Repair Install Windows 8

How to Repair Install Windows 8 and 8.1 without Losing Anything

information   Information
Windows 8 introduced the option to refresh and reset your PC to repair or reinstall Windows 8 with as needed. These new features are great for what they are intended for, but there are some drawbacks to them.

When you reset your PC, it will basically give you a clean install (retail) or factory recovery (preinstalled OEM) of Windows 8 afterwards. You will lose everything from your current Windows 8 installation.

When you refresh your PC, this basically repairs Windows 8 by reinstalling it while keeping your files, Store apps, most of your settings, etc..... However, all installed 3rd party desktop apps will be removed. If you like, you could create a custom refresh image to not lose anything, but this will require creating new custom refresh images every so often to keep it updated to not lose anything since the last image was created.


This tutorial will show you how to do a repair install (aka: in-place upgrade install) to fix your currently installed Windows 8 without losing anything. For example, desktop apps.

You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do a repair install of Windows 8.

Note   Note
Settings that will be Preserved when doing a Repair Install
  • All user accounts.
  • Files in all users' C:\Users\(user-name) folders. (ex: Desktop, My Documents, My Music, etc...)
  • Wireless network connections.
  • Apps from the Windows Store will be kept.
  • All installed 3rd party desktop programs will be kept.
  • Mobile broadband connections.
  • BitLocker and BitLocker To Go settings.
  • Windows Firewall settings.
  • Drive letter assignments.
  • File type associations set per user.
  • Metro apps settings per user.
  • Display settings.
  • Personalization settings such as lock screen background and desktop wallpaper.
  • All users' PC settings will be kept.
  • Choices you made during Windows Welcome, such as computer name and user accounts, will not change.
  • Network, Libraries, and Windows Update settings will not change.
  • Customer Experience Improvement Program settings will not change.
  • Windows Error Reporting settings will not change.
  • Some drivers may or may not be removed, but usually will remain.
Settings that will be NOT be Preserved when doing a Repair Install
  • Installed Windows Updates will be removed.
  • Some drivers may or may not be removed, but usually will remain.

warning   Warning

  • You will only be able to do a repair install from within Windows 8.
  • You will not be able to do a repair install at boot or in Safe Mode.
  • You must have at least 8.87 GB + what is currently being used of free space on the hard drive/partition that Windows 8 is installed on. You may need more if you have a larger installation.
Be sure to back up anything that you do not want to lose before doing a repair install just to be extra safe. For example, if you lose power in the middle of doing the repair install.



Here's How:

1. Start Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, and sign in to an administrator account.

2. Disable any 3rd party firewall, antivirus, or other security program to avoid it from possibly preventing the repair in-place upgrade installation of Windows 8.

3. Do step 4 or 5 below depending on what you would like to use to do the repair install with.

4. If Using a Windows 8/8.1 DVD or USB to do a Repair Install with

Note   Note


A) Insert/connect and open the DVD or USB, and go to step 6 below.​

5. If Using a Windows 8/8.1 ISO file to do a Repair Install with

Note   Note

  • The ISO you use must be for the same language as the Windows edition you currently have installed.
  • If you have Windows 8 installed, then you must use a Windows 8 ISO.
  • If you have Windows 8.1 installed, then you must use a Windows 8.1 ISO.
  • If you have Windows 8.1 Update installed, then you must use a Windows 8.1 Update ISO.
  • If you have 32-bit Windows installed, then you can only use a 32-bit Windows ISO.
  • If you have 64-bit Windows installed, then you can only use a 64-bit Windows ISO.
  • If you installed 64-bit Windows with UEFI, then you can only use a 64-bit Windows ISO.


B) Open the mounted ISO from This PC if it didn't automatically open, and go to step 6 below.​

6. Double click/tap on the setup file to run it. (see screenshot below)
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-1.jpg

7. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes.

8. If this is for Windows 8 Enterprise, then click/tap on Install now. (see screenshot below)
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-1A.jpg

9. If prompted, select (dot) Download and install updates, and click/tap on Next (Windows 8/8.1 or Windows 8/8.1 Pro). (see screenshots below)
NOTE: If any updates are found, then they will be installed, and installation will restart and continue on to step 10.
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-2.png
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-2B.jpg

10. Enter your product key that matches the installed edition of Windows, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

Note   Note
The product key you enter must match what you are installing, or it will not work.

If you have a Windows 8 product key with Windows 8 installed, then you are good.

If you have a Windows 8.1 product key with Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update installed, then you are good.

If you have a Windows 8 product key with Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update installed, then you would need to enter a generic key below to install with, and change the product key later on in step 24 below to activate with your Windows 8 key instead.

