Windows 8.1 failure to boot. Repair options don't work

[Rthompson4]

Hello, I recently upgraded to 8.1 (mistake) and have been having issues with my harddrive. Just today, I restarted my computer only to get a "windows failed to start" message. I went into the recovery options, and attemped a system restore (didnt work), system refresh (recovery media wasn't present), and CMD commands (chkdsk) and even sfc /scannow which I can't seem to get to run, I always get the "Will start on next boot" message, which it never does. So I attempted using an ISO with the windows 8.1 professional. Tried everything I did above, and still nothing. Refresh fails with the CD, and when i try to install a new partition, it only gives me the option of upgrading (which i cant) or reinstalling everything deleting anything in the process. I don't understand why I can't install on a new partition like I did with Windows 7. I was wondering if anyone has any idea I could try. I really don't want to buy a new harddrive, install a new windows on it, and recover my files.

 

[David Bailey]

sfc /scannow needs to be run in an administrator command prompt.

DISM too.

 

[Rthompson4]

I can't even boot windows up, not even in safe mode with command prompt. How would I do this?

 

[SIW2]

Refresh fails with the CD

You obviously some kind of boot media. Use the command prompt on that.

Type notepad at cmd prompt when notepad opens, select File then Save. You will get a browse window and can find the drive letter the boot media has allocated to your windows partition.

At cmd prompt, use that drive letter to run chkdsk, like this:

chkdsk letter: /r

e.g. chkdsk c: /r

 

[David Bailey]

I can't even boot windows up, not even in safe mode with command prompt. How would I do this?

I went into the recovery options, and attemped a system restore (didnt work), system refresh (recovery media wasn't present), and CMD commands (chkdsk) and even sfc /scannow which I can't seem to get to run,

I assumed you had access to a command prompt.

Try using the power button on the computer to start & shut off the computer several times & you may get a list if boot options.
Among which should be safe mode with administrator command prompt.
Let it start to load & press the button to shut down & when it is shut down, repeat the process a few more times.

 

[Rthompson4]

Chkdsk didn't work. I tried that turning it on and off, samething. Is there anyway I can transfer files with an External HDD?