Failed Windows installation Surface Pro 8

[jmak]

I created a ppkg configuration package using Windows Configuration Designer and it failed the initial installation (I suspect loss of power during installation.)

 

When it starts I get the error "The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error. Windows installation cannot proceed. To install Windows, click ok to restart the computer, and then restart the installation."

 

I now can't boot from USB or PXE. I've disabled all other boot methods apart from USB in the Surface UEFI menu but it doesn't find a bootable device. The notable USB was created from a Microsoft iso using Rufus and works on multiple other devices.

 

Any suggestions or have I made a doorstop?

[jmak]

Bump - sorry for impatience. I don't have that long before I have to admit to the user that I've bricked their brand new shiny toy.

[3s-gtech]

Even though that one works, try another USB. It sounds like the Windows Boot Manager is interfering too, if PXE also doesn't work.

 

Otherwise, it sounds like the firmware has reacted rather badly to something!

[jmak]

Got there in the end. You can download a recovery image specific to your device from Microsoft based on the serial number. It must have some magic sauce that's not in the standard Windows iso as it booted first time and rebuilt itself.

 

Feeling greatly relieved. I'll be testing my ppkg configurations on older, cheaper machines from now on!

 

I had a similar experience with Dell last week (that was borked by an MS update while not in my possession) - a recovery image specific to the service tag of the device worked when standard images from USB or PXE didn't.