If you have Windows 8 Enterprise, Windows 8. Enterprise, or Windows 8.1 Update Enterprise installed, then you would need to change the product key later on in step 24 below to activate since Enterprise editions do not ask to enter a key at this step.

  • Windows 8 (core): FB4WR-32NVD-4RW79-XQFWH-CYQG3
  • Windows 8 Pro: XKY4K-2NRWR-8F6P2-448RF-CRYQH
  • Windows 8 Pro with Media Center: RR3BN-3YY9P-9D7FC-7J4YF-QGJXW

  • Windows 8.1 (core): 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT
  • Windows 8.1 Pro: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB
  • Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center: GBFNG-2X3TC-8R27F-RMKYB-JK7QT
  • Windows 8.1 Enterprise: MNDGV-M6PKV-DV4DR-CYY8X-2YRXH OR FHQNR-XYXYC-8PMHT-TV4PH-DRQ3H
KMS setup keys (8/8.1): Appendix A: KMS Client Setup Keys


Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-3.jpg

11. Check the I accept the license terms box, and click/tap on Accept (Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro) or Next (Windows 8 Enterprise). (see screenshots below)
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-4.jpg
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-4B.jpg

12. If this is for Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro, then select (dot) Keep Windows settings, personal files, and apps, click/tap on Next, and go to step 14 below. (see screenshot below)
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-5.jpg

13. If this is for Windows 8 Enterprise, then click/tap on Upgrade: Install Windows and keep files, settings, and applications. (see screenshot below)
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-5B.jpg

14. Windows 8 will now check for compatibility issues to see if you'll need to do anything to get your PC ready for Windows 8. If anything is found, you will need to take care of them before continuing. (see screenshot below)
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-6.jpg

15. If this is for Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro and no issues were found from step 14 above, then click/tap on Install. (see screenshot below)
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-7.jpg

16. Windows 8 will now start to install. The computer will restart a few times during this. (see screenshots below)
NOTE: This will take a while to finish.
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-8.jpg
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-8B.jpg
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-9.jpg

17. When Windows 8 is finished installing, select a color you like, and click/tap Next. (see screenshot below)
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-10.jpg

18. Click/tap on Use Express settings. (see screenshot below)
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-11.jpg

19. Do step 20 or 21 below depending on if your primary administrator account is a local account or Microsoft account.

20. If you have a Microsoft Account
A) Go to step 22 below.​

21. If you have a Local Account
A) Enter the password for the displayed account, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)​
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-12.jpg
B) Click/tap on Skip, and go to step 22 below. (see screenshot below)​
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-13.jpg

22. Windows 8 will now startup signed into your administrator account. (see screenshots below)
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-14.jpg
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-15.jpg

23. Use Disk Cleanup to delete at least the Previous Windows installation(s), Setup Log Files, Temporary Windows installation files, and Windows upgrade log files items to free up the large amount hard drive space that they take. (see screenshots below)
Windows_8_Repair_Install_Windows-16.jpg

24. If you have an Enterprise edition or needed to use a generic key to install with from step 10 above, then you will need to change the product key to be able to enter the product key and activate it. (see screenshots below)
Change_Product_Key-Enterprise.jpg

25. Check for and install any available Windows Updates.

26. If needed, refresh or update you Windows Experience Index (WEI) score.


That's it,
Shawn


 

Attachments

  • Refresh.png
    Refresh.png
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Last edited:
Are you still using the same language in Windows 8 that the installation media is for?

Did you move your user folders or profile to another location other than the default "C:\Users"?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Yep, English US is the only language available on this ISO but I changed the keyboard to UK on both the original install and the repair.
User folders hadn't been moved on this machine, my daughters laptop. Single hdd, Single partition.
In fact, I used the trick of when Windows creates the system reserved partition, you delete the other, and extend the System Reserved partition to be the only partition and still have the boot files. Do you think that could explain it?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Motherboard
    Asus
    Memory
    8Gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    8800GT & 9800GT
    Antivirus
    Sophos
Not sure that would cause it, but that seems to be the only thing out of sorts. You might see if switching the keyboard input back to default and removing any others may do.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Hi

If I do a repair install will files that have been corrupted and cannot be repaired by SFC
be replaced?

Thanks

Daniel
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64 with 8.1 Update
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3450 CPU @ 3.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus
    Memory
    8Gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    Poor
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus
Hello Daniel,

Yes, Windows system files will be replaced with new default ones.

