Error Code: 0xc0000001

[Annie W]

My laptop came preintalled with Windows 8. I did the upgrade to 8.1. Then in beginning Aug. 2015 sometime I upgraded to Windows 10. However I did something rather stupid! Yup didn't copy any recovery, nothing. So now that I wanted to go back to Windows 8, my pc came up with and Error!! File: \windows\system32\winload.efi Error Code: 0xc0000001. So I have talked with Toshiba, which they advise me that its my hard drive and I need a recovery disc. Microsoft is telling me to go back onto their web site and download Windows 8 and then try and re-install windows 8 on my pc. I can't not find where to download windows 8. I did order a new laptop from toshiba,because it was going to be really cheaper to get a new one than to fix my 3 year old pc. Any help?

 

[David Bailey]

This link MAY help-

Upgrade Windows with only a product key - Windows Help

I have never tried it because I have factory recovery disks & also use Macrium Reflect to make system images.

It tells you on the link that you will need your product key.
They don't say whether it is the OEM or Installed key.
This vbs script will show you both. { If both are still available. }

View attachment ShowKey v1.3.vbs

Download it & right click it & unblock it & close Properties & open it.



Good luck.

 

[genet]

This link MAY help-

Upgrade Windows with only a product key - Windows Help

You will not be able to download from this page, if you have Windows 8/8.1 OEM product key.

If you use an OEM product key, you will receive: This product key cannot be used to install a retail version of Windows 8 (see screenshot below).



How to download and clean install Windows 8.1 if you have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8/8.1 product key. -> link