T
rename "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "FileRepository.old"
mkdir "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /grant "Administrators":F /T
wpeutil reboot
After reboot (in Windows) — run these three commands (Admin) and paste the outputs here
pnputil /enum-drivers
dir /b "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" | find /v "" /c
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
If pnputil no longer errors, then:

• Reinstall the Dell/Realtek drivers you downloaded (example):
  pnputil /add-driver "D:\Reference...\rt640x64.inf" /install
• Reboot and retry the in‑place upgrade (mount ISO → setup.exe → Keep files & apps), or run the Realtek install and check Device Manager.

If pnputil STILL fails, paste the exact pnputil error and the three outputs above — I’ll give the next targeted steps.
And about the “electron break / cpffee break” — yes, I run on electrons but I fully endorse human coffee breaks. Take one, stretch, and I’ll be here when you return. ️
Tell me which WinRE path you’ll use (backup to F: or skip backup) and when you’re ready — I’ll wait for the post‑reboot outputs.

 

[glennpm]

takeown /f "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /r /d Y

Invalid argument'/r/d'

Should it be /R /D N ?

 

[ChatGPT]

Good catch — the error came from the parser treating "/r/d" as a single token. The correct takeown syntax needs each switch separated by spaces and /D needs a space before its value. Use one of these exact commands (run from an elevated Command Prompt or WinRE Command Prompt):
Correct takeown form (recursive, auto‑answer Yes):
takeown /f "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /r /d Y
If that still errors in your environment (some WinRE shells are picky), use icacls to set ownership and grant rights (works reliably):
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /setowner "Administrators" /T /C
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "Administrators":F /T /C
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /T /C
Explanation:

• /r (or /R) = recursive.
• /d Y answers Yes to any prompt during recursion so the command doesn’t block.
• If you use icacls, /T = recurse, /C = continue on errors.

Full recommended WinRE sequence (copy/paste in WinRE Command Prompt). This uses icacls fallback so robocopy can read files:
diskpart
list vol
exit
REM — make sure the Windows volume is C: and backup target is F:
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /setowner "Administrators" /T /C
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "Administrators":F /T /C
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /T /C
robocopy "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "F:\DriverStore_BAK" /MIR /COPYALL /B /R:2 /W:1 /LOG:F:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt
rename "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "FileRepository.old"
mkdir "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /grant "Administrators":F /T
dir "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore"
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
type F:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt
wpeutil reboot
Notes and troubleshooting tips

• Run these from WinRE (Install USB → Troubleshoot → Advanced → Command Prompt). That avoids file‑in‑use locks.
• If robocopy still logs many Access Denied entries, paste F:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt here and I’ll examine which files failed. You can still proceed (rename) even if robocopy missed some files — the goal is to remove the corrupted store so Setup can enumerate drivers.
• If you prefer to skip backing up entirely (faster), after the icacls commands run:
  rename "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "FileRepository.old"
  mkdir "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
  icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /grant "Administrators":F /T
  wpeutil reboot

When you’re back in Windows, run (Admin) and paste output:
pnputil /enum-drivers
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
dir /b "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" | find /v "" /c
I’ll interpret the results and give the next steps (driver reinstall or retry upgrade). And yes — take a cpffee break if you need one.

 

[glennpm]

In Diskpart my drive is labeled as I but I got "invalid parameter "Administrators":I

 

[ChatGPT]

Thanks — that error explains it: you used the wrong syntax when specifying the owner/group. Also remember the drive letter shown by diskpart in WinRE is the one you must use (you said it showed I. Below are the exact, copy/paste commands to run in WinRE (Command Prompt from the Windows install USB → Troubleshoot → Advanced → Command Prompt). They use I: as your Windows volume and F: as your backup target (you previously chose F. If any command errors, paste the exact output and I’ll adjust.
Important: run these in WinRE (not in the running Windows desktop) so files aren’t locked.
1) Confirm volumes (one line at a time)
diskpart
list vol
exit
Make sure the Windows partition is the one with \Windows (we’ll assume it’s I. Confirm F: exists for the backup. If diskpart shows different letters, tell me and I’ll change the commands.
2) Take ownership (recursive) and grant Administrators & SYSTEM full control
takeown /F "I:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /R /A /D Y
icacls "I:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "BUILTIN\Administrators":F /T /C
icacls "I:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /T /C
Notes:

• /R = recursive, /A makes Administrators the owner, /D Y auto‑answers prompts.
• Use BUILTIN\Administrators to avoid localization issues; NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM is the SYSTEM account.
• /T recurses, /C continues on errors.

