Buggy install of Windows 8 even after reformat

McDougal

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Hey all,

First off, I apologize for the long post. Writing isn't really my thing lol, but I will try to explain the problem the best I can. Please let me know if you need clarification on anything.

I decided that I didn't want the Windows 8.1 Preview anymore on my system (going to wait for final release). So I decided to do a re-install of Windows 8.

First, I tried to do a reset. But I got an error message saying that the files on the DVD were not valid (it's an official MS DVD). So instead I booted into the DVD and did a format and clean install, all went OK.

When I started to setup my install, that's when problems started. Windows Update failed to install 55 updates (immediately after downloading them) first time around, but a re-try was successful.

After I ran a disk cleanup, and this is where things started acting weird. When the disk cleanup got to "Windows Update", it hanged there and never finished. I had to manually cancel disk cleanup to get it to close.

I then proceeded to install my programs through Ninite. The majority of my programs installed fine, except for iTunes, a few others and my antivirus installed with errors. Again, same problem, the install never finished. It just stayed in the same spot and never completed the install, I had to cancel the program. Then I tried downloading the iTunes installer and trying that, but same thing, the install never finished and I had to cancel the program.

My first solution was to try to repair the system files, using sfc /scannow command. That completed for the most part, but hanged at 100% and didn't display the results. Eventually after this I gave up and did another format and reinstall from the DVD.

So far everything has been acting the same way. I run Windows Update, and it fails all 55 updates first time. I re-try and everything is successful. Disk Cleanup hangs again on "Windows Update" files and I have to cancel. Luckily I am able to install my programs this time. When I run system file checker, it completes but gives an error message:

"Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation"


To summarize my problem, it appears as if Windows 8 hangs in the middle of various tasks and multiple times I am unable to complete them. I thought it could be a problem with my SSD, but my Windows 7 dual boot works perfectly. I have given everything a good hour or so to make sure. Could it be a problem with the DVD? I don't think it is because I've used it before and had no problems, and it's an official DVD.

Thanks guys for the help, I'm lost on this one, lol:D
-McD
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64 ; Ubuntu 13.10 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    custom built ; ASUS UL20A-A1 laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2120 @ 3.3GHz ; Intel Core2Duo @ 1.3GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z68-M PRO ; ASUS stock mobo
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    SanDisk 120GB SSD; WD 500GB 7200RPM ; 250GB HDD (laptop)
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    Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 v1.0
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    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 3000
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    26/22Mbps Verizon FiOS
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    first PC build
Hi McDougal,

You did a very nice job of explaining your issues. Now here are my "easy to say but tough to do" recommendations:

Repeat the clean install process
-Select Disable Windows Update
Complete the installation
Install chipset drivers and other drivers as required
Change Windows Update to Notification Only (including driver updates)
Selectively start to install the Windows Updates a few at a time*

*I have encounter similar issue when Windows Update is trying to mass download/install the initial Windows Updates; however, sometimes it takes hours for this to complete and the delay seems to be associated with the integration of all those updates into the OS because I have a very fast internet connection and they download in a snap.

If all is OK after installing the updates, start installing your programs and applications but nix using the Ninite for now.

Test after all done and see what happens. Good luck.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Preview
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Thanks JustATest for the reply!

I will change the Windows Update settings as you said but I managed to get all updates installed. However, I have not yet installed the chipset driver, I will download and install that.

Ninite has always been very helpful to me, and never gave me any problems, but I will install the programs without it this time. However, I am still getting the error for the system file checker.

Has the system file checker message I am getting been seen before? Is there a know solution to it yet? I believe it is associated with the delay in the disk cleanup and ninite installation.

Thanks again for the help, I'm glad you could understand my message:D!
-McD
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64 ; Ubuntu 13.10 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    custom built ; ASUS UL20A-A1 laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2120 @ 3.3GHz ; Intel Core2Duo @ 1.3GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z68-M PRO ; ASUS stock mobo
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 ; 4GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB ; Intel integrated
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 21.5" 1080p HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk 120GB SSD; WD 500GB 7200RPM ; 250GB HDD (laptop)
    PSU
    500W 80Plus Bronze Certified
    Case
    Antec Three Hundred Illusion
    Cooling
    4 case fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 v1.0
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 3000
    Internet Speed
    26/22Mbps Verizon FiOS
    Other Info
    first PC build
I did miss that system file checker part. Anyway, I will still stand by my previous recommendations because you could waste hours (if not days) chasing that issue; however, if you do the clean install again, and you encounter similar roadblocks, and the same SFC error pops up, then you will have no choice but to pursue that fix in its entirety.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Preview
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I am currently on my second clean install attempt and besides the Windows Updates (which are resolved now) and the hang on Disk Cleanup, everything is working normally. I have all my drivers up to date, and ran the WEI score. Now I am running sfc /scannow again to see if anything's changed.

