Windows 8.1 stuck in automatic repair loop

[TheDudeKeanu]

First off, I'd like to note that refresh/reset is not an option unless someone knows how to fully backup everything (programs, app settings, filesystem, etc.)

My system specs:
Intel i7 4770
AMD Radeon HD 7770
16GB RAM
MSI H81M mono
2TB HDD

Problem:
Possibly after a video card driver update, I restarted my computer only to get a "loading automatic repair" loop then it tells me that it wasn't able to repair automatically, etc. and just gives me options to get into a command prompt, reset or refresh and a couple other options.

Steps I've tried to fix:
1. Flashed updated BIOS
2. Tried safe mode, boot logging, low res mode, etc.
3. Took it down to a couple local repair shops that ran a chkdsk (fixed some files but didn't work) and tried to run the auto repair from a Windows 8.1 install disk. Came to the conclusion that I need to reinstall and that there's