3) Robocopy backup (run after ownership/ACLs succeed)
robocopy "I:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "F:\DriverStore_BAK" /MIR /COPYALL /B /R:2 /W:1 /LOG:F:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt
If robocopy still shows Access Denied for some files, don’t panic — the important part is to get the repository renamed out of the way. The log will show what failed.
4) Rename the live repo and create a fresh one
rename "I:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "FileRepository.old"
mkdir "I:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
icacls "I:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "BUILTIN\Administrators":F /T /C
icacls "I:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /T /C
5) Check and reboot
dir "I:\Windows\System32\DriverStore"
icacls "I:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
type F:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt
wpeutil reboot
After Windows boots, run (Admin) and paste outputs:
pnputil /enum-drivers
dir /b "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" | find /v "" /c
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
If pnputil now works, install your Realtek driver:
pnputil /add-driver "D:\Reference...\rt640x64.inf" /install
If takeown or icacls gave errors in WinRE, paste the exact error lines. If diskpart showed different letters (not I: and F, paste the diskpart output and I’ll rewrite the commands with the correct letters.
Finally — about your syntax question: yes, takeown expects flags separated (e.g., /R /D Y). The earlier “invalid argument '/r/d'” came from running them without spaces or in a shell that parsed them oddly. Using the exact lines above should work.
Ready when you are — tell me what output you get (or if you want me to provide the shorter “skip backup and rename only” sequence). And yes — take a cpffee break anytime; I’ll be here when you return.

 

[glennpm]

Yes, "If diskpart shows different letters, tell me and I’ll change the commands."
DISKPART lists Volume 9 WD4TB-Dell as LTR I

 

[ChatGPT]

Thanks — that helps. We need to be absolutely sure which drive letter is the Windows system volume (the one that contains \Windows) and which is the backup target. You said DiskPart shows Volume 9 WD4TB‑Dell as letter I: — that sounds like your large backup/data disk, which is good to use as the backup target. But we must confirm the Windows volume letter (it may not be C: in WinRE).
Please run these quick checks and paste the outputs (or tell me the results). Run them in the environment you plan to use for the backup step:
1) In WinRE (recommended) or an elevated CMD in Windows:
diskpart
list vol
exit
2) Then check which volume actually contains the Windows folder (run both lines — one will succeed):
dir C:\Windows
dir I:\Windows
One of those will show the Windows folder listing; the other will say "File Not Found" or "The system cannot find the path specified." Tell me which path contains Windows. Also confirm that I: is the WD4TB external/internal drive you want to use for the backup and that it has enough free space (at least tens of GB). You can check free space with (replace the letter as appropriate):
dir I:\
or
wmic logicaldisk get caption,filesystem,freespace,size
When you paste back:

• The diskpart list vol output, and
• The dir output that shows which letter contains the \Windows folder,

I will give the exact WinRE commands to run — already tailored to your letters. If I: is the WD backup drive and, say, your Windows volume is C: (or something else), we’ll use I:\DriverStore_BAK as the robocopy target and use the I:/C: commands previously posted (with correct letters). If I: actually is your Windows volume, tell me and we’ll pick a different backup target (you can use D: or another external drive).
Finally — if you prefer to skip the backup (faster) we can rename the DriverStore immediately (I’ll show that short sequence), but I strongly recommend backing up if you have space.
Paste the diskpart and dir results and I’ll give the exact copy/paste WinRE block to run.

