Windows Out of Box Experience Fails starting Your Dell Computer for the First Time

Summary: The following article provides information about how to resolve the rare occasions when Windows Out of box experience (OOBE) fails. This is seen when you start the out of box setup on your Dell computer. ...

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Symptoms

When you start a Dell Windows computer for the first time, the Windows OOBE opens up. It guides you through various setup operations. However, in rare cases, you may see one of the following two issues:

  • Issue 1 Windows OOBE displays the following error message: 
Something went wrong - but you can try again.
  • Issue 2 Windows OOBE does not transition to the next page, and you receive the following prompt for an extended time: Just a moment….
  • Issue 3 Windows OOBE displays the following error message:
Oops, you've lost Internet connection.

Check out the solutions recommended by Microsoft in the next section.

Cause

This section is not applicable to this article.

Resolution

Microsoft has identified that this issue occurs because the specific timing of the OOBE process can cause a deadlock situation. You can find out more on the following link, however, this issue does not involve hardware and is quickly resolved:

Issue 1 and Issue 3 Fix

Click Try Again at the bottom of the screen. The OOBE should continue as expected.

Issue 2 Fix

Press and hold down the power button until the computer turns off. When you turn the computer back on, the OOBE should continue as expected.

Note: The chances of these faults occurring should decrease over time as Microsoft resolves any specific timing issues with OOBE.

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Affected Products

G Series, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Tablets, Fixed Workstations
Article Properties
Article Number: 000135587
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 14 Jul 2025
Version:  10
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