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How to Fix Windows 10/11 Stuck Preparing Automatic Repair

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Unraveling the Mysteries of Windows 10/11: Resolving the Perplexing Preparing Automatic Repair Loop

Restart your computer: Sometimes a simple restart can fix the “Preparing Automatic Repair” issue. Press and hold the power button until the computer shuts down, then turn it back on. Repeat this process a few times if necessary.

Overview of the “Preparing automatic repair” error on Windows 10

The “Preparing automatic repair” error is a common issue on Windows 10 that can result in your PC being stuck in a loop, preventing it from starting up properly. This error typically occurs when there are problems with your system files or when changes to your PC’s settings have caused conflicts.

To fix this error, there are several steps you can take. First, try restarting your PC and pressing the F12 or BuWinREtton key to access the troubleshoot menu. From there, you can try booting into safe mode or using the automatic repair feature. If these methods don’t work, you can also try repairing your PC’s Master Boot Record or checking your BIOS settings.

To fix the ‘Preparing Automatic Repair’ issue, try restarting your system multiple times as it may resolve the problem.

Symptoms of the “Preparing automatic repair” error

  • Perform a Power Reset
  • Check Hardware Connections
    Perform a Power Reset Check Hardware Connections
  • Disable Automatic Startup Repair
  • Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan
  • Perform a Startup Repair
  • Use System Restore Point
  • Reset PC
  • Reinstall Windows
    Reset PC Reinstall Windows

Power Reset:

  1. Turn off your computer by pressing and holding the power button for about 10 seconds.
  2. Disconnect the power cable and any other external devices connected to your computer.
  3. Remove the laptop battery (if applicable).
  4. Wait for a few minutes.
    Remove the laptop battery (if applicable). Wait for a few minutes.
  5. Reconnect the power cable and battery (if applicable).
  6. Turn on your computer and check if the error persists.
    Reconnect the power cable and battery (if applicable). Turn on your computer and check if the error persists.

Check Hardware Connections:

  1. Ensure all cables and connections (e.g., power cable, hard drive cables) are securely plugged in.
  2. If a connection seems loose, disconnect and reconnect it firmly.
  3. Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.

Disable Automatic Startup Repair:

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. When the “Preparing Automatic Repair” screen appears, press and hold the power button to force shut down your computer.
    Restart your computer. When the "Preparing Automatic Repair" screen appears, press and hold the power button to force shut down your computer.
  3. Repeat this process two more times.
  4. On the third restart, Windows will enter the Automatic Repair screen.
  5. Click on “Advanced options.”
  6. Select “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options.”
    Click on "Advanced options." Select "Troubleshoot" and then "Advanced options."
  7. Choose “Command Prompt.”
  8. Enter the command bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No and press Enter.
  9. Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.

Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan:

  1. Access the “Advanced options” screen following the steps mentioned in the previous method.
  2. Select “Command Prompt.”
    Access the "Advanced options" screen following the steps mentioned in the previous method. Select "Command Prompt."
  3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  4. Wait for the scan to complete.
  5. If any corrupt system files are found, they will be automatically repaired.
  6. Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.
    If any corrupt system files are found, they will be automatically repaired. Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.

Perform a Startup Repair:

  1. Access the “Advanced options” screen following the steps mentioned in the “Disable Automatic Startup Repair” method.
  2. Select “Startup Repair.”
    Access the "Advanced options" screen following the steps mentioned in the "Disable Automatic Startup Repair" method. Select "Startup Repair."
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to allow Windows to repair startup issues.
  4. Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.

Use System Restore Point:

  1. Access the “Advanced options” screen following the steps mentioned in the “Disable Automatic Startup Repair” method.
  2. Select “System Restore.”
  3. Choose a restore point from the available list.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your computer to the selected restore point.
    Choose a restore point from the available list. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your computer to the selected restore point.
  5. Wait for the process to complete.
  6. Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.
    Wait for the process to complete. Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.

Reset PC:

  1. Access the “Advanced options” screen following the steps mentioned in the “Disable Automatic Startup Repair” method.
  2. Select “Reset this PC.”
    Access the "Advanced options" screen following the steps mentioned in the "Disable Automatic Startup Repair" method. Select "Reset this PC."
  3. Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the reset process.
  5. Wait for the reset to complete.
  6. Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.
    Wait for the reset to complete. Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.

