The computer started using the windows installation media ошибка

Fix: The Computer Started using the Windows Installation Media

This scenario can be traced down to a single process on your computer: performing an upgrade to a new version of the Windows operating system or installing it from the scratch and it has been bugging users for quite a long time now.

Either there is a complete confusion which can be fixed quite easily and which will be explained the first solution or you will have to perform some serious troubleshooting which is, of course, the longer and more complicated path. However, the problem should be resolved quickly if you follow the methods below carefully!

Solution 1: Run the Process from a Different Place

If you want to perform an upgrade on a PC which already has an operating system installed which can be booted into, you might have made a mistake if you booted from your recovery media (Windows installation DVD or USB) and tried to initiate the upgrading process from there.

That is the usual scenario and the error message is not in vain. Instead, you need to boot into your operating system and start the process from there.

Solution 2: Re-Insert Your Laptop’s Battery

This solution definitely sounds too good to be true and we were also skeptical about it but several users confirmed that it actually works and we had to place it in our article. Nonetheless, the process takes about a minute and it won’t cost you anything, especially if it actually solved the problem.

Solution 3: Delete a Certain Registry Key

There are certain actions you may have tried out on your computer which could have led to a certain registry key being created. This registry key actually causes this problem and deleting it can solve it in no time. If you are trying to install Windows regularly and you are receiving this error, try following the steps below in order to solve the problem.

Solution 4: Boot in Normal Startup Before Running the Windows Setup

Changing the way you boot into your computer is something you choose for yourself but everyone will recommend that you switch to the normal startup mode before you try to start a Windows Setup for any purpose. It has worked for several people and we hope it will work for you as well.

Solution 5: Format the Drive You Want to Install Windows on

If you want to perform a clean install of Windows on your computer, you will definitely have to format the old drive which will include erasing all of your files. Since you have decided to perform a clean install, you should have already taken care of important files so we will skip that. You shouldn’t skip the formatting of all partitions which have the old system files on it.

The process will differ greatly depending on which installation media you are using (Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10). However, the process is quite similar so we will cover the steps for Windows 10 since most people are installing this OS nowadays.

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The computer started using the Windows installation media

If when performing an upgrade to a new version of Windows, and you encounter the error message The computer started using the Windows installation media, then this post is intended to help you. In this post, we will offer the most suitable solutions to this issue.

When you encounter this issue, you’ll receive the following full error message

The computer started using Windows installation media. Remove the installation media and restart your computer so that Windows start normally. Then, insert the installation media and restart the upgrade. [Do not select Custom (advanced) to perform an upgrade. Custom (advanced) installs a new copy of Windows and deletes your programs and settings.]

The computer started using the Windows installation media

Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.

1] Modify the Registry

Since this is a registry operation, it is recommended that you back up the registry or create a system restore point as necessary precautionary measures. Once done, you can proceed as follows:

On boot, try the Windows 10 upgrade again and see if the error The computer started using the Windows installation media is resolved. Otherwise, try the next solution.

2] Upgrade using Windows 10 ISO file

Since you’re encountering this Windows 10 upgrade install error using the Media Creation tool aka Windows Update Assistant, this solution requires you to directly download the Windows 10 ISO image file from the Microsoft website. Once you have downloaded the ISO to a location (preferably the desktop) on your device, double-click the ISO image to mount it as a virtual drive then double-click the setup.exe file to start the in-place upgrade process with the ISO file.

3] Clean install Windows 10

If none of the above solutions worked, back up your data, create a fresh installation media with the latest version of Windows 10 and then perform a clean install on your device.

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Compatibility report: The computer started using the windows installation media.

Bat123Man

Member

I started off downloading the Microsoft 64-bit upgrade tool, and selecting «Upgrade this PC». As many users have reported, the tool came back with «Something Happened». So instead, I selected the other option and downloaded the 64-bit Pro version of Win10 to upgrade my 64-bit 8.1 Pro. I selected the option to have the files end up on a flash drive (Sony 32 GB stick). All of that went smoothly. Then I ran CCleaner to make sure I had a relatively clean system (removes temp files, etc.), and launched SETUP from the stick.

