Solved Updating to Windows 8.1 MAY DESTROY your computer!!!

ExperiencedUser

New Member
Messages
6
Hello Guys! I had to post in this forum because I am stuck into dead end and I cannot find way to solve my problem.

PC is Toshiba Satellite P 850 with Windows 8 64 bit pre installed.
I then updated to Windows 8.1 through store only to find out it rendered my PCs backup capabilities USELESS

Here we go:
I own a Toshiba Satellite laptop model: P850
OS: Windows 8 x64 pre installed/factory installed.

First thing I did when I started using my laptop was getting familiar with the OS, and of course creating a secondary partition for my stuff (files and so on)

I used a free 3rd party software called:
Mini tool partition wizard which proved to be very good.
The best Windows 8 partition manager ? MiniTool Partition Wizard.
( no advertising intended , its a free program and very useful)

Before doing any of the operations I did a deep research of how windows 8 partitions and recovery work so that I don't accidentally render them useless.

*First thing I did was Creating 3 DVD disks using "Toshiba Recovery Media Creator"

Then using the above mentioned software (partition wizard) I created a second partition by taking space from the C partition.
While creating a second partition (called D) I DID NOT move, resize, format or merge any of the factory recovery and system partitions.

Then I continued using the Computer for things I usually do. I updated some of the drivers, installed windows updates and computer was working good.

Then Microsoft released windows 8.1 officially so I decided to give it a try. I read the Manual about installing "Windows 8.1 Update" from the Toshiba driver download page. Installed windows 8 updates, then went to store downloaded windows 8.1 and waited for the installation to complete.
Then I continued updating my drivers as it was said in the manual.

While working with my disk partitions and before installing windows 8.1 I made screenshots both from windows disk manager and from Partition wizard

After installing Windows 8.1 I immediately noticed that the installation created a second recovery partition (also known as Windows RE) with the size of 350 MB
I of course took screenshots again both from windows disk manager and mini tool partition wizard.

I will upload the screenshots as soon as I can so please stay tuned.

Meanwhile, I tried creating a System Restore (Recovery) image

From Control Panel>>>File History>>>/bottom left/>>>Click System image backup on the bottom left

I connect my External HDD which has 450 GB of free space

Then I see and choose:

EFI System partition: Total size 260 MB Used space 52.63 MB

Partition (C) (System) Total Size 250 GB Used space 59 GB

Windows Recovery Environment system Total Size 350 MB Used space 350 MB

Space required to save backup of selected drives: 60 GB

Space available on External HDD: 450 GB

And when I start the process I get error:

The backup Failed

"There is not enough disk space to create the volume shadow copy on storage location. Make sure that for all volumes to be backup up, the minimum disk space required for shadow copy creation is available. This applies to both the backup storage destination and volumes included in the backup. Minimum requirement for Volumes less than 500 megabytes, the minimum is 50 megabytes of free space. For volumes more than 500 megabytes, the minimum is 320 megabytes of free space. Recommended at least 1 gigabytes free of disk space on each volumes if volumes size is more than 1 gigabytes (0x80780119)"

So it looks like after the Windows 8.1 update the OS installation created this new "Recovery partition/drive" with the size of 350 MB, left the old one untouched, and the new one is too small by default and is already full (350 MB used from 350 MB available.
It needs 50 MB free in order to work properly (and in order to be able to create recovery image.

So I am baffled by how my Toshiba laptop got destroyed by Microsoft's windows 8.1 update.

I am wondering if there is an official fix,
and what do I do with the OLD RECOVERY PARTITION that is left behind?

Is there a way to make factory reset and Return to windows 8 and return the *HDD factory state*? Exactly the way it was when I opened the box?
As I mentioned in the first place, when I started using the laptop I created 3 recovery DVDs using Toshiba utility.

