Windows 8.1 automatic repair loop - unable to fix this

[JPCFX]

Have a Dell inspiron 17r that recently starting failing to boot (Windows encountered a problem blue screen) and then goes into a automatic repair loop.

Things that I have tried
- Ran Dell internal diagnostics, no errors or issues.
- Booting to safe mode or command prompt. I can't access safe mode or CMD due to the auto repair loop
- Restore to a previous recovery point. When I try any option in the advanced menu Windows give an error that I must log in as an administrator and that there are no administrators configured on the system. (single user who is an admin on the system)
- Boot with Windows 8.1 install disc. Unable to launch bcdedit as discussed in many articles, tells me it can't load the boot configuration.
- Ran system restore from 8.1 CD which runs for about 30 minutes and then give an error that a file could not be accessed.
- From Windows 8.1 CD I have run chkdsk (no errors) and SFC (no issues found)
- There are no external devices connected to the laptop, no USB mouse, etc.

I've spent a few hours going over all the MS articles along with anything I could find on a forum, given what I've attempted so far is there anything else I can do.

 

[JPCFX]

One other thing I tried was to manually replace the registry files in System32\Config from the last backup. That did not help.

 

[Ztruker]

Did you see this MS article: How to Fix the Automatic Repair Loop in Windows 8.1

 

[JPCFX]

I did, that was one of the first articles I read. Unfortunately I can't access most of those options due to the issues I described in my OP.

 

[David Bailey]

MAYBE you could install a fresh version of 8.1 from an ISO.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html

Since you are posting I assume you have access to another computer which you can use.

Once you get the computer fixed I suggest using Macrium Reflect Free to make a system image to use if you run into problems in the future.

 

[Elite]

Hi,

I'm experiencing the same problem, and trying to follow the last suggestion from last post, and wondering if "fresh installation of windows 8" will fully delete my files and data?

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*sorry I am traveling to china and this f*c*in chinese windows laptop sh*t that I am borrowing makes my font typing gets weird sometime....

 

[Ztruker]

You have Windows 8.1 64 bit. Not Pro, not Ultimate or Business, not N, just plain old 8.1 64 bit (aka core).

Open a Elevated Command Prompt, type systeminfo. Look at the OS Name and OS Version lines, that will tell you for sure.

I'm on Windows 10 Preview and mine shows:

Host Name:                 LAPTOP
OS Name:                   Microsoft Windows 10 Pro Insider Preview
OS Version:                10.0.10130 N/A Build 10130