Can't boot Windows 8.1

ronin

New Member
Messages
1
Hi

Since I delete a Linux partition appears the command line GRUB RESCUE and I'm unable to boot to Windows 8.1.
I try to run Puppy Slacko Live CD to access the system and I was successful. Then I install the bootloader "Grub4dos"trhough Puppy Slacko I restart the PC and...Bingo! I was able to skip the Grub rescue message and a new screen appears with different options.

One of them let me boot into Windows. I select this option and the black screen with the blue logo of Windows 8.1 appears... god sign! But after a 15-20 min nothing happens, the screen didn't change and suddenly the Pc restarts. Every time that I tried this I got the same result. I tried with a Windows 8.1 Iso and I had the same result to. Windows screen kepts loading for 20 minutes and then the Pc restart.

I try with a Windows 7 disk from a friend and I try to repair the boot with the command line bootrec, with /fixmbr /fixboot and /rebuildbcd. Fixmbr and fixboot fails and tell me that "A device attached to the system is not functioning", and rebuildbcd says "Total amount of Windows installations found was 0"

Now I'm out of options and I need help.

A format is the last thing I want to do because I had a lot of files in the hard drive


Thank you
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
It does sound as if you are out of options for the booting process.

A format is the last thing I want to do because I had a lot of files in the hard drive

What I have done before reformatting is boot to a LiveCD or LiveDVD version of Linux such as your Puppy [I am now using Linux Mint 17 Cinnamon] and locate the Copy any data files that exist nowhere else to an External USB drive, either HDD or Thumb/Flash. Any programs can be reinstalled from disc or from downloads if you have saved them, also put them on the External drive. Some LiveCD/LiveDVD versions will recognize a USB drive being plugged in but others may need it attached before booting so it gets recognized.

Sometimes I find it necessary to first boot to a GPARTED disc to delete any partitions to get a truly clean HDD.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WinXP, WinVista, Win7, Win8.1, Win10, Linux Mint 20
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2 Customs and 12 OEM/Brands
    CPU
    AMD and Intel
I try with a Windows 7 disk from a friend and I try to repair the boot with the command line bootrec, with /fixmbr /fixboot and /rebuildbcd. Fixmbr and fixboot fails and tell me that "A device attached to the system is not functioning", and rebuildbcd says "Total amount of Windows installations found was 0"
When you boot Windows installation ISO, it creates a virtual volume from which it runs its apps. I may be wrong but I guess using Win 7 tools for fixing Win 8 boot problems may not be a good idea (even though the basic boot rules for both are alike). Why don't download Windows 8 ISO from MS (as long as you have your SN) and retry that?

About Windows installations found - I wouldn't worry about that - I've had several boot problems and seen this almost every time even though Windows was in fact present and could be run using some bootloaders. I've even seen it when using /scanos parameter which is completely ridiculous.

Here's a link to a trick that once worked for me - you need to export, delete and them rebuild your BCD. Hope this will help.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Precision M4800
    CPU
    Intel i7-4900MQ
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4600 & nVidia Quadro K2100M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2312HM & Dell 2408WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 & 1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO 256 GB & Hitachi TravelStar 5K750 750 GB
    Browser
    Firefox 32
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Internet Security 15
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