After it asked me to Confirm that it was going to zap Media Center which is no longer available for Win10, it checked for Upgrades. When that was complete, it rebooted and came up with a big «Install Now» button. I clicked it, and it asked what type of install I wanted to do; Upgrade or Custom. It heavily suggested I do an Upgrade as it implied that I would have a brand new system with no previous apps selecting Custom. I selected Upgrade, whereupon it returned an error message :

«Compatibility report: The computer started using the windows installation media. Remove the installation media and restart your computer so that windows starts normally. Then, insert the installation media and restart the upgrade. (Do not select Icustom [advanced] to perform an upgrade Icustom [advanced] installs a new copy of windows and deletes your programs and settings.)»

I pulled the stick, and tried to continue, and it told me that it could not find the media. I put the stick back in, but then it said it couldn’t find the driver. The dialog box looked like it came from Win95. I tried a bunch of things, and then managed to get back to the original «Install Now» button, and with no stick in the USB drive, tried to continue. No dice. Stick back in, no dice. Finally with the stick out, I clicked on the X to close the Window, and it said it might reboot the computer (it actually said «might»). I figured I was pooched at this point, but clicked OK. Computer restarted, I had my fingers crossed that it would boot back into 8.1. It didn’t, instead it said, «Upgrading Windows», and successfully upgraded my computer to Win10.

Thought I would post this in case someone else was getting grey hairs.

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How to troubleshoot Windows Installer errors

Symptoms

When you install, uninstall, or update a program on a Windows-based computer, you may receive one of the following error messages.

Error message 1

The Windows Installer Service could not be accessed.

Error message 2

Windows Installer Service couldn’t be started.

Error message 3

Could not start the Windows Installer service on Local Computer. Error 5: Access is denied.

Resolution

To fix this problem automatically, run the «Fix problems that programs cannot be installed or uninstalled» troubleshooter to repair issues that block program installation or removal because of corrupted registry keys.

Important To perform many of the methods and steps in this article, you must be logged on to your computer as an administrator.

To determine whether you’re using an account that has administrator rights

To determine whether you’re using an account that has administrator rights, use one of the following methods, as appropriate for the operating system that you’re running.

Windows 7 and Windows Vista

Open the Date and Time dialog box.

Type the following command in the Start Search or Search programs and files box, and then press Enter:

timedate.cpl
The Date and Time dialog box appears.

Click Change date and time. When the User Account Control dialog box appears, click Continue.

Do one of the following, depending on what happens when you click Continue:

If your computer does not prompt you for a password, you are already logged on with an administrator account. Click Cancel two times to close the Date and Time dialog box. You are ready to fix the Windows Installer issues.

If your computer prompts you for a password, you are not logged on with an administrator account.

Windows XP and Windows Server 2003

Open the Date and Time dialog box.

Click Start, and then click Run.

Type the following command in the Run dialog box, and then press OK:

timedate.cpl

Do one of the following, depending on the result:

If the Date and Time Properties dialog box appears, you are already logged on as an administrator. Click Cancel to close the dialog box.

If you receive the following message, you are not logged on as an administrator:

After you’ve verified that you’re logged on to your computer as an administrator, you can start troubleshooting Windows Installer issues.

If the Windows Installer engine is corrupted, disabled, or installed incorrectly, this may cause program installation issues.

Use the following methods to identify any Windows Installer issues that may be causing problems when you install, uninstall, or update programs.

Method 1: Determine whether the Windows Installer engine is working

Click Start , type cmd in the Search box or click Run then type cmd in the dialog (Windows XP or Windows Server 2003), and then press Enter to open a Command Prompt window.

At the command prompt, type MSIExec, and then press Enter.

If the MSI engine is working, you should not receive any error messages. If you receive an error message, enter the error message text into a search engine such as Bing or Google to locate troubleshooting information about the issue.

Try to install or uninstall again.

Method 2: Make sure that the Windows Installer service is not set to Disabled

Click Start , type services.msc in the Search box or click Run then type services.msc in the dialog (Windows XP or Windows Server 2003), and then press Enter to open Services.

Right-click Windows Installer, and then click Properties.