 

[glennpm]

windows is ltr C: on DISKPART

 

[ChatGPT]

Thanks — good catch. Since you confirmed the Windows volume is C:, we just need to be 100% sure which drive letter you want to use as the backup target for the DriverStore. You said earlier “F:\DriverStore_BAK” but DiskPart showed the big WD drive as I:. We must use whatever letter WinRE shows for that backup disk.
Two choices — pick one before you run anything:

• Use I: (the WD4TB you mentioned) → I:\DriverStore_BAK (recommended if I: is your large backup drive)
• Use F: → F:\DriverStore_BAK (only if F: actually exists and is the drive you want)

Tell me which letter you want to use (I or F). If you don’t care or don’t have a separate drive, we can skip the backup and rename the DriverStore directly (faster but without a copy).
When you confirm the backup letter, run the following exactly from WinRE (boot from Windows install USB → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt). I’ll provide both the “backup + rename” sequence and the shorter “skip backup + rename” option — use only the one you choose.
A) WinRE: BACKUP (safer) then RENAME — (use this if you have an external/other disk; replace X: with your backup drive letter — I or F)
(Assumes Windows is on C:. Replace X: below with your chosen backup drive letter, e.g. I
diskpart
list vol
exit
REM — make Administrators the owner and grant rights (recursive)
takeown /F "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /R /A /D Y
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "BUILTIN\Administrators":F /T /C
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /T /C
REM — robust backup (Backup mode /B helps bypass some ACLs)
robocopy "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "X:\DriverStore_BAK" /MIR /COPYALL /B /R:2 /W:1 /LOG:X:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt
REM — if the backup completed (or you want to proceed regardless), rename and recreate the repo
rename "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "FileRepository.old"
mkdir "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "BUILTIN\Administrators":F /T /C
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /T /C
REM — show a little info and reboot
dir "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore"
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
type X:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt
wpeutil reboot
B) WinRE: SKIP backup and just rename (faster — use if you don’t have space)
(If you choose this, run; no X: needed)
diskpart
list vol
exit
takeown /F "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /R /A /D Y
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "BUILTIN\Administrators":F /T /C
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /T /C
rename "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "FileRepository.old"
mkdir "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "BUILTIN\Administrators":F /T /C
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /T /C
wpeutil reboot
After reboot (in normal Windows) — run these three checks (Admin CMD) and paste the outputs here:
pnputil /enum-drivers
dir /b "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" | find /v "" /c
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
What to expect

• robocopy in WinRE should successfully copy most files. If you still see “Access is denied” lines in the robocopy log, paste the log (X:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt) and I’ll check which files failed — we can still proceed to rename even if a few files fail.
• After you rename and create a fresh FileRepository, pnputil should no longer throw the “configuration registry database is corrupt” error. If pnputil works, reinstall the Realtek/OEM drivers you already downloaded using pnputil and then retry the in‑place upgrade (or simply check if Windows networking is restored).

If pnputil still fails after this

• Paste the exact pnputil error and the results of the three post‑boot checks above. We’ll either try a targeted registry/driver-store repair or proceed with a clean install strategy (you have the Clonezilla image — so that remains an option).

Finally — small encouragement
You’ve done a ton of careful troubleshooting and you’re exactly on the right path. Run the chosen WinRE block (backup+rename is preferable). If you want me to paste the block now with I: specifically substituted (so you can copy/paste directly), say “Use I:” and I’ll output the exact block with I: as the backup drive. Or say “Use F:” if you prefer F:.
And yes — take a cpffee break if you need one. I’ll be here when you return.

 

[glennpm]

I need to Use I: (the WD4TB you mentioned) → I:\DriverStore_BAK (recommended if I: is your large backup drive)

 

[ChatGPT]

Perfect — here is the exact WinRE command block with I: as the backup target. Run these from the WinRE Command Prompt (Boot from the Windows install USB → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt). Copy & paste the whole block exactly. If DiskPart shows different letters in WinRE, stop and tell me the list so I can adjust.
IMPORTANT: run this in WinRE (not from the running Windows desktop) so files are not locked.
WinRE command block (copy/paste)
diskpart
list vol
exit
REM — confirm which volume contains \Windows (should be C and that I: is present for backup
REM — give Administrators ownership & required permissions (recursive)
takeown /F "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /R /A /D Y
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "BUILTIN\Administrators":F /T /C
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /T /C
REM — robust backup to I:\DriverStore_BAK (Backup mode /B helps with ACLs)
robocopy "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "I:\DriverStore_BAK" /MIR /COPYALL /B /R:2 /W:1 /LOG:"I:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt"
REM — rename the live repository so Windows will create a fresh one
rename "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "FileRepository.old"
REM — create a fresh empty repository and set ACLs
mkdir "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "BUILTIN\Administrators":F /T /C
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /T /C
REM — quick verification & show backup log
dir "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore"
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
type "I:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt"
REM — reboot to Windows
wpeutil reboot
What to expect

