System Repair Disc - Create in Windows 8

How to Create a "System Repair Disc" (CD/DVD) in Windows 8​

   Information

This will show you how to create a system repair disc (CD/DVD) in Windows 8 to use to boot to the system recovery options that can be used to help recover Windows 8.

   Note

A system repair disc is not the same as OEM factory recovery/restore/repair disc.

A system repair disc cannot be used to install Windows 8.

A created 32-bit system repair disc can only be created in a 32-bit Windows 8, and used to repair a 32-bit Windows 8.

A created 64-bit system repair disc can only be created in a 64-bit Windows 8, and used to repair a 64-bit Windows 8.

   Warning

Windows 8.1 no longer supports being able to create a system repair disc CD/DVD using the method in this tutorial.

If you like, you can also boot from your Windows 8.1 installation media or from a created recovery drive (USB) for the system recovery options.

EXAMPLE: System Recovery Options
NOTE: After you boot from the system repair disc, you will need to select your language and keyboard layout (if displayed) for Windows 8, then select Troubleshoot to see the system recovery options.

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Here's How:

1. Insert a blank unformatted CD or DVD into your CD/DVD drive, then do either step 2 or 3 below.


2. Press the :winkey: + R keys, type recdisc, press Enter, and go to step 4 below.


3. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click/tap on the Recovery icon.
NOTE: You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this step.

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A) Unplug all USB flash drives.​

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B) Click/tap on the Create a recovery drive link. (see screenshot below)​

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C) If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes.​

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D) Click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)​

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E) Click/tap on the Create a system repair disc with a CD or DVD instead link, and go to step 4 below. (see screenshot below)​

NOTE: You will not see this link if you have a USB flash drive connected. You'll need to either use step 2 or disconnect all USB drives and start over with step 3.​

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4. Click/tap on Create disc. (see screenshot below)

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5. The system repair disc will now start to be created. (see screenshot below)

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6. When finished, remove your CD/DVD, label it properly for your 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 8 Repair Disc, and click/tap on Close. (see screenshot below)

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7. Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

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8. If you used step 3, then you can now close any remaining opened windows from it.


That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

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• How to Boot to the "System Recovery Options" in Windows 8
• How to Create a Recovery USB Flash Drive in Windows 8
• How to Boot to the Advanced Windows "Startup Settings" in Windows 8

 

[SIW2]

There is no recdisc.exe. If you remember, Vista didn't have that function either, just a non working stub, oddly.

 

[Brink]

Well, hopefully the final final version in October 18th will have the recdisc.exe file. If not, then I'll just have it available for download in the tutorial if it will still work in the 8.1 RTM.

 

[Goher Altaf]

Well, hopefully the final final version in October 18th will have the recdisc.exe file. If not, then I'll just have it available for download in the tutorial if it will still work in the 8.1 RTM.

thanks buddy I must try windows 8.1

 

[Brink]

There is no recdisc.exe. If you remember, Vista didn't have that function either, just a non working stub, oddly.

Well, no good news.

After testing a copied recdisc.exe file from a 64-bit Windows 8 to a 64-bit Windows 8.1 system32 folder, it still will not work to create a system repair disc.

 

[theog]

There is no recdisc.exe. If you remember, Vista didn't have that function either, just a non working stub, oddly.

Well, no good news.

After testing a copied recdisc.exe file from a 64-bit Windows 8 to a 64-bit Windows 8.1 system32 folder, it still will not work to create a system repair disc.

May be a MS remake for the 18 October.

 

[Brink]

I sure hope so. Although using a USB would be faster, easier, and more handy.

 

[SIW2]

Create recover drive works ok for usb. It has the annoying habit of formatting the usb stick, and you just get the bog standard options in winre.

 

[Clint]

This may have been ask before. If you create the recovery USB in 8.1, can you copy that to a CD and use that?

 

[xbliss]

Can this be exported to an ISO? I have an ISO booting device.

 

[Brink]

Can this be exported to an ISO? I have an ISO booting device.

Hello xbliss,

You could create an ISO file from the DVD.

If you like, you could just create a bootable USB directly using the method below instead though.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[RAYQUEST]

thanks
any way to make it for 32bit and 64 bit together on DVD or CD OR USB

 

[Brink]

Hello Ray,

Not that I'm aware of.

 

[magnus1492]

Brink, you say with a Warning: Windows 8.1 no longer supports being able to create a system repair disc CD/DVD using the method in this tutorial.
I created a Win 8 64 bit Repair Disc two years ago on a DVD when I first go Win8. I have yet to have a need to use it, thankfully, but it should work right?

 

[Brink]

Hello Magnus,

Yes, it should still work.

However, you could also boot from a Windows 8.1 installation USB. It will also include WinRE.