Reinstall Windows:

  1. Backup your important files and data.
  2. Create a Windows installation media (USB or DVD).
    Backup your important files and data. Create a Windows installation media (USB or DVD).
  3. Boot your computer from the installation media.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows.
  5. Choose the appropriate options, including the installation type and partition.
  6. Wait for the installation to complete.
    Choose the appropriate options, including the installation type and partition. Wait for the installation to complete.
  7. Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.

Causes of the “Preparing automatic repair” or “Automatic repair loop” error

  1. Restart your computer and press the F8 key repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
  2. Select Repair Your Computer from the menu and press Enter.
    Restart your computer and press the F8 key repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears. Select Repair Your Computer from the menu and press Enter.
  3. Choose your language preferences and click Next.
  4. Click on Startup Repair and wait for the repair process to complete.
  5. Restart your computer and check if the “Preparing automatic repair” error is resolved.

Repair Method 2: Run System File Checker

  1. Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to run the System File Checker.
    Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to run the System File Checker.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete and let the tool fix any corrupt system files.
  4. Restart your computer and see if the error persists.

Repair Method 3: Check Hard Drive for Errors

  1. Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter to check and repair drive errors.
    Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin). Type chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter to check and repair drive errors.
  3. Press Y and restart your computer to initiate the scan on the next boot.
  4. Allow the scan to complete and let the tool fix any detected errors.
  5. After the scan is finished, restart your computer and see if the issue is resolved.

Repair Method 4: Disable Automatic Startup Repair

  1. Restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
  2. Select Repair Your Computer and press Enter.
    Restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears. Select Repair Your Computer and press Enter.
  3. Choose your language preferences and click Next.
  4. Click on Troubleshoot and then select Advanced Options.
  5. Click on Command Prompt and type bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No.
  6. Press Enter to disable automatic startup repair.
    Click on Command Prompt and type bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No. Press Enter to disable automatic startup repair.
  7. Restart your computer and check if the error persists.

python
import subprocess

def fix_preparing_automatic_repair():
try:
# Execute command to disable automatic repair
subprocess.run(['bcdedit', '/set', '{default}', 'recoveryenabled', 'No'], check=True)

# Execute command to fix boot files
subprocess.run(['bootrec', '/fixboot'], check=True)
subprocess.run(['bootrec', '/fixmbr'], check=True)
subprocess.run(['bootrec', '/rebuildbcd'], check=True)

print("Preparing automatic repair issue fixed successfully!")
except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
print("Error occurred while fixing preparing automatic repair:", e)

# Usage
fix_preparing_automatic_repair()

This code uses the `subprocess` module in Python to execute commands on the command line. It disables automatic repair using the `bcdedit` command and then attempts to fix the boot files using the `bootrec` command. It provides basic error handling and feedback to the user. However, please note that this code is simplistic and may not cover all possible causes of the issue.

Performing a hard reboot

To perform a hard reboot, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the power button on your laptop or desktop until it shuts down completely.
2. Once the device is off, wait for a few seconds.
3. Press the power button again to turn it back on.
4. While the device is booting up, continuously press the F12 or F8 key, depending on your computer’s brand, to access the boot options menu.

From here, you can select safe mode or troubleshoot options to diagnose and fix the underlying problem causing the Windows Automatic Repair screen loop.

Remember to refer to your device’s manual or contact the manufacturer for specific instructions if the above steps don’t apply to your machine.

Perform a system restore to a previous point to fix the ‘Preparing Automatic Repair’ loop.

Booting the computer in Safe Mode

Booting your computer in Safe Mode can help resolve issues like a stuck Preparing Automatic Repair screen or a Windows Automatic Repair loop. Follow these steps to access Safe Mode:

1. Start by turning off your computer completely.
2. Press the power button to turn it on, and immediately start pressing the F8 key repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu.
3. Select Safe Mode from the menu using the arrow keys and press Enter.
4. Once in Safe Mode, you can troubleshoot various problems, such as driver conflicts or software issues.
5. To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your computer.