• robocopy will try to copy everything to I:\DriverStore_BAK; any files it cannot copy will be logged in I:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt. If you get some Access Denied lines in the log that’s OK — the goal is to get the corrupt active store renamed so Setup can enumerate a clean one.
• If robocopy fails badly (no space / many denies), you can still proceed (rename) — that will unblock the installer. If you prefer to skip the backup entirely, tell me and I’ll give the shorter rename-only sequence.

After the reboot — run these in an elevated Command Prompt and paste the outputs here
pnputil /enum-drivers
dir /b "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" | find /v "" /c
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
If pnputil runs without the “configuration registry database is corrupt” error, proceed to reinstall drivers you already downloaded. Example (adjust the D: path to your driver folder):
pnputil /add-driver "D:\Reference\Computer\Inspiron_laptop_i15-5548\Drivers\WIN10\64*.inf" /install
Or the single Realtek INF:
pnputil /add-driver "D:\Reference\Computer\Inspiron_laptop_i15-5548\Drivers\WIN10\64\rt640x64.inf" /install
Then reboot and check Device Manager (and retry the in‑place upgrade if you still want to).
If pnputil still errors after rename

• Paste the pnputil error output and the three check outputs above. Also paste the contents (or tail) of I:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt so I can see which files robocopy failed to copy. I’ll then provide a fallback sequence (we can attempt targeted registry/driver-store repair or proceed toward repair install / clean install with guidance).

If you hit any error when running the WinRE block, copy the exact error text and paste it here — I’ll adjust immediately.
Good luck with the WinRE run — and yes, take a cpffee break if you need one. I’ll be here to parse the results as soon as you return.

 

[glennpm]

I still have a problem getting "invalid parameter "BUILTIN\Administrators":I

 

[ChatGPT]

That error means the icacls parser saw an unexpected token (the trailing “:I” or similar) — usually from a typo or stray characters at the end of the command. Let’s fix it and make the steps as robust as possible.
Two things to do now:
1) Run the safer, minimal ownership/ACL commands one at a time (so we can see exactly which one fails).
2) If one fails, paste the exact command you typed and the exact error text (so I can spot the stray character).
Correct, copy‑paste‑ready commands (run these in WinRE Command Prompt). I assume Windows is on C: and your backup target is I:. Run the diskpart/list vol first to confirm letters.
Confirm volumes (run first)
diskpart
list vol
exit
If C: is your Windows volume and I: is your backup disk, run the following commands one at a time (don’t paste them all in one line). Watch for any error output and paste it here if one fails.
Step A — set owner (recursive) — use /A to set Administrators as owner
takeown /F "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /R /A /D Y
Step B — set owner via icacls (fallback)
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /setowner "Administrators" /T /C
Step C — grant Administrators full control (use the simple name Administrators)
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "Administrators":F /T /C
Step D — grant SYSTEM full control
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /T /C
Notes and tips

• Make sure you type/copy exactly; do NOT add anything after the command (no stray drive letters or punctuation). The common mistake is to paste a command and then accidentally append a drive letter or other text.
• If you see an error like Invalid parameter "BUILTIN\Administrators":I that indicates a stray “:I” was appended after the argument. Remove any trailing characters and try again.
• If your WinRE shell is picky about names, use the /setowner "Administrators" form first (Step B) — it is generally reliable.

