windows 8.1 problem

I had a problem with my broadband not being recognised, which it has been fine, there was in the upgrades a upgrade which shows that it needed to be started ( which it had) for it to be installed

so I decided on a system restore which just hangs and didn't do anything, now it boots up to a desktop with part of my programs missing, but I am unable to use them or select another system restore or any option, after a few seconds I have no option but to switch off the computer.

I don't really wish to do a complete recovery as I had windows 7 on it when I bought the sony vaio and purchased a upgrade to windows 8 from Microsoft. any help-advice- ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Sam

Sounds like a new install is the right way to go but instead of going the Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 route, just go directly to 8.1 using the Windows 8 key you have.

You can download and create a ISO file if you want to burn a DVD to use or you can create a installable flash drive to use (my recommendation - 4GB or larger).

See here:

If you need to get a Windows 8.1 ISO to reinstall with, see here: Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 ISO - Download or Create

The updated Option One shows you how to use a Microsoft provided tool (mediacreationtool.exe) to download any version of 8.1 for either 32 or 64 bit, regardless of what computer (bit wise) you are running from.

Mediacreationtool must be run from a Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 computer.

Hi Ztruker,

Thanks for your reply, But I was hoping that there might be another option, I don't really want to reinstall as there are items on there that I don't really want to lose.

So hopefully I might be able to retrieve them .

Regards,

Sam

samIOW said:

Hi Ztruker,

Thanks for your reply, But I was hoping that there might be another option, I don't really want to reinstall as there are items on there that I don't really want to lose.

So hopefully I might be able to retrieve them .

Regards,

Sam

Click to expand...

Yea sure put your hard drive in a USB external case or SATA to USB adapter, connect to another computer and copy your files to another hard drive. After you have recovered your files Clean install 8.1. Copy your data files back to your hard drive. I personally like to keep my data files on a separate hard drive from the one my OS is on.
I guess after this you'll probably start making back ups Macrium Reflect Free will create images of your hard drive. The paid versions will back up files and folders and run scheduled backups

I would create an installation disc from the link that Ztruker has posted or from here and then do a repair/install with that.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/26095-repair-install-windows-8-a.html

Yes, but my problem is that all the information regarding the windows 8 upgrade was on the drive which I am unable to access, I know I should have made a copy, but you never seem to get round to doing this, wondered if I should get in touch with Microsoft uk? Hopefully they van give me the information I need about the Key.

If your problem is that some system files were not restored correctly, then any Windows 8.1 .iso can correct that. But if it is only some programs missing, you can just reinstall these programs. What is so difficult about that.

download win8.1se in my sig below - you can boot from it and get the files you need and the windows key used

If OEMKey does not pull the product key > download produkey > extract the zip file and copy the proper exe to the USB and then run it from the Win81SE desktop

KYHI said:

download win8.1se in my sig below - you can boot from it and get the files you need and the windows key used

If OEMKey does not pull the product key > download produkey > extract the zip file and copy the proper exe to the USB and then run it from the Win81SE desktop

Click to expand...

Hi KYHI,

Thanks for your help unfortunately I am unable to download the WIN81SEx64. Not sure why? It goes straight to onedrive?

KYHI, what is [DEL]Windows 8.1 SE[/DEL]?????

Make that Windows 8.1 RESE

Download it, test it, try it and you'll see... It all boots into memory just like WinPE and WinRE

Win81SE is a lightweight Win8.1 OS in Ram or a Win8.1 PE environment created using the Windows 8.1 x86 or x64 architecture setup media.. Win81SE comes with only a minimum of applications.

Thanks, I've downloaded both 32 and 64 bit, will give it a try.

Works pretty good. I'm here from a booted Windows8.1RESE flash drive (64 bit).

One thing I noticed is that the mouse doesn't work right. Can't scroll with the wheel and Home or Ctrl/Home and end or Ctrl/End has nop effect.

Hmmm, none of the keyboard keys work very well, Page up/down, arrow keys.

do you have to load a special driver for your keyboard? I know when using IE , it does not scroll for me..
It is a stripped to the bear OS - as the OS can not be more then the Ram Drive Limit

No, standard wired USB mouse and keyboard.

I think, as you said, it's the stripped drivers that are the reason. Not a big deal, just annoying when I'm so used to rolling the mouse wheel to do things.