I did some quick research on Google and it appears this problem has been seen before, but I could not find an answer (again, a quick search).

I will let you know about the scan results tomorrow, if it's the same then it may be a different issue.

Thanks again for the help :)!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64 ; Ubuntu 13.10 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    custom built ; ASUS UL20A-A1 laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2120 @ 3.3GHz ; Intel Core2Duo @ 1.3GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z68-M PRO ; ASUS stock mobo
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 ; 4GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB ; Intel integrated
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 21.5" 1080p HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk 120GB SSD; WD 500GB 7200RPM ; 250GB HDD (laptop)
    PSU
    500W 80Plus Bronze Certified
    Case
    Antec Three Hundred Illusion
    Cooling
    4 case fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 v1.0
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 3000
    Internet Speed
    26/22Mbps Verizon FiOS
    Other Info
    first PC build
That disk cleanup is a monster after applying all those updates. That takes hours to complete. I can show you an easier way to clear out all the remnants of those already applied updates (if you would like) and your disk cleanup should run in a snap on a subsequent run. Personally, I wouldn't have run sfc /scannow if everything is working OK.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Preview
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I have finished my install of Windows 8.

Everything is working normally so far, but system file checker has given me more information that may be helpful.

I ran the scan and it completed and said there were corrupt files but it was unable to repair them. The information is in the CBS.log file which I can post if you like (looks like a ton of info in the file). I also ran a checkdisk which found problems and repaired them successfully.

First though I am going to see if I can do a refresh, hopefully it will accept my DVD this time. If not, then I will have to look into this problem further.

Thanks for the help :)!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64 ; Ubuntu 13.10 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    custom built ; ASUS UL20A-A1 laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2120 @ 3.3GHz ; Intel Core2Duo @ 1.3GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z68-M PRO ; ASUS stock mobo
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 ; 4GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB ; Intel integrated
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 21.5" 1080p HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk 120GB SSD; WD 500GB 7200RPM ; 250GB HDD (laptop)
    PSU
    500W 80Plus Bronze Certified
    Case
    Antec Three Hundred Illusion
    Cooling
    4 case fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 v1.0
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 3000
    Internet Speed
    26/22Mbps Verizon FiOS
    Other Info
    first PC build
If your system is working normally, forget about the scf /scannow results. Some applications have the ability to overwrie system files and they would appear as exceptions. That is why I said if your system appears to be running normally, I wouldn't even bother to run that program. However, maybe your hard drive is starting to fail if checkdisk is finding errors. At this point, I would run checkdisk again. If no errors, forget about the sfc /scannow and start using your PC again. Hope this information has been helpful. Good luck.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Preview
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
The only problems I am having are with Windows Update (everything fails the first time) but it always works if I try it again. I have decided to not do a refresh because I don't have time to re-install all my programs again lol.

My SSD is only a year old so I hope it's not starting to fail. However, I will run a chkdsk again. There is also the fact that I have a Windows 7 dual-boot on the same SSD and that install is works perfectly and is clean of errors.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64 ; Ubuntu 13.10 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    custom built ; ASUS UL20A-A1 laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2120 @ 3.3GHz ; Intel Core2Duo @ 1.3GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z68-M PRO ; ASUS stock mobo
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 ; 4GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB ; Intel integrated
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 21.5" 1080p HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk 120GB SSD; WD 500GB 7200RPM ; 250GB HDD (laptop)
    PSU
    500W 80Plus Bronze Certified
    Case
    Antec Three Hundred Illusion
    Cooling
    4 case fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 v1.0
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 3000
    Internet Speed
    26/22Mbps Verizon FiOS
    Other Info
    first PC build
If you are going to re-do this at some point, note that it is usually recommended to do the chipset driver as the first thing after a Windows install. Also, I generally do the .net updates separately from other Windows updates since they have been known to create problems.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
I am currently on my second clean install attempt and besides the Windows Updates (which are resolved now) and the hang on Disk Cleanup, everything is working normally. I have all my drivers up to date, and ran the WEI score. Now I am running sfc /scannow again to see if anything's changed.