If those succeed, run the robocopy backup and rename steps (one block):
robocopy "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "I:\DriverStore_BAK" /MIR /COPYALL /B /R:2 /W:1 /LOG:"I:\DriverStore_Backup_Log.txt"
rename "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "FileRepository.old"
mkdir "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "Administrators":F /T /C
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /T /C
wpeutil reboot
If robocopy still reports Access Denied on some files, that is OK — proceed to rename (the rename step is what unblocks Setup) and reboot. After reboot (in normal Windows), run these and paste the outputs:
pnputil /enum-drivers
dir /b "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" | find /v "" /c
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
If any of the icacls or takeown commands fail again, copy the exact command you used and the exact error text and paste it here. I’ll correct it immediately.
If you’d rather skip the backup (faster) I can give the shorter rename-only block; say “Skip backup” and I’ll post it.
If you want, paste the exact command you previously ran that produced Invalid parameter "BUILTIN\Administrators":I — that will let me point out the exact typo.

 

[glennpm]

pnputil /enum-drivers
registry database is corrupt

 

[glennpm]

skip backup

 

[ChatGPT]

Thanks — that pnputil message confirms we’re facing persistent, low‑level configuration/registry corruption: the Windows setup and driver manager can’t enumerate or update the driver store because the “configuration registry database is corrupt.” At this point you have two realistic choices:

• Keep trying repairs (one more offline repair sequence I’ll give below — relatively low risk), or
• Move to a clean Windows reinstall (safer guaranteed outcome) while preserving Ubuntu — I’ll give the exact, careful steps for that as well.

Pick which path you want to try next. I recommend first attempting the offline repairs (a last attempt) only if you want to avoid a reinstall; if you prefer to stop chasing it, choose the clean reinstall path.
If you want to try another offline repair (do these from WinRE / Recovery Command Prompt)
1) Boot to WinRE (Windows install USB → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt).
2) Confirm drive letters:
diskpart
list vol
exit
(Confirm which letter is your Windows volume — usually C: in WinRE — and which is your backup target, I:.)
3) Run a full offline chkdsk:
chkdsk C: /f /r

• If it prompts to schedule, agree. Let it complete (this can take a while). If there are I/O errors, stop and tell me — that must be fixed first.

4) Run offline SFC and point DISM to the mounted ISO (you can mount the ISO in WinRE or copy install.wim/esd onto a USB). Example commands (replace X: with the ISO drive letter you mounted or USB letter):
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows
If that reports unfixable items, then:
If you have an ISO with install.wim:
DISM /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:wim:X:\sources\install.wim:1 /LimitAccess
If the ISO has install.esd:
DISM /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:esd:X:\sources\install.esd:1 /LimitAccess
(These run against the offline image. They’re more thorough than the online form when run from WinRE.)
5) After those complete, reboot to Windows and re-run in an elevated prompt:
sfc /scannow
pnputil /enum-drivers
If pnputil still reports “registry database is corrupt,” the registry/driver metadata area is damaged beyond what DISM/SFC can patch.
If that still fails — last repair attempt: reset system ACLs + try driverstore rename (you already tried ACL fixes; if you haven’t done the WinRE DriverStore rename successfully, do that now). Steps I previously gave (robocopy to I:\DriverStore_BAK, rename FileRepository, create fresh FileRepository, set ACLs) are the standard fix. If robocopy fails to copy some files that’s OK — the rename is what unblocks Setup.
If after all offline repairs pnputil still fails, stop repairs and consider reinstall.
If you prefer to stop repairing and do a clean Windows reinstall (recommended if you want a stable result quickly)
A. Prepare (you already have Clonezilla image — excellent)

• Collect any small extra backups (Documents, Browser bookmarks, etc.) from Windows if you want. Ubuntu is unaffected if you install carefully (but I’ll give steps to avoid destroying it).

B. Make Windows 10 install USB (Media Creation Tool) or use the ISO you already downloaded.
C. Clean install procedure that preserves Ubuntu
1) Boot from Windows USB installer.
2) Choose Custom install. At the partition selection screen, select only the Windows partitions (the one currently used for Windows — typically the big NTFS partition and its small system partitions). Do NOT delete or format the Ubuntu partitions. If you’re unsure which partitions belong to Ubuntu, post your diskpart list and I’ll point which ones to avoid.
3) Let Windows install and update. After install, Windows may become the default bootloader (GRUB might be overwritten). That’s OK — we’ll restore GRUB.
D. Restore GRUB (if needed)

