How to start windows 8.1 after crash

I have a month old Dell XPS 8700 with Windows 8 (later updated to 8.1). The computer has been super. While running Acronis True Image, the computer crashed. Now, the screen shows only Dell logo. No Windows 8. Unlike Windows XP or 7, booting from CDROM is not possible unless wind0ows 8 is running. The computer came with "windows 8 Recovery Media" DVD disk. But it does not boot from DVD ROM. Shift +F8 does not respond. It seems that my computer is dead. I wonder how I can start Windows 8. Any suggestion would be appreciated.

hummer7 said:

I have a month old Dell XPS 8700 with Windows 8 (later updated to 8.1). The computer has been super. While running Acronis True Image, the computer crashed. Now, the screen shows only Dell logo. No Windows 8. Unlike Windows XP or 7, booting from CDROM is not possible unless wind0ows 8 is running. The computer came with "windows 8 Recovery Media" DVD disk. But it does not boot from DVD ROM. Shift +F8 does not respond. It seems that my computer is dead. I wonder how I can start Windows 8. Any suggestion would be appreciated.

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Hello,

You should be able to edit the BIOS to make the CDROM drive boot piorty. You can do this by pressing the key that is shown below when the dell logo appears, normally this is the DEL or F2 key.

When you press that the bios should start, find BOOT and place the CDROM drive as first boot device, then HDD. Then try to boot from your CD. this should just work fine.

F2 is the norm for booting to Bios in a DEll

F2 or F12 did not boot either. I only see Dell logo.
This computer is new came with windows 8.

When pressed Shift/F2, the screen shows Dell logo and als0 F2 or F12 at the top right corner of the screen.
When pressed either F2 or F12, nothing happens.

Computer looks dead.

BTW, I love Windows 8.1 But the problem with booting at F2 or F12, Windows 7 is the way to go.

Use the F12.


Dell Windows 8 Recovery.
Windows 8 - Recovery Media in 99 Seconds - YouTube
Recovering Windows using the Dell Direct USB Key - YouTube
Dell Direct USB Key Solution - YouTube
Dell Recovery Mode - Making Recovery CD - YouTube

With the emphasis Microsoft has put on Windows starting faster, you need to start tapping the F key earlier than you would think and be very aggressive while doing so.

You might also try during a start from power off situation and a restart to see if it makes a difference.

The Shift key may be needed for using the function keys as functions keys or possibly a Windows 8 thing, not sure, but try both. Make sure and hold down the shift while tapping the F key. I don't have your system, just going from prior experience.

I had to enable boot menu in boot options in bios to get an option of pressing F-12.

Nothing worked to start windows 8. Since my computer is a month old, I called Dell tech support today. The techie was kind and patient with me to solve this serious issue. I followed all of his instructions. He even advised me change keyboard (wired). None worked. His conclusion was that Dell would replace my motherboard. I expect to get a new motherboard next week.

Thank you for all of your help.

Finally, after running windows 8.1 for about a moth, I love Win 8.1. I feel that it was well designed but they should allow users to make EASIER booting (F2, F12) from CD ROM in the same way as Windows XP and 7. I was told that the reason was for SECURE booting. I have three more windows 7 computers in my office. It is very unlikely for me to upgrade to Win 8 unless CD rom booting issue is resolved for laymen.

Thank you for all of your comments. I spent all day long to solve this booting issue. Finally, I called Dell Tech support. I followed all instruction from the techie. The final conclusion was that Dell would replace the motherboard next week (my computer is just a month old and is under warranty). I want to make it clear that it is unlikely caused by restoring process by ATI. The motherboard seems to die unexpectedly.

After using Windows 8.1 for a month, I love it very much. I thought Win8.1 was better designed than Win 7 but the problem is booting from CD rom when a computer crashes. It is very unlikely for me to update all of my Windows 7 computers in my office to windows 8 unless CD booting was made easier.

Sorry about the duplicated post. I have no idea how this happened. Could someone delete a duplicate?

It is very unlikely for me to upgrade to Win 8 unless CD rom booting issue is resolved for laymen.

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I have set up over 3,000 PC's with Windows 8/8.1, with NO problems with DVD/USB boot from the F12 key.

Theog,

Thanks for your comment. When the motherboard is replaced in the middle of this week, I will try F12 to see how it works. If F12 works the same way as Windows 7, I would be very happy. I would like to mention that my computer which I am referring to is that the computer is new and its Windows 8 was factory installed.

BTW, I would like to post another thread regarding windows 8 recovery matter. Your response would be very much appreciated. Thanks.