Windows 8.1 problem haunting me since 2016/2017

[Sysnative Windows Update]

Please leave it running. It can take a while...

 

[FriendlyCroc]

Please leave it running. It can take a while...

alright understood, will keep it running and check from time to time :)

 

[Sysnative Windows Update]

 

[FriendlyCroc]

since the bug came up again I had to restart my pc, but just before restarting it I took a look at the progress and it was STILL stuck, meaning that it ran for 3 hours total. do I give it another try?

 

[Sysnative Windows Update]

Is it an option for you to disconnect all the extra drives and leave only the system one plugged in?

 

[FriendlyCroc]

Is it an option for you to disconnect all the extra drives and leave only the system one plugged in?

if the answer was no, what would be the next option? I'll see if I can.

 

[Sysnative Windows Update]

The only remaining option is Clean Install because your current system is broken beyond repair.

 

[FriendlyCroc]

The only remaining option is Clean Install because your current system is broken beyond repair.

and what would the clean install get rid of

 

[Sysnative Windows Update]

Everything. It would wipe the drive (the system partition). If you want to preserve data, you would need to copy it before starting the process.

 

[FriendlyCroc]

Everything. It would wipe the drive (the system partition). If you want to preserve data, you would need to copy it before starting the process.

If I copy the whole C:\ drive to my F:\ drive, fresh install windows 8.1 and then upgrade 10, would i ever be able to go back if I messed something up? would only the C: drive be cleaned?

 

[Sysnative Windows Update]

Not really. That would require creating a system image of the partition/drive.

If you choose the C: drive, that's the only drive that'd be cleaned.