If the Startup type box is set to Disabled, change it to Manual.

Click OK to close the Properties window.

Right-click the Windows Installer service, and then click Start. The service should start without errors.

Try to install or to uninstall again.

Method 3: Check your version of Windows Installer, and upgrade to the latest version if necessaryImportant This method applies to Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, and Windows Server 2008 only.

Click Start , type cmd in the Search box or click Run then type services.msc in the dialog (Windows XP or Windows Server 2003), and then press Enter to open a Command Prompt window.

At the command prompt, type MSIExec, and then press Enter. If the MSI engine is working, you should not receive any error messages, and a separate dialog box should open. This shows the MSI version.

If the installer is not version 4.5, download and install Windows Installer 4.5.

Try to install or to uninstall again.

Method 4: Reregister the installer engineImportant This method applies to Windows XP and to Windows Server 2000 only.

Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click Command Prompt.

At the command prompt, type the following, and then press Enter after each line:

Try to install or to uninstall again.

The installation or update method doesn’t run to completion

There are several methods that can be used to install, to uninstall, or to update a program. Additionally, the method or methods that are used may not have started or completed successfully. In this situation, try some other method to install, or to update the program.

The following are common methods that are used to install software:

Insert the CD or DVD media, and then let the installation auto-start.

Browse to the CD, DVD, removable media, or other location where the programs installation files are stored, and then double-click the Setup program. The setup file is typically one of the following:

Autorun or Autorun.exe

Install or Install.exe

Click Run when you download the program from a website.

The installation media is unreadable

Installation media such as CD and DVD media may be dirty or scratched and therefore be unreadable by the CD or DVD reader. To resolve this issue, follow these methods:

Method 1: Clean the CD or DVDTo do this, use a CD or DVD disc-cleaning kit. Or, use a soft, lint-free cotton cloth to gently wipe the silver side of the disc. Do not use paper cloth, as this can scratch the plastic or leave streaks. When you clean the disc, wipe from the center of the disc outward. Do not use a circular motion. If the problem continues to occur, clean the disc by using a damp cloth or a commercial CD or DVD disc-cleaning solution. Dry the disc thoroughly before you insert it into the drive.

Note If multiple CDs or DVDs are required, we recommend that you copy all the disks to the same folder, in reverse order (higher disk numbers first). Be prepared to approve the overwriting of existing files if you are prompted, and then install from that location.

Method 3: Obtain a fresh version of the installation packageIf you tried to install from a CD or DVD, do the following:

Check the software manufacturer’s website for a more recent version of the software package. Download and install the new version.

If you already have the latest version, download the program from the manufacturer’s website, and then run the installation.

Downloaded or copied installation files are corrupted

If you are installing a program from the Internet, redownload the file (select Save instead of Run in the download dialog box), save the file to a folder on a local hard disk on your computer or to other removable media. Then, run the installation from that location.

If your installation files are on a network (for example, a commercial or corporate environment), copy all the files to a folder on a local hard disk on your computer, and then run the installation from that location.

Method 2: Obtain a fresh version of the installation packageIf some time has elapsed between when you downloaded the package and when you tried to install it, do the following:

Check the software manufacturer’s website for a more recent version of the software package. Download and install the new version.

If you already have the latest version, download the program again, and then run the installation.

Programs that are currently running on your computer are interfering with the installation process

Disable programs that might be interfering with the installation process. To do this, follow these steps:

Click Start , type msconfig in the Search box, and then click msconfig.exe.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password, or provide confirmation.

On the General tab, click Selective startup, and then clear the Load startup items check box.

Click Services, click Hide all Microsoft services, and then click Disable all.

Click OK, and then click Restart.

Try running your software program installation.

When you are finished troubleshooting the problem, restart the computer in Normal Startup mode. To do this, follow these steps:

Click Start , type msconfig in the Search box, and then click msconfig.exe.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password, or provide confirmation.

On the General tab, click Normal startup, click OK, and then click Restart.

There are typically several ways to remove any program. In this situation, try some other method to remove the program.

The following are common methods that are used to install software:

Method 1: Use the uninstall option (if available)

Click Start , and then click All Programs.

