PC Doctor December 21, 2019

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Dear PC Doctor:

I have a Lenovo laptop running Windows 10. Last night, when I turned on my computer, it forced me into running an update. Now, it’s stuck in a reboot mode. A message flashed across the screen, but it was so fast, I couldn’t read what it said. What can I do? Can I stop the update and get back into my computer?

Thanks,

Re-boot

Dear Re-boot:

Oh no!

Unfortunately, you are not alone. Something similar has happened to quite a few Windows 10 users during this recent update. Fortunately, that means there are many suggestions for you to try.

Here are a few things that might work:

• Press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys at the same time to see if you can halt the process. If that works, you should be able to log in your normal way from there.
• If that does not work, try holding down the Windows logo key and R. Type msconfig in the Open box and then select OK. In the window that next opens, look for the Boot tab. Under Boot options, choose the Safe boot checkbox.
• Try re-installing Windows. This will have the unfortunate result of erasing your hard drive – So, only do this if everything you want is backed up elsewhere.
• Find a paper clip, unbend it, and poke it into your computer’s re-set pinhole. To find out where yours is, use a different device to look up the location on your model. It will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. It often has a graphic of an arc with an arrow at one end. Users report that doing this does, unfortunately, also delete software from your hard drive – So do this only if you think you must.
• If none of these things work, it may be time to contact your local trusted computer repair person.

I wish you luck!

Until next time,

Happy Computing!

PC Doctor

Editor's Note: Questions should be directed to PC Doctor, care of the Athol Public Library, info@athollibrary.org or Athol Public Library, 568 Main St., Athol, Mass. 01331, or dropped off at the library.