Solved Windows 8 install gone bad - Recovery Environment Screen

Seanobr

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Tried installing Windows 8 to a VHD in a dual boot with Windows 7, following the steps exactly as described in this tutorial:

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2393-windows-8-vhd-create-boot-dual-boot.html?filter
[2]=Installation and Setup

During the installation at some point the screen went black and froze. Computer was unresponsive. I figured it had something to do with my monitor that I had connected to my laptop. Opened the laptop lid and the screen reverted to the laptop but was still black. I powered off the laptop (my only option). When I turned it on again I got to the Windows 8 boot loader. Every time I chose Windows 8 I got a black screen with an error saying the installation didn't complete properly and I am forced to restart. If I chose Windows 7 computer would boot fine.

I decided to try the installation again without the monitor attached. I selected the VHD that I had created and began installing. It said there was an existing windows installation here and it would move the files to a windows.old file.

Installation proceeded and exactly the same black screen error. No response.

Turned laptop off and back on. HOWEVER, this time I get no Windows 8 boot loader :( All I get is a blue screen that says Windows Recovery Environemnt. I cannot boot back into windows 7!

I have used the Windows 7 recovery disc to attempt a startup repair, and bootrec.exe /fixmbr, bootrec.exe /fixboot, and bootsec /nt60 SYS mbr

I don't care if Windows 8 doesn't install properly now I just want Windows 7 back.

UPDATE: at this recovery screen (not using windows 7 recovery disc) I accidentally pressed F10. Got a strange command prompt screen that said something about editing code for Windows 8 boot loader...

I pressed Esc and was wonderfully brought to the Windows 7 boot loader screen with options for my TWO installations of Windows 8 and Windows 7!! Magic.

Windows 7 is now not detecting my plugged in monitor either, though I'm too afraid to restart now in case I get cant boot into Windows 7 again. What should my course of action be?
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
Solved this by:

As above - pressed F10 at the Windows 8 Recovery Environment screen
Pressed Esc
I was then brought to Windows 7 boot loader and could choose Windows 7.
Downloaded EasyBCD.
Removed the two instances of Windows 8.
Saved Windows 7 as default boot loader.
Deleted my Windows8.vhd
Restarted.

Now just have to work out how to get the damn thing to detect my monitor again! But thats another question for another thread and another forum.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
press f8 n den f9 ..nw u can run ur windows 7 .. it happend wit me too i thot ma win 7 is aso gone but i sved ma slf :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    acer aspire v5 431
    Memory
    4gb ram
    Screen Resolution
    720p
    Browser
    chrome
though i cn not find d solution to the blue screen on win8 .. have tried to install it several times ..
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    acer aspire v5 431
    Memory
    4gb ram
    Screen Resolution
    720p
    Browser
    chrome
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