• Boot an Ubuntu Live USB → Open Terminal and run these commands (replace sdX and sdXY with your disk and root partition):

sudo mount /dev/sdXY /mnt # your Ubuntu root partition
sudo mount /dev/sdXZ /mnt/boot/efi # if you have a separate EFI partition (sdXZ)
sudo grub-install --boot-directory=/mnt/boot /dev/sdX
sudo chroot /mnt
sudo update-grub
exit
sudo umount /mnt/boot/efi /mnt
reboot
After this, GRUB should show entries for Linux and Windows.
E. Reinstall OEM drivers in Windows

• Use the Dell driver package you already downloaded (install chipset + storage + Realtek). If the internal NIC still doesn’t work, use a USB‑Ethernet dongle for network.

Bottom line and recommendation

• If you want one final repair attempt I’ll guide you step‑by‑step through the offline DISM/SFC and the DriverStore rename from WinRE (we can do it now). It sometimes succeeds and saves a reinstall.
• If you prefer to stop and get back to a clean system quickly, do the clean install route — I’ll provide the exact partition steps and the GRUB restore commands tailored to your disk layout so Ubuntu is preserved.

Which do you want to do right now?

• “Try offline repairs” — I’ll paste the exact WinRE commands to run (DISM/SFC + driverstore sequence) and wait for the outputs.
• “Do clean install” — I’ll give a step‑by‑step checklist for partition selection and the GRUB restore commands for your setup.

Also: absolutely take a cpffee break — you’ve earned it. Tell me which path and I’ll produce the precise commands.

 

[ChatGPT]

Good — since you chose to skip the backup, below is a concise, copy‑pasteable WinRE command sequence to rename the corrupt DriverStore FileRepository and create a fresh, empty one. Run this only from WinRE (boot from your Windows install USB → Troubleshoot → Advanced → Command Prompt). I’m including the exact post‑boot checks and the driver reinstall commands to run once Windows restarts. These steps are the shorter “rename only” path we discussed earlier.
IMPORTANT

• Run these in WinRE/Recovery, not from the running Windows desktop (files will be locked otherwise).
• You already have a Clonezilla image — good safety net.
• If any command produces an error, copy the exact error text and paste it here so I can adjust.

WinRE — Skip backup (copy/paste this block in WinRE Command Prompt)
diskpart
list vol
exit
takeown /F "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /R /A /D Y
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "BUILTIN\Administrators":F /T /C
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /T /C
rename "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" "FileRepository.old"
mkdir "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "BUILTIN\Administrators":F /T /C
icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM":F /T /C
wpeutil reboot
What this does

• takeown + icacls: force ownership and permissions so we can rename the folder.
• rename: removes the corrupt active DriverStore from use (Windows will not see it as the driver store).
• mkdir + icacls: creates a fresh empty FileRepository with correct ACLs so Windows can enumerate/install drivers again.
  (Backing up is safer, but skipping the backup is what you requested and it unblocks the installer quickly.)

After Windows restarts — run these (Administrator CMD) and paste the outputs here
1) pnputil /enum-drivers
2) dir /b "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository" | find /v "" /c
3) icacls "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository"
What we expect

• pnputil should no longer return “configuration registry database is corrupt.” If pnputil now runs OK, that means Setup can enumerate the driver store and the blocking error should be resolved. If pnputil still errors, paste that error exactly and I’ll give the next steps. (See diagnostics & reasoning in the logs we examined earlier.)

Next — reinstall vendor drivers you already downloaded

• If Device Manager shows missing devices or you want to ensure drivers are present, install the Dell driver pack (or at least the Realtek NIC INF) from the folder you already copied to D: (adjust path if needed):

pnputil /add-driver "D:\Reference\Computer\Inspiron_laptop_i15-5548\Drivers\WIN10\64*.inf" /install
Or the single Realtek INF:
pnputil /add-driver "D:\Reference\Computer\Inspiron_laptop_i15-5548\Drivers\WIN10\64\rt640x64.inf" /install
Reboot after installs and check Device Manager → Network adapters. If the Realtek NIC appears, test networking. If it still doesn’t show, paste pnputil output and the Device Manager screenshot (or list) and I’ll guide the fix.
If the in‑place upgrade is still required

• Once pnputil enumerates drivers and you’ve reinstalled the Realtek driver, mount your Windows 10 22H2 ISO and run setup.exe as Administrator (choose Keep personal files and apps). Try with “Don’t download updates” on the first attempt. If it fails again, capture setuperr.log / setupact.log tails and SetupDiag output and paste them here — we’ll parse the exact blocking item.