SCREENSHOTS:
(PLEASE OPEN SCREENSHOTS IN THE CORRECT ORDER)

http://i43.tinypic.com/sxjbrq.png

http://i44.tinypic.com/ff33pk.png

http://i41.tinypic.com/2psrhh5.png

http://i43.tinypic.com/ven67n.png

http://i40.tinypic.com/2vjpx5l.png

http://i40.tinypic.com/o5unut.png

http://i43.tinypic.com/av4tg5.png

http://i43.tinypic.com/mt2jxt.png
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Updated to Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite P 850
    Antivirus
    AVG
Hi there Theog! I already read that thread! NOT ONLY THE ISO VERSION BREAKS these functions, but the Windows store version also troubles the users a lot as in my case.
PLEASE take a look at the screenshots I provided, to see exactly what I mean.
I am still hoping more experienced users will give us additional information how to fix/avoid my current situation (a lot of people with factory pre installed Windows 8 OS are having exactly the same problem.

Oh I almost forgot: it possible to integrate the screenshots in my post so that people can see them without going to tinypic?

Also is it possible to completely format the HDD (leaving it "blank" and then clean install Windows 8.1 from USB storage or disk? What will happen to system partition and EFI partition?
I think its not possible todo so in my case (with factory pre installed windows 8 ?

And another very important thing: Does anyone know what is that 128 MB hidden partition?? Diskpart command does not show it? Only software that shows it is MiniTool Partition Wizard???
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Updated to Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite P 850
    Antivirus
    AVG
Hi there Theog!
1) I already read that thread! NOT ONLY THE ISO VERSION BREAKS these functions, but the Windows store version also troubles the users a lot as in my case.
PLEASE take a look at the screenshots I provided, to see exactly what I mean.
I am still hoping more experienced users will give us additional information how to fix/avoid my current situation (a lot of people with factory pre installed Windows 8 OS are having exactly the same problem.

2) Oh I almost forgot: it possible to integrate the screenshots in my post so that people can see them without going to tinypic?

3) Also is it possible to completely format the HDD (leaving it "blank" and then clean install Windows 8.1 from USB storage or disk? What will happen to system partition and EFI partition?
I think its not possible todo so in my case (with factory pre installed windows 8 ?

4) And another very important thing: Does anyone know what is that 128 MB hidden partition?? Diskpart command does not show it? Only software that shows it is MiniTool Partition Wizard???

1) Post 39, the fix is the same as for Legacy mode, extend the 350mb partition to 400mb.

http://www.eightforums.com/performa...-1-iso-breaks-system-image-functionality.html

2) http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2598-screenshots-files-upload-post-eight-forums.html

3) YES, but you will need to buy the Windows 8x64 DVD.

4) The 128mb is the GTP partition.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
Hi there Theog! I already read that thread! NOT ONLY THE ISO VERSION BREAKS these functions, but the Windows store version also troubles the users a lot as in my case.
PLEASE take a look at the screenshots I provided, to see exactly what I mean.
I am still hoping more experienced users will give us additional information how to fix/avoid my current situation (a lot of people with factory pre installed Windows 8 OS are having exactly the same problem.

Oh I almost forgot: it possible to integrate the screenshots in my post so that people can see them without going to tinypic?

Pictures in order :
(Click them to make them bigger)

111.png

222.png

333.png

444.png

555.png

666.png

777.png

888.png

Hope that helps.

EDIT---
The .jpg file extension at TinyPic was wrong.
I had to turn them into .png to make them work here.
 

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
Thank you so much for pics David.
Theog, do you have any idea if I can "move" the new (350 MB in size) Windows RE partition to the place of the older (400 MB) partition without rendering it useless?
After reading threads, I think it should be possible to delete/recreate/register/deregister Windows RE partitions without problems?

Also what is the situation with Windows 8.1 PCs that are correctly installed( factory pre-installed) Is their recovery partition located before all other partitions?

And another very important thing: my though about Windows reset/refresh using the smaller and the bigger partition is it true? (as described ion the pictures?)
3) YES, but you will need to buy the Windows 8x64 DVD.
But I already own windows 8? I thought I could download win 8.1 ISO from Microsoft website, format and do a clean install??