I did some quick research on Google and it appears this problem has been seen before, but I could not find an answer (again, a quick search).

I will let you know about the scan results tomorrow, if it's the same then it may be a different issue.

Thanks again for the help :)!
were did you do the WEI score was removed from W-8.1
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built Antec P-180B Case
    CPU
    Intel E8400
    Motherboard
    Asus P5QPro Turbo
    Memory
    Kingston PC6300 4 gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD5670
SSD? I' guess I missed that as well? I would not be running CHKDSK on an SSD either because those drives automatically remap worn bits and you could be shortening the life of your SSD in doing so but that is debatable. The automatic TRIM function will take care of the SSD maintenance for you so make sure you have defrag disabled as well.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Preview
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
@Vincenzo, thanks for the info. I do plan to refresh at some point but probably not for a while. I was not aware that .NET caused problems, next time I will install those separately.

@sandman, I decided to skip the 8.1 Preview and wait for the final release (I don't want to install betas anymore).

@JustATest, I was not aware that running chkdsk is bad for an SSD. Hopefully I didn't do any damage, I've got TRIM enabled and defrag disabled on Windows 7, but use the Optimize in Windows 8 (which is different than defrag for SSDs).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64 ; Ubuntu 13.10 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    custom built ; ASUS UL20A-A1 laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2120 @ 3.3GHz ; Intel Core2Duo @ 1.3GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z68-M PRO ; ASUS stock mobo
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 ; 4GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB ; Intel integrated
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 21.5" 1080p HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk 120GB SSD; WD 500GB 7200RPM ; 250GB HDD (laptop)
    PSU
    500W 80Plus Bronze Certified
    Case
    Antec Three Hundred Illusion
    Cooling
    4 case fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 v1.0
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 3000
    Internet Speed
    26/22Mbps Verizon FiOS
    Other Info
    first PC build
No need for scheduled optimization with TRIM active in Windows 8. Scheduling should be disabled. Again, this is just extra wear on your SSD. Please understand that spindle drives work entirely different; in that, they can access data faster if it is organized together (as opposed to being spread out all over the hard drive). SSDs, on the other hand, have no need for such organization as there is no mechanical movement.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Preview
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Thanks again JustATest for the info on my SSD. Apparently I need to do my homework, lol.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64 ; Ubuntu 13.10 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    custom built ; ASUS UL20A-A1 laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2120 @ 3.3GHz ; Intel Core2Duo @ 1.3GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z68-M PRO ; ASUS stock mobo
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 ; 4GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB ; Intel integrated
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 21.5" 1080p HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk 120GB SSD; WD 500GB 7200RPM ; 250GB HDD (laptop)
    PSU
    500W 80Plus Bronze Certified
    Case
    Antec Three Hundred Illusion
    Cooling
    4 case fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 v1.0
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 3000
    Internet Speed
    26/22Mbps Verizon FiOS
    Other Info
    first PC build
Running :

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

in administrator command prompt will fix the unfixable sfc problems. :)

A picture--

Untitled.png

Reboot after running it & run sfc again.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
Thanks David Bailey for the reply!

I ran your command and it repaired some things (forget exactly what). Then I rebooted my PC, and ran sfc /scannow again, and it came out error-free! I have no need to do a refresh now, everything is back to normal.

Again, thanks to everyone who contributed, I really appreciate the quick responses and helpful information - I will be sure to come back if I run into any other problems :D!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64 ; Ubuntu 13.10 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    custom built ; ASUS UL20A-A1 laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2120 @ 3.3GHz ; Intel Core2Duo @ 1.3GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z68-M PRO ; ASUS stock mobo
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 ; 4GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB ; Intel integrated
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 21.5" 1080p HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk 120GB SSD; WD 500GB 7200RPM ; 250GB HDD (laptop)
    PSU
    500W 80Plus Bronze Certified
    Case
    Antec Three Hundred Illusion
    Cooling
    4 case fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 v1.0
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 3000
    Internet Speed
    26/22Mbps Verizon FiOS
    Other Info
    first PC build
Thanks David Bailey for the reply!

I ran your command and it repaired some things (forget exactly what). Then I rebooted my PC, and ran sfc /scannow again, and it came out error-free! I have no need to do a refresh now, everything is back to normal.

Again, thanks to everyone who contributed, I really appreciate the quick responses and helpful information - I will be sure to come back if I run into any other problems :D!

You are welcome. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
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