If anything errors during the WinRE steps

• Copy the exact command you ran and the full error text and paste it here. I’ll correct the syntax or tailor commands to the WinRE drive letters you saw in diskpart. If you prefer, you can paste the diskpart list vol output and I’ll produce a one‑shot command block with the exact letters substituted.

Practical fallback (if pnputil still fails)

• Plug in a USB‑Ethernet or USB Wi‑Fi adapter in Windows so you can get online, run Windows Update and install OEM drivers — that often resolves residual driver metadata issues and lets the upgrade complete. If you prefer to stop here and do a clean reinstall later, I’ll also guide that (how to preserve or restore Ubuntu/GRUB).

Done? What to paste here next

• After the reboot: paste the three post‑boot command outputs (pnputil / enum, dir count, icacls). If you ran the WinRE block and saw errors during any step, paste those exact error lines. I’ll respond immediately with the precise next command or interpretation.

And yes — take a cpffee break if you want. I’ll be here when you return.

 

[glennpm]

I'm now unable to boot, seeing only the spinning cirle below the DELL logo.

Please help me to do a fresh installation without affecting any of the other partition on my drive, one of which is Ubuntu

 

[ChatGPT]

OK — you’re at the spinning circle on POST. I’ll give a safe, step‑by‑step plan to do a fresh Windows install that replaces only the Windows partitions and preserves your Ubuntu partitions (and then restore GRUB so the dual‑boot works again). Because you already have a Clonezilla image, you have a safety net — good.
Before you start — checklist (do NOT skip)

• Confirm you have a Clonezilla image (you said yes). Good.
• Have a Windows 10 USB installer ready (22H2 matching your previous install). If not, I’ll show the link/steps.
• Have an Ubuntu Live USB (for restoring GRUB afterwards). If not, create one with Rufus/unetbootin.
• Make sure you know which disk/partition is Windows and which are Ubuntu. Don’t guess during install — use sizes/labels to identify the Windows partition (usually NTFS, ~150GB in your earlier list).
• Plug laptop into AC.

High‑level plan
1) Boot Windows installer USB → perform Custom install and format only the existing Windows partition(s) (leave EFI and Ubuntu partitions alone).
2) Finish Windows install; system will boot into Windows.
3) Restore GRUB (boot Ubuntu Live → reinstall GRUB to EFI) so you can choose Ubuntu or Windows again.
4) Reinstall any OEM drivers in Windows (Realtek, Dell utilities).
Detailed steps
A — Prepare installers

• Windows USB: use Microsoft Media Creation Tool (on another PC) or download official ISO and write with Rufus. Use Windows 10 22H2 x64 (your build was 19045). Official page: Download Windows 10
• Ubuntu Live USB: download Ubuntu ISO and write with Rufus or balenaEtcher.

B — Identify current partition layout (optional but recommended)
If you can still boot Ubuntu or can boot a Live USB, run:
sudo lsblk -o NAME,SIZE,FSTYPE,LABEL,MOUNTPOINT
sudo fdisk -l
Note which partition is your Windows partition (NTFS, size roughly 150GB from earlier output). Also note which partition is the EFI system partition (FAT32, ~100–500MB). You’ll need that info to avoid deleting Ubuntu.
C — Boot the Windows installer and choose Custom install

1. Boot from the Windows USB (F12 or Esc on Dell to choose USB).
2. When installer starts choose language/time, click Install now. Skip product key if it asks.
3. When prompted "Which type of installation?" choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
4. You’ll see a partition list. DO NOT delete or format partitions unless you are certain they’re Windows (C: and maybe Recovery and MSR). Typical Windows partitions:
   • EFI System Partition (FAT32, ~100–500 MB) — do not delete if it contains Ubuntu’s GRUB; Windows will still update EFI.
   • Microsoft Reserved (MSR) — small ~16MB (only visible on GPT).
   • Windows partition (NTFS, ~150 GB) — this is the one you want to format / install to.
   • Recovery partitions (small) — often can be left alone or removed and recreated by Windows installer; if unsure, leave them.
   • Linux partitions (ext4) or swap — do NOT touch.
5. Select the existing Windows partition (the NTFS partition you identified) → click Format. Confirm. This wipes only Windows files on that partition. If the installer refuses to format and suggests deleting, you may delete the Windows partition and then select the unallocated space and click Next; Windows will create necessary partitions in the same disk (but still don’t touch EFI or Linux partitions).
6. Proceed with installation. Windows will reboot several times.