However, did you try the DISM command in the blue Note box under step 3 in Option Two of the tutorial below first? The DISM command is intended to repair the component store to hopefully allow SFC to repair the files afterwards.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/3047-sfc-scannow-command-run-windows-8-a.html

Hope this helps, :)
Shawn
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64 with 8.1 Update
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3450 CPU @ 3.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus
    Memory
    8Gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    Poor
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus
Ah, ok. Yep, a repair install should work if nothing else does. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Hi

I have a further problem, as SFC could not fix the problem I tried a repair install.

I followed your instructions, when I got to the "which files to keep" the only option shown was Nothing (please see see screenshot attached).

I am pretty sure I followed all instruction, I rechecked and cannot see whare I could have gone wrong.

Thanks

Daniel

W8 Repair Instal.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64 with 8.1 Update
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3450 CPU @ 3.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus
    Memory
    8Gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    Poor
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus
Most likely what you have installed is a newer version of Windows than what the installation media is. :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Hi

I have W 8.1, and W8 install DVD, is there a way to repair install version 8.1?

Thanks

Daniel
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64 with 8.1 Update
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3450 CPU @ 3.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus
    Memory
    8Gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    Poor
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus
Hi

I have W 8.1, and W8 install DVD, is there a way to repair install version 8.1?

Thanks

Daniel

It would be the same way in the tutorial for 8.1.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Hi Shawn

thanks for your help, I'll organise an 8.1 install disk.

Cheers

Daniel
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64 with 8.1 Update
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3450 CPU @ 3.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus
    Memory
    8Gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    Poor
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus
You're welcome Daniel.

Just to note, that you can't use 8.1 to repair install 8. They must be the same.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Hi

I have 8 upgraded to 8.1, I guess that is why I cannot use the 8 disk to repair, but I believe I cannot uninstall the 8.1 upgrade, and
if I did I'm not sure I will be able to repair it anyway.

I am 90% sure I am just going to format and reinstall W8 and upgrade 8.1, I probably need to dejunk the PC anyway.

I really appreciate your help and am amazed at the amount of work you do in the forums, and the extent of your knowledge.

Best regards

Daniel
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64 with 8.1 Update
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3450 CPU @ 3.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus
    Memory
    8Gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    Poor
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus
This worked very well for me. I had a component store corruption issue that prevented me from updating Windows 8.1 and appeared to be centered on the .Net framework. All told, the refresh process (excluding creating the custom recovery image) took about 2 hours, solved the problem, and I got all my programs and settings back. A great and extremely helpful post.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel I7
    Motherboard
    Asrock
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce 780
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I keep getting the following error message when trying the Repair Install.

We can't tell if your PC is ready to continue installing Windows 8.1. Try restarting setup. I have tried 5 times and still get the message. This happens right after I choose keep personal files and settings at the beginning.

Does anyone know why this is happening? Very frustrating.

Many thanksRepair Install Message.jpg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Core i7
    Motherboard
    MSI
    Memory
    16gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    nvidia GTX560M
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Hard Drives
    3 SSD's. System on 2 in RAID 0
    Internet Speed
    Cable
Hello Silver, :)

Please give some more details about your situation and what you're using to see if anything may be relevant to why you are getting this message.

Have you already tried restarting the PC, then try the repair install again?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Hello Silver, :)

Please give some more details about your situation and what you're using to see if anything may be relevant to why you are getting this message.

Have you already tried restarting the PC, then try the repair install again?

Yes, I have restarted. I am following the tutorial after receiving errors in sfc /scannow. Win 8.1 Pro 64 bit.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Core i7
    Motherboard
    MSI
    Memory
    16gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    nvidia GTX560M
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Hard Drives
    3 SSD's. System on 2 in RAID 0
    Internet Speed
    Cable

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Depending on why you needed to run SFC, did you go through all options in the blue Note box under step 3 in OPTION TWO of the tutorial below to see if may help allow SFC to repair the files afterwards? It not, then it may help to not need to do a repair install.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/3047-sfc-scannow-command-run-windows-8-a.html

Brink,

You are a prince! I did the powershell DISM command that you recommended then sfc /scannow and no errors. This was after running sfc 4 times without success before DISM.

However, it did not help my situation. Devices and Printers still takes about 2 or 3 minutes to load everytime. That is why I was going to do a Repair install of Win 8.1. I am still getting the "We can't tell if your PC is ready to continue installing Windows 8.1" error.

Many thanks for your help. I was unaware of that command.

Silver
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Core i7
    Motherboard
    MSI
    Memory
    16gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    nvidia GTX560M
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Hard Drives
    3 SSD's. System on 2 in RAID 0
    Internet Speed
    Cable
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