Last week, Microsoft quietly re-released the Windows 10 1809 Update to Insider users after an alarming file-deleting bug forced a global halt to the rollout. Unfortunately, the latest ‘fixed’ version is still plagued with data loss issues and users are pissed off.
Over the weekend, multiple complaints arose on Redddit about a new file-killing bug in the Windows 10 October Update. Yes, really.
This time, the issue relates to archive operations, with files being overwriting automatically or not being extracted at all without any kind of prompt for the user. This can result in files disappearing with the user being none the wiser. In addition, there are reports of files seeming to copy into the destination folder successfully but not actually updating.
As one Windows Insider member explained:
The issue is that in 1809, overwriting files by extracting from an archive using File Explorer doesn’t result in an overwrite prompt dialogue and also doesn’t replace any files at all; it just fails silently. There are also some reports that it did overwrite items, but did so silently without asking.
… This seems to be a very serious and widespread problem which could lead to user data loss.
As reported on Ghacks, the bug appears to be linked to Windows 10’s built-in zip functionality which somehow got broken in the update. Third-party apps such as Bandizip, WinRar and 7-Zip appear to work fine.
It’s a safe bet that regular users wont be getting the update until Microsoft irons out these perverse kinks. In the meantime, you should definitely back up your systems and install one of the aforementioned zip programs before you even think of installing this update.
If you’ve already committed to a Windows 10 1809 install and have discovered some files didn’t make the journey, you can find a few recovery tips here. Good luck!
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/10/the-windows-10-october-update-has-turned-into-a-real-mess/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2018/05/windows-10-crash.jpg” title=”Microsoft’s Windows 10 October Update Has Turned Into A Huge Mess” excerpt=”Microsoft has announced the removal of the Windows 10 1809 release following numerous complaints about user files being deleted. Here’s what to do if you’ve already begun an install.”]
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