Remember, Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that loads only essential drivers and services, which can help pinpoint the cause of the issue. It’s a useful tool for diagnosing your PC, and it can be accessed by anyone using different brands like Acer, Dell, HP, or Asus laptops running Windows 8, 10, or 11.

Rebuilding BCD with the Command Prompt

To rebuild the BCD (Boot Configuration Data) using the Command Prompt, follow these steps:

1. Start by booting your Windows 10/11 computer into the troubleshoot menu. You can access this menu by pressing the necessary keys during the startup process. If you’re unsure which keys to press, refer to your computer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website.

2. Once you’re in the troubleshoot menu, select the “Command Prompt” option.

3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command: bootrec /rebuildbcd and press Enter.

4. The command will scan your system for Windows installations and prompt you to add them to the BCD. Type “Y” (without quotes) and press Enter to confirm.

5. After the process is complete, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

By rebuilding the BCD, you can fix Windows 10/11 stuck in the “Preparing Automatic Repair” screen loop. This solution may also help with other boot-related issues, such as a black screen or blue screen error. Keep in mind that diagnosing and troubleshooting your PC can vary depending on the manufacturer (such as Acer, Dell, HP, or Asus) and the version of Windows (such as Windows 8 or Windows 11) you’re using.

Disabling Automatic Repair at boot

To disable Automatic Repair at boot and fix the “Preparing Automatic Repair” issue on Windows 10/11:

1. Start by rebooting your computer and repeatedly pressing the F8 or Shift+F8 key during startup to access the Advanced Boot Options menu.
2. Select “Safe Mode” or “Safe Mode with Networking” from the menu and press Enter.
3. Once in Safe Mode, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
4. Type “msconfig” and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
5. In the System Configuration window, go to the “Boot” tab.
6. Uncheck the “Safe boot” option and click OK.
7. Restart your computer normally and see if the issue is resolved.

If the issue persists, it may be caused by other factors such as faulty hardware or software conflicts. Consider seeking further assistance from a professional or referring to other troubleshooting guides for specific laptop brands like Acer, Dell, HP, or Asus.

Running the Fixboot and Chkdsk commands

  1. Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment by restarting your computer and pressing the appropriate key (usually F12 or Esc) to access the boot menu. Select the recovery option from the menu.
  2. Select Troubleshoot from the recovery options screen.
  3. Choose Advanced options to access further repair options.
  4. Select Command Prompt to open a command prompt window.
    Choose Advanced options to access further repair options. Select Command Prompt to open a command prompt window.
  5. In the command prompt, type bootrec /fixboot and press Enter. This command repairs the boot sector of your Windows installation.
  6. Wait for the command to complete its execution. This might take a few minutes.
    In the command prompt, type bootrec /fixboot and press Enter. This command repairs the boot sector of your Windows installation. Wait for the command to complete its execution. This might take a few minutes.
  7. Type chkdsk C: /f and press Enter. Replace “C:” with the drive letter where your Windows installation is located, if necessary. This command checks and repairs any file system errors on the specified drive.
  8. Depending on the size and condition of your hard drive, the chkdsk process may take a while to complete.
  9. After the chkdsk process finishes, restart your computer and check if the “Preparing Automatic Repair” issue is resolved.

Repairing corrupted system files

If you’re experiencing a stuck Preparing Automatic Repair screen on your Windows 10/11 device, it may be due to corrupted system files. Fortunately, there are a few ways to repair these files and get your system back up and running.

First, try accessing the Advanced Startup Options by restarting your computer and pressing the appropriate key (usually F11 or F12) during the boot process. From there, select “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options.”

Next, choose “Command Prompt” and enter the following commands:

1. sfc /scannow – This command will scan and repair any corrupted system files.
2. chkdsk /f /r – This command will check and repair any issues with your hard drive.

Once the commands have completed, restart your computer and see if the issue persists. If it does, you may need to perform a system restore or reinstall Windows.

Remember, these steps are just a general guide and may vary depending on your specific device and situation. If you’re unsure or need further assistance, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional or reach out to Microsoft support.