I am starting to wish I never got to see/use Windows 8...everything is so complicated and gets so messy. If Win 8 did not exist I would be using the good old and reliable Win 7 :cry:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Updated to Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite P 850
    Antivirus
    AVG

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
Thank you so much for pics David.
Theog,

1) do you have any idea if I can "move" the new (350 MB in size) Windows RE partition to the place of the older (400 MB) partition without rendering it useless?
After reading threads, I think it should be possible to delete/recreate/register/deregister Windows RE partitions without problems?

2) Also what is the situation with Windows 8.1 PCs that are correctly installed( factory pre-installed) Is their recovery partition located before all other partitions?

3) And another very important thing: my though about Windows reset/refresh using the smaller and the bigger partition is it true? (as described ion the pictures?)

4)
3) YES, but you will need to buy the Windows 8x64 DVD.
But I already own windows 8? I thought I could download win 8.1 ISO from Microsoft website, format and do a clean install??

I am starting to wish I never got to see/use Windows 8...everything is so complicated and gets so messy. If Win 8 did not exist I would be using the good old and reliable Win 7 :cry:

1) I would leave the partition in-place.

2) Not seen a Pre-installed Windows 8.1, but I would say YES, but a bigger size.

3) Windows 8.1 will use the new 350mb partition, but can not use the OEM partition the last partition on your drive.

4) Microsoft DO NOT MAKE Recovery DVD's for OEM manufacturer's.
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
BIG UPDATE GUYS: I think I FIXED the problem!!! It was a 2 minute fix literally.
I used Partition Wizard to make 50 MB of unallocated space right after the new Windows RE recovery partition ( I took it from the next partition- D:
I then enlarged (extended) the 350 MB New windows Re recovery partition to take this space and it is now 400 MB! NO LOSS OF DATA.
I then managed to create System Image without problem on my external HDD.

So I guess problem is fixed for now!

I left the "old" 400 MB recovery partition (the first one in the pictures) UNTOUCHED, but I may consider deleting it and or moving the "new" recovery partition to its place or somewhere earlier and if needed registering it again.

For now I will leave the computer this way so right now it looks exactly like the last screenshot but the "New" Windows RE Recovery partition that was 350 MB and was located BETWEEN partition C: and partition D: is now bigger with exactly 50 MB which makes it 400 MB (by taking this space from partition D:

I am writing this in such detail and grammar so that people who don't understand English very good and have Toshiba laptops updated to windows 8.1 can fix their problem.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE PARTITION D: you MUST take space from the pervious partition is this case partition C: !!!
DO NOT take space from the last recovery partition (with size 9 GB or 10 GB)

I RECCOMEND BACKING UP DATA ON YOUR SYSTEM AND BACKING UP THE 350 MB partition (If possible) BEFORE MAKING IT BIGGER.

AND LAST THING VERY IMPORTANT!!!
Due to bad Partition Wizard interface, when setting size of unallocated space and/or any other partition be careful not to leave any unallocated space before or after partition you are taking space from (depending on the operation you are doing.) This can be avoided by setting the sizes of unallocated space before and after the above mentioned partition, and double checking if it looks good. NO worries even if you get with extra piece of unallocated space you can then add it back later, but you need to do another operation....

So this is my 20 :) cents on the subject I will post links to the thread in Toshiba forums so users can go here and read.

