Can't access desktop after Windows 8 performed updates.

NovelAddict

New Member
Messages
4
Hi! Hoping someone can assist. After Windows 8 performed its updates on my laptop, I can't access Windows at all. The machine can be turned on, and it goes to the "Date and Time" screen, and I can successfully get it to go to the "Welcome" screen where I put in my password, but after that - nothing! Just a blank screen - I can't access my desktop at all. This happened once before and I took it to Geek Squad when it was still under warranty, but of course the thing started working in front of the tech guy! And he did say that this sometimes occurs following a Windows 8 update, but he didn't really tell me what to do about it. Any advice would be very much appreciated! Thank you!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
Well if you had a patched UXTheme engine, once you run updates, it may render your desktop as unloadable. Are you able to get to a setup screen using an installation DVD? And are you using customer themes?

I'm heading to work, but I will check back later
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 x64 Professional
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP xw8600 Workstation
    CPU
    Two Intel Xeon Core2 Quad 3.2 GHz Processors
    Motherboard
    Proprietary
    Memory
    16 GB DDR2 800 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia Quadro FX 3800 PCI-E
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 213T 21" 4x3 Flat Screen
    Screen Resolution
    1600x1200
    Hard Drives
    Two Seagate Cheetah 300 GB SAS Disks
    PSU
    Proprietary
    Case
    HP xw8600 Workstation Case
    Cooling
    Two CPU Fans and a Larger Case Fan
    Keyboard
    PS/2 Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech USB Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    7 mbps
    Browser
    Firefox ESR 102
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Two LSI 3000 SAS Adapters
Hi Jody... Thank you for your reply. I unfortunately have no idea what a UXTheme engine is... Lol... I'm not the most technologically inclined woman on the planet!! Sorry! I haven't tried using an installation DVD. Is that something I should do? And are your referring to the original Windows 8 installation DVD I would have received when I bought the laptop? And again, I have to apologize - I don't know what you're referring to when you ask if I'm using 'customer themes'.... You're dealing with a tech-moron here... But! A friend at work suggested that I bring the laptop in tomorrow so that he can reboot from a memory stick by installing Windows 10 - a move that he said will force Windows 8 out - or override it. And he thinks there's a good chance that will solve the issue. I just really need to see my desktop again!! I'm a freelance writer and without my laptop, I'm lost! Thanks again for your reply and your willingness to help me out. It's appreciated!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
I hope your friend knows about drivers for windows 10 - as not all, but some rare computers don't have the best time jumping into the future if they are cheaper or older.. Some Acer, HP and older Asus I've seen this..

As more time progresses Microsoft will of course work out the problems... Or privacy concerns people have... But I feel you should let others still test Windows 10 until you are forced to jump to it.. In July? (Can't remember when it stops being free)



and I'd hope your friend is going to use something like macrium reflect free, to save a backup image of your computer right before he throws windows 10 on it..

So then you can always go back to windows 8 if you want..
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo g750
    CPU
    i5
    Motherboard
    Some Chinese Crap..
    Memory
    8
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 755
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Thank you for the advice. I'll have him read what you suggested before he begins. I've tried several different things tonight, but to no avail. I even called Microsoft tech support - and there went 45 minutes of my life I'll never get back!! It's sooo frustrating! All of this because of a Windows 8 update! From what I'm understanding, this is a relatively common issue. I don't get how a tech company like Microsoft can release services such as these stupid updates that crash computers! I was told by a tech guy at Geek Squad that there's a good possibility it'll cost about $250 to resolve the issue, depending on what it is and what damage has been caused. Sorry, just venting now, but again, Microsoft is unbelievable!! Think they'll foot the bill for the repair??????
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
ok well, If your friend knows a little more in depth knowledge into computers, he can fix it for you, just offer him some food or what not..

the only thing I can think you might need to buy is a USB stick or external hard drive.. that only costs from $14-$60 ... from Bestbuy etc.. or Amazon is better..

but if you saw a screen at all, then your computer still works.. and you just need to go into safe mode or recovery mode and maybe do a refresh or reset.. etc..

but remember, if you do the "reset", you lose all your pictures/videos/documents/ novels.. whatever.. so remember that!


Once you get to that Enter Name or password Screen, have you tried pressing Restart button on the screen, and holding shift while restarting?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo g750
    CPU
    i5
    Motherboard
    Some Chinese Crap..
    Memory
    8
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 755
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Actually I was going to get NovelAddict to boot into setup and run a recent System Restore and go back to an earlier Restore Point. Then she could go in to the registry and set the default visual style back to Aero, instead of a custom theme that may be loaded.

Black screen

I was able to fix my friend's Windows 8.1 installation that way, and he can now update his system.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 x64 Professional
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP xw8600 Workstation
    CPU
    Two Intel Xeon Core2 Quad 3.2 GHz Processors
    Motherboard
    Proprietary
    Memory
    16 GB DDR2 800 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia Quadro FX 3800 PCI-E
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 213T 21" 4x3 Flat Screen
    Screen Resolution
    1600x1200
    Hard Drives
    Two Seagate Cheetah 300 GB SAS Disks
    PSU
    Proprietary
    Case
    HP xw8600 Workstation Case
    Cooling
    Two CPU Fans and a Larger Case Fan
    Keyboard
    PS/2 Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech USB Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    7 mbps
    Browser
    Firefox ESR 102
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Two LSI 3000 SAS Adapters
Ok well that's fine if its for sure what is causing the blank screen. ok.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo g750
    CPU
    i5
    Motherboard
    Some Chinese Crap..
    Memory
    8
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 755
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
That's right Brooks and Dunn :p (we should rename the the thread "You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone")
So NovelAddict, did you do anything to customize the appearance of your desktop that you can recall?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 x64 Professional
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP xw8600 Workstation
    CPU
    Two Intel Xeon Core2 Quad 3.2 GHz Processors
    Motherboard
    Proprietary
    Memory
    16 GB DDR2 800 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia Quadro FX 3800 PCI-E
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 213T 21" 4x3 Flat Screen
    Screen Resolution
    1600x1200
    Hard Drives
    Two Seagate Cheetah 300 GB SAS Disks
    PSU
    Proprietary
    Case
    HP xw8600 Workstation Case
    Cooling
    Two CPU Fans and a Larger Case Fan
    Keyboard
    PS/2 Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech USB Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    7 mbps
    Browser
    Firefox ESR 102
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Two LSI 3000 SAS Adapters
Hi! Thanks again for all of your wonderful advice, Jody and brooksndun... I truly appreciate your taking the time to help me out. If either of you were able to visit me in person, I would so want to follow all of your advice and try to recover things myself, because unfortunately, I'm not nearly tech savvy enough to try anything you're suggesting on my own... My friend at work had a look and basically said that he's kinda' stumped, too. So, I've made some calls and I found someone local who repairs PCs and laptops for a fraction of what Best Buy charges, so I'm meeting him tonight. And in response to your question, Jody, no I've done nothing in the way of customization to my desktop. This issue occurred immediately following a Windows 8 update. I just hit "Update and Restart" - but it never restarted...just went to a blank grey screen... I haven't seen my desktop in 48 hours - and I miss it!!!! :cry: Thanks to both of you again for all your help. And wish me luck...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
do you think she installed windows 10 via the automatic updates? ha..


anyway.. it will be fun to see what the computer tech says after you get it repaired.. Please let us know what he said was the problem.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo g750
    CPU
    i5
    Motherboard
    Some Chinese Crap..
    Memory
    8
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 755
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
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