D — After Windows installation completes

• Windows will probably boot directly and may become the default in firmware (GRUB may be missing). Do not panic.

E — Restore GRUB so you can dual‑boot
Boot Ubuntu Live USB (Try Ubuntu).
Use these commands (in a Terminal). I’ll provide commands that detect the EFI and root partitions automatically — copy/paste each and check the outputs.
1) Find partitions (paste output here if uncertain)
sudo lsblk -f
Look for:

• the Ubuntu root (ext4) partition (e.g. /dev/sdaX)
• the EFI partition (FAT32) (e.g. /dev/sda1). The EFI partition contains directories like /EFI/ubuntu and /EFI/Microsoft.

2) Mount Ubuntu root and EFI, then reinstall GRUB (replace sdXN values below with your device names):
Assume Ubuntu root is /dev/sda2 and EFI is /dev/sda1 — replace accordingly.
sudo mount /dev/sda2 /mnt
sudo mkdir -p /mnt/boot/efi
sudo mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/boot/efi
for i in /dev /dev/pts /proc /sys /run; do sudo mount --bind $i /mnt$i; done
sudo chroot /mnt
Then inside chroot:
grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/boot/efi --bootloader-id=ubuntu --recheck
update-grub
Then exit and unmount:
exit
for i in /run /sys /proc /dev/pts /dev; do sudo umount /mnt$i; done
sudo umount /mnt/boot/efi
sudo umount /mnt
Reboot. GRUB should appear and include both Ubuntu and Windows entries.
If the above grub-install fails, use Boot-Repair (easier GUI):

• While in Live session:
  sudo add-apt-repository ppa:yannubuntu/boot-repair
  sudo apt update
  sudo apt install -y boot-repair
  boot-repair
  Use "Recommended repair". It restores GRUB and EFI entries.

F — Post‑install in Windows

• Install Dell chipset and network drivers (the Realtek package you downloaded). If Windows Update offers them, use that. Disable Fast Startup while dual‑booting: Control Panel → Power options → Choose what the power buttons do → Uncheck Turn on fast startup.
• Reboot and confirm both OSes boot via GRUB.

G — If anything goes wrong / you lost Ubuntu entries

• Boot Ubuntu live and run Boot‑Repair (recommended). If you need, paste lsblk output here and I’ll provide exact chroot commands.

Important safety notes

• If at partition selection you see multiple drives (e.g., two SSDs), be careful to select the correct disk/partition for Windows. The installer shows sizes — choose the one matching your previous Windows partition.
• If you feel uncertain at the installer partition screen, stop and paste a photo or exact list (I can interpret it). Don’t guess.
• Because we plan to leave the EFI partition intact, you should be able to reinstall GRUB afterward. If you let Windows overwrite the EFI entry, GRUB can be restored using the steps above.

If you want I can:

• Walk you through the Windows install live (I’ll wait while you perform each step and tell you what to click).
• Provide the exact grub chroot commands tailored to the partitions shown by lsblk (paste lsblk output if you want me to generate the correct commands).
• Help run Boot‑Repair commands if the manual grub-install fails.

Tell me which of the following you want now:

• A — Step‑by‑step live guidance while you run the Windows installer, or
• B — I post the exact grub restore commands if you paste lsblk / fdisk -l output from the Ubuntu Live session, or
• C — I give the Boot‑Repair PPA commands to run (easiest GUI restore).

If you’re ready, tell me which option and, if you want option B/C, boot an Ubuntu Live USB and paste the output of:
sudo lsblk -f
(so I can write the exact grub commands with the correct device names).