Can't reset my laptop

Question

Can't reset my laptop

jayjay lin 0

Im trying to reset my laptop(win10), by resetting. It keeps giving error, and failing

I tried complete wipe local reset but it always gives the error "there was a problem resetting your pc" and restart. Eventually i just gave up and switch to " delete files, and apps only" But it stil gives error " ran into problom" in the screenshot

How do i fix it so that i can reset. FYI im not available to do the usb fresh reinstall, it seems complicated to me. But final strap leave s me no choice, ill try it.

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2 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Ramesh 182K Volunteer Moderator

Eventually i just gave up and switch to " delete files, and apps only" But it stil gives error " ran into problom" in the screenshot

Please post the screenshot here.

Also, upload a zipped copy of the following setup log file:

C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Panther\setupact.log

Note: C:\$WINDOWS.~BT is a hidden folder. To access it, press Win + R, type C:\$WINDOWS.~BT and click OK.

jayjay lin 0 Reputation points

2026-09-22T05:48:30.8466667+00:00

i cant even open this hidden file ..
Ramesh 182K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-22T05:49:42.08+00:00

Why?
jayjay lin 0 Reputation points

2026-09-22T06:29:46.7033333+00:00

this ....
Ramesh 182K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-22T06:32:06.11+00:00

I don't know what you mean. If you need help, post detailed description of the issue you're facing and the error message you received.
Ramesh 182K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-09-22T06:33:32.35+00:00
You can try a repair installation to fix the recovery environment.

Download Windows 10 Media Creation Tool (MCT) from this link → https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=2265055

Run MCT and accept the license agreement.

Click "Upgrade this PC now". This starts the repair installation.
jayjay lin 0 Reputation points

2026-09-22T06:34:20.6166667+00:00

idk my reply has no pictures, but when i copied C:$WINDOWS.~BT, in win+R it doesnt show it, it says cant find C:$WINDOWS.~BT, make sure you typed the name correctly. But i only copy paste what you commented

Answer 2

Try these steps in order:

Do not force-restart during Reset
A reset can show a black screen for a long time and may restart itself. Manually restarting it can cause the reset to fail.
Try Reset from Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
If resetting from normal Windows keeps failing, start from WinRE and try again:
- Go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC
- Choose the reset option you want
- Follow the on-screen steps
Check for Windows Update first
Before trying reset again, install available updates. This can improve reset reliability:
- Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update on Windows 10
Repair the Windows image and disk errors
Corrupted files can block reset. Run these from an elevated Command Prompt:
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- chkdsk /f C: These require administrator permissions. chkdsk may require a restart and can take time.
If Reset still fails, use recovery media
If the built-in reset feature is not working, the supported fallback is to reinstall Windows using recovery media or a recovery drive. This is more disruptive and can remove personal files, apps, and settings.
For a Surface device only
If the laptop is a Surface and reset keeps failing, try creating and using a Surface USB recovery drive.

If the goal is the least disruptive reinstall, there is also a Windows reinstall option through Windows Update that keeps files, apps, and settings. If the goal is a full wipe, recovery media is the fallback when Reset this PC keeps failing.

References: