Windows 8.1 failure to boot. Repair options don't work

Hello, I recently upgraded to 8.1 (mistake) and have been having issues with my harddrive. Just today, I restarted my computer only to get a "windows failed to start" message. I went into the recovery options, and attemped a system restore (didnt work), system refresh (recovery media wasn't present), and CMD commands (chkdsk) and even sfc /scannow which I can't seem to get to run, I always get the "Will start on next boot" message, which it never does. So I attempted using an ISO with the windows 8.1 professional. Tried everything I did above, and still nothing. Refresh fails with the CD, and when i try to install a new partition, it only gives me the option of upgrading (which i cant) or reinstalling everything deleting anything in the process. I don't understand why I can't install on a new partition like I did with Windows 7. I was wondering if anyone has any idea I could try. I really don't want to buy a new harddrive, install a new windows on it, and recover my files.

sfc /scannow needs to be run in an administrator command prompt.

DISM too.

I can't even boot windows up, not even in safe mode with command prompt. How would I do this?

Refresh fails with the CD

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You obviously some kind of boot media. Use the command prompt on that.

Type notepad at cmd prompt when notepad opens, select File then Save. You will get a browse window and can find the drive letter the boot media has allocated to your windows partition.

At cmd prompt, use that drive letter to run chkdsk, like this:

chkdsk letter: /r

e.g. chkdsk c: /r

Rthompson4 said:

I can't even boot windows up, not even in safe mode with command prompt. How would I do this?

Click to expand...

I went into the recovery options, and attemped a system restore (didnt work), system refresh (recovery media wasn't present), and CMD commands (chkdsk) and even sfc /scannow which I can't seem to get to run,

Click to expand...

I assumed you had access to a command prompt.

Try using the power button on the computer to start & shut off the computer several times & you may get a list if boot options.
Among which should be safe mode with administrator command prompt.
Let it start to load & press the button to shut down & when it is shut down, repeat the process a few more times.

Chkdsk didn't work. I tried that turning it on and off, samething. Is there anyway I can transfer files with an External HDD?