Lost mobile data

goodValue

Last night I lost my entire months data in half an hour.

I was tethered to my laptop and only visited 3 bona fide websites I've used for years - they have never used much data.

Today, I noticed 2 new folders on my c: drive - $WINDOWS.BT and $WinREAgent (the BT had a squiggle in front).

Could these folders be the problem?

TheRightOne

They are associated with the Windows 10 Upgrade process. So your data was used up in downloading those upgrade files to your computer.

mgfvvc

That's nasty. You need to mark the wifi connection to the hotspot as a metered connection, so that Windows wont download upgrades on it. It's not an entirely obvious setting, but Google will help you.

goodValue

It looks as though the Windows update went wrong
 - empty folders
 - it used all available mobile data

I think the update process must have stopped when it reached the mobile data limit.
This used 2.5 Gbytes, so I think the update was having problems.
I'm concerned that if I tether again with the update in an unknown state, it will wipe out the extra mobile data I now have.

I've looked at Windows settings, and done some online searching, but all the info seems to be on metered connections for WiFi tethering not for USB tethering.
 
How can I stop Windows updating whilst USB tethering?

TheRightOne

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-networking/manage-internet-data-usage-and-windows-updates-in/5417b89b-4790-4cd9-b854-809862274447

You need to look at 1.6 and Appendix C

Frozen_up_north

The latest Windows 10 ver 2004, is around 4GB. I don’t know how much data is needed to run an upgrade, as that may involve downloading drivers and other software as well.

To avoid the endless loop of partial updating and failing, download the full Windows 10 iso file and create a DVD, or the USB memory stick equivalent. You can then run it on the computer with only needing the drivers from the internet.

Clearly if you have more than one computer, it also avoids downloading the update separately on each machine. If you only have a tethered mobile with limited data, you may be able to ask a friend or neighbour to download it for you. The Microsoft web page is:
https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10

goodValue

You need to look at 1.6 and Appendix C

That's a useful and comprehensive article, but
hard going for a Windows novice.
I think I need more experience before starting
to use the Registry.
Perhaps the first thing I should do is get the
laptop working properly; after the data loss
and before being notified it was an Update
issue, the laptop was working erratically.
Should I delete the $ folders?
Looking at Windows Update in Settings, there are
two updates available, Last checked: 11/06/2020.
If I tether again, I'm concerned that I'd just lose
the mobile data again, as Update doesn't seem to be
working correctly.
On the Update page, there is an option to pause 
updates for seven days - could I use this to tether 
without problems?
What do you think is the best course of action?

goodValue

If you only have a tethered mobile with limited data

Yes, I don't have broadband; I don't do anything that 
needs a lot of data, and 2.5Gbyte a month has been
enough.
I tether if there is a form to fill, or lots of typing,
and do the Windows Update with the library wiFi

...

debitcardmayhem

Why not tether via wifi not usb ? Then you can set it to metered and Windows Update won't try

What is your phone?

goodValue

debitcardmayhem said:

Why not tether via wifi not usb ? Then you can set it to metered and Windows Update won't try

What is your phone?

Motorola G7 power.

WiFi ??

debitcardmayhem

Yep I have a G7 so, when connected to your phone netwrok go to settings --- network & internet --- Hotspot and Tethering --- Wi-fi hotspot

Then give it a name, set security to WPA2-personal then goto to advanced and give it a good password . Then turn it on , connect to it from your laptop via wifi then change the the laptop to not use metered settings. I am not on windows so I can't paste screenshots at the moment but you may be able to work it out. When I get access to Windows later I will try to see if you are ok , or someone else may show you how to do that.

Depending on your laptop on the advanced settings on you Moto you may  to set the AP band to 2.4 Ghz not 5.0 hz.

Here is how https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/4028458/windows-metered-connections-in-windows-10