Restoring the Windows Registry

To begin, you will need to access the Advanced Startup Options menu. This can be done by restarting your computer and pressing the Shift key while selecting Restart.

Once in the Advanced Startup Options menu, select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options. From here, choose Command Prompt.

In the Command Prompt window, type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

Next, navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon.

In the right pane, locate the Shell entry and double-click on it.

Ensure that the Value data field is set to explorer.exe. If it is not, change it accordingly and click OK.

Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

This should resolve the issue of being stuck on the “Preparing Automatic Repair” screen. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to seek further assistance or explore other troubleshooting methods.

Resetting or refreshing Windows 10

If your Windows 10/11 is stuck preparing automatic repair, you can try resetting or refreshing your operating system to fix the issue. This can help resolve problems such as boot loop issues, black screens, or system deadlock.

To reset your Windows 10/11, follow these steps:

1. Start your computer and press the WinRE button repeatedly until the recovery screen appears.
2. Select “Troubleshoot” and then “Reset this PC”.
3. Choose the appropriate option based on your needs, such as “Keep my files” or “Remove everything”.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

Refreshing your Windows 10/11 can help retain your personal files while reinstalling the operating system. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Access the recovery screen by pressing the WinRE button during startup.
2. Select “Troubleshoot” and then “Reset this PC”.
3. Choose the option “Keep my files”.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the refreshing process.

Remember to back up your important files before performing any reset or refresh tasks. If these solutions don’t resolve the issue, it may be necessary to seek further assistance or consult an expert.

Recovering data from a computer stuck in the “Preparing automatic repair” loop

If your computer is stuck in the “Preparing automatic repair” loop, there are a few steps you can take to recover your data.

First, try restarting your computer a few times to see if it can break out of the loop. If that doesn’t work, you can try booting into Safe Mode by following these steps:

1. Press and hold the power button to turn off your computer.
2. Turn on your computer and immediately press the F8 key repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
3. Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode and press Enter.

Once in Safe Mode, you can try accessing your files and backing them up to an external drive. If you’re not able to access your files in Safe Mode, you may need to use a recovery tool such as Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) or Command Prompt to recover your data.

If you’re not comfortable performing these steps on your own, consider reaching out to a professional or a knowledgeable friend for assistance. Remember to back up your data regularly to avoid data loss in the future.

Troubleshooting methods for a black screen after “Preparing automatic repair”

Troubleshooting Methods for a Black Screen after “Preparing Automatic Repair”:

1. Check for hardware issues: Ensure all connections are secure and the power supply is working properly. If using a laptop, try connecting an external monitor to rule out a screen issue.
2. Reset BIOS settings: Restart your computer and repeatedly press the BIOS key (usually Del or F2) to enter the BIOS menu. Look for options related to display settings and restore default settings.
3. Access Safe Mode: Restart your computer and repeatedly press the F8 key to access the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select “Safe Mode” and let Windows load. If successful, update drivers or perform a system restore.
4. Use Windows Recovery Environment: Restart your computer and repeatedly press the F11 key (or another key specific to your device) to enter WinRE. Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Repair” to fix any system file issues.
5. Perform a System Restore: If available, use System Restore to revert your computer to a previous working state.
6. Reinstall Windows: As a last resort, reinstall Windows using a bootable USB or DVD. Backup your important files before proceeding.

Remember to seek professional assistance if you are not comfortable performing these troubleshooting methods.

Reinstalling or rolling back the graphics driver

To reinstall or roll back your graphics driver, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
2. Expand the “Display adapters” category and right-click on your graphics driver.
3. Select “Uninstall device” and check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device.”
4. Click “Uninstall” and restart your computer.
5. After the restart, Windows will automatically reinstall the graphics driver.
6. If the issue persists, you can roll back the driver to a previous version.
7. Go back to the “Device Manager” and right-click on your graphics driver again.
8. Select “Properties” and go to the “Driver” tab.
9. Click on “Roll Back Driver” and follow the on-screen instructions.
10. Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Remember, reinstalling or rolling back the graphics driver can help resolve various display issues, such as black screens or blue screens.

Related posts:

  1. Fixing NETIO.SYS Blue Screen Errors on Windows 10/11
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  3. How to Repair Windows Update Components
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