Thank you all : Forums owner/s and creators of this forum and Windows 7 forums.
Thank you all common users who help other and give precious information free of charge.
People should help each other whenever they can.
Good luck !
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Updated to Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite P 850
    Antivirus
    AVG
@ExperiencedUser
Followed your instructions to enlarge the partition & the backup succeeded. Many thanks. Now, I won't know until I need to restore from the image, if it indeed will restore with no problems. Time will tell.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro 64bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite P50t
    CPU
    Intel i7-4700MQ @ 2.40Ghz
    Memory
    8.00GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce GT745M
    Sound Card
    Realtek Integrated chip
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba MQ01ABD100H (it's a Hybrid) One TB with 8GB integrated SSD
    PSU
    none
    Case
    n/a
    Cooling
    n/a
    Keyboard
    integrated_Backlit
    Mouse
    m/a
    Internet Speed
    Full Speed Fibre
    Browser
    IE/Firefox/Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
"Updating to Windows 8.1 MAY DESTROY your computer!!!" Really? Might it explode? Melt down like Chernobyl or Fukushima? Oh, you mean it just means I can't do a system image backup? Whew!!! I was getting ready to call the National Guard! Seriously, though, it is a pain in the butt that after upgrading it isn't possible to do a system image without a little work. I had to do it a little differently than your method, but in the end, I can now do the image. I'm certainly glad, as destroying my computer would have been a bad thing. Just a side note, when I upgraded, my Norton Antivirus was no longer compatible, but I'm certainly glad it didn't destroy my computer. LOL.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Build
    CPU
    AMD FX-6100
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-970A-D3
    Memory
    16GB G.SKILL DDR3-1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA Geforce 550ti
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Webroot SecureAnywhere Plus
Ah, that's where mushroom cloud came from !!!!
That's why I keep a backup copy of BOOT partition nice and fresh all the time and all the data on another disk.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home made
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen7 2700x
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime x470 Pro
    Memory
    16GB Kingston 3600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus strix 570 OC 4gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 960 evo 250GB
    Silicon Power V70 240GB SSD
    WD 1 TB Blue
    WD 2 TB Blue
    Bunch of backup HDDs.
    PSU
    Sharkoon, Silent Storm 660W
    Case
    Raidmax
    Cooling
    CCM Nepton 140xl
    Internet Speed
    40/2 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    WD
I also was able to do system image backup without changing the size of any partitions, I don't know what I did exactly because I had to change a few things and reboot a bunch of times since 5 backups failed. now I am trying to figure out how to extend my C partition to take up the space of my deleted OEM recovery partition.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 , 8 , OpenSuse12.1, Ubuntu 12.04, Fedora
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    AMD Turion
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI, AMD
@ExperiencedUser
Followed your instructions to enlarge the partition & the backup succeeded. Many thanks. Now, I won't know until I need to restore from the image, if it indeed will restore with no problems. Time will tell.

Hi man I am happy I helped you. But it still won't not restore (at least for me) BECAUSE OF ANOTHER PROBLEM with windows 8.1. I suggest you use Macrium or Acronis true image to make a third party system image copy to external storage media such as HDD or DVDs
So basically we are waiting for this sh*te to get fixed in windows 8.2 and then enjoy all the natural windows 8 restore and recovery capabilities. Good luck all!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Updated to Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite P 850
    Antivirus
    AVG
Thanks for letting us know that the restore did not work for you. What is the other problem that you mention? I Have used Acronis True Image & found that I had to go into the BIOS and do some fiddling there before I could restore with Acronis. I will try the Macrium.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro 64bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite P50t
    CPU
    Intel i7-4700MQ @ 2.40Ghz
    Memory
    8.00GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce GT745M
    Sound Card
    Realtek Integrated chip
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba MQ01ABD100H (it's a Hybrid) One TB with 8GB integrated SSD
    PSU
    none
    Case
    n/a
    Cooling
    n/a
    Keyboard
    integrated_Backlit
    Mouse
    m/a
    Internet Speed
    Full Speed Fibre
    Browser
    IE/Firefox/Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Thanks for letting us know that the restore did not work for you. What is the other problem that you mention? I Have used Acronis True Image & found that I had to go into the BIOS and do some fiddling there before I could restore with Acronis. I will try the Macrium.

Macrium Reflect works, Acronis keeps claiming that they are UEIF GPT complainant. As of the release of 2014 THI they still could not restore a disk Image nor complete a bootable Clone UEIF GPT that is. I'm still using Acronis on 2 of WS My notebook is UEIF So I have had to switch to Reflect excellent program great support and great support forum. They are responsive should you have issues or just not understand something.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro MC
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus G75VW / Z97 Pro
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-3610QM / I7-4790K
    Motherboard
    Z97 Pro
    Memory
    16 GB Hyundai HTM315156CFR8C-PB PC3-12800
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVIDIA GeForce GTX 670M (GF114M)
    Sound Card
    VIA 6.0.10.1600
    Screen Resolution
    1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256, Samsung 850 Pro 1TB
    Internet Speed
    30 down 3 up
    Browser
    Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    NIS and Malwarebytes
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