Select the folder for the program that you are trying to uninstall, and then open the folder.

If there is an uninstall option, try using it.

Method 2: Use Control Panel options

Click Start , click Control Panel, click Add and Remove Programs or Programs and Features, and then click Uninstall a program.

Select the program, and then click Uninstall. Follow the instructions.

Note The following steps are appropriate for advanced users only.

Make sure that you don’t have any file or folder names that are longer than 260 characters.

For more about the maximum path length limitation, see Naming files, paths, and namespaces.

Most programs create an installation log. If you can’t locate such a log, you can enable verbose MSI logging. For more information, see How to enable Windows Installer logging.

Msiexec path your_msi.msi /L*v path your_msi_log.txt For a list of msiexec command-line parameters, see Command-line options.

A failed installation typically logs «Return Value 3» where the problem occurred and where the installation rollback began. The description of the failure appears immediately before the Return Value 3 log entry.

You can use the Wilogutl.exe tool to analyze log files from a Windows Installer installation. This tool may suggest solutions to errors that are found in a log file. It is available in the latest Windows Software Development Kit.

The following is an example of how to use the Wilogutl.exe tool at a command line:

wilogutl /q /l c:mymsilog.log /o coutputdir

You may be able to manually uninstall some parts of the program through the Windows interface. For example, you may be able to delete program files and folders. Because the steps to do this may differ widely, depending on the version of Windows that you’re running and on the program that you’re trying to uninstall, no prescriptive steps are provided here. If you’re not sufficiently familiar with the program that you’re trying to uninstall to positively identify the files and folders for that program, we do not recommend that you try this method. Generally, when you begin to delete program files and folders, you run the risk of damaging your operating system. Use this method at your own risk.

If you are considering uninstalling the program manually, be aware of the following:

Before you use this method, make sure that you create a system restore point.

Before you get started, move any personal data or documents that may have ended up in the installation folder of the program that you’re uninstalling. For example, move this material into the Documents folder.

If you cannot manually delete a program file, this may mean that the file is being used or that some other program is accessing the file and preventing you from deleting it. For example, antivirus software may be accessing the file. When antivirus software is accessing a program file and making it impossible to delete it, it’s likely that this same antivirus software was preventing you from uninstalling the program by more traditional means.

For general information about how to install or to uninstall a program, see the following:

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Windows 10 Setup thinks it’s booted from installation media

This has been happening for all Windows 10 Setup builds. Windows Setup will not let me upgrade or downgrade my build (currently 11082) without losing my apps. I always get this message right after I click «Upgrade«:

The computer started using the Windows installation media. Remove the installation media and restart your computer so that Windows starts normally. Then, insert the installation media and restart the upgrade. (Do not select «Custom (advanced)» to perform an upgrade. «Custom (advanced)» installs a new copy of Windows and deletes your programs and settings.)

I have tried opening setup from flash drives, tried in C:, you name it I tried it, but every time I open setup (I even tried the setup.exe found in the sources folder), it refuses to upgrade due to it thinking » the computer started using the Windows installation media «.

Note: The same installation files from the same flash drive worked to upgrade my laptop’s Windows 10 build (which was also at build 11082), so I know the files in the installation folder are legit.

Here are some screenshots:

I get this when I open setup.exe only on my PC:

It then asks me for a key:

Then after agreeing to the Windows license policy and clicking on «Upgrade«, I get the error which I wrote above.

I have fixed the partitioning to match the Microsoft recommended specification, and I have even tried booting the installation from another PC, but to no avail.

Any thoughts before I entirely give up upgrading once and for all?

2 Answers 2

I had the same weird behavior when trying a Windows 10 upgrade. Ultimately, my decision was to install from scratch. Definitely the right call. My main issue was that I didn’t have a partition structure that Windows liked. STRONGLY recommend a fresh install on a physical drive (SSD of course) with only the Windows partitions: System, MSR, Windows, and Recovery. Yes, 4 partitions on Drive 0. I was able to use the guidance from MSDN about UEFI/GPT-based hard drive partitions.

I didn’t have to use Windows PE as specified in the article because you can run the CreatePartitions batch from any Windows machine. Using the GPT version (not the MBR version) is highly advisable for 2TB and high drives (I had a 256G SSD, several 3TB drives, and a 5TB drive). Just save this to a CMD file and CHANGE THE DRIVE NUMBER to your physical drive. Run DISKPART LIST DISK to verify the disk number.

The first time I did it, I ran all of the commands manually from CMD. Much easier to see what’s going on that way. Also, if you have Windows «Disk Management» (run diskmgmt.msc) running, you’ll see the results in near real time.

Hope this helps. It saved me, and my Windows install has never been happier.

Pro tip: don’t enter your serial number when installing. make sure you have a good install and just enter it later. Click «I don’t have a product key» instead.

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Delete a Registry key when you encounter the issue

by Vlad Turiceanu

Passionate about technology, Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world. Coming… read more

Updated on June 2, 2023

Reviewed by
Alex Serban

After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server… read more

Recently, some of our readers complained of an error on their Windows PC which states that the computer started using the Windows installation media. This often occurs when you’re trying to install or reinstall the Operating system on your PC.

When you see this message, it means that the computer is attempting to boot from the Windows installation media rather than from its internal hard drive. In this article, we will take you through the causes and how to fix the error.

In this article

• Why did the computer started using the Windows installation media?
• What can I do if the computer started using the Windows installation media?
• 1. Delete a Registry key
• 2. Format the external drive used for installation

From several users’ experiences, if your computer has started using the Windows installation media unexpectedly, it could be due to several reasons. Below are some of them:

• Incorrect boot order – The boot order in your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings may be misconfigured. If the Windows installation media is set as the first boot device, the computer will attempt to boot from it instead of the internal hard drive.
• Removable media connected – Your computer may be set by default to boot from removable media such as USB drives or DVDs. If any of these media are connected to your computer while starting up, the system might try to boot from them.
• Damaged or corrupt boot loader – The boot loader may be damaged or corrupted. This can happen due to various reasons, such as improper shutdowns, disk errors, or malware infections.
• Hardware or connection issues – In some cases, hardware problems or faulty connections can cause the computer to incorrectly detect or prioritize boot devices, leading to the error message.

The above are common reasons behind computer started using the Windows installation media. The next section will provide you with simplified steps on how to fix the issue.

What can I do if the computer started using the Windows installation media?

Try the following preliminary checks before using the advanced solutions provided for this error:

• Restart your computer.
• Check for hardware or connection issues.
• Disconnect all peripheral devices.
• Re-insert your Laptop’s battery – Several people who use Laptops have confirmed that this fix works for them and that is why this method is worth a shot at.

Having confirmed the above checks, the next section will take you through detailed steps on how to fix the computer that started using the Windows installation media error.

1. Delete a Registry key

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run command dialog. Type regedit in the dialog box and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControl
3. Under the Control key, right-click on the key named MiniNT, and click on Permissions.
4. Select your username under the Users or Groups section, check the Full Control checkbox under Permissions for…, and apply the changes you have made.
5. Now, right-click on the MiniNT key and click on Delete.
6. Confirm the dialog box which will appear and restart your computer to apply the changes.
7. Finally, try installing Windows again.

If you’ve been getting the computer started using the Windows installation media error while trying to install Windows regularly, you can easily fix this problem by deleting the registry key.

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2. Format the external drive used for installation

1. Insert the installation media and boot the computer.
2. Set up the language, time and date settings, etc.
3. Next, enter your Windows activation key. But, if you don’t have it, click on I don’t have a product key below.
4. Follow the setup process normally until you see the Which type of installation do you want? screen.
5. Then. select the Custom option to perform a Clean install.
6. You will now see the Where do you want to install Windows? screen with the partitions you have active.
7. Choose each one with the current Operating system’ system files on it and click on Delete.
8. Finally, choose the one where you want to install Windows and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

This should fix the problem. However, if the issue persists after trying these methods, try to seek further assistance from a professional technician or Microsoft support.

For further assistance, check out our detailed guide on what to do if you can’t install Windows on a USB flash drive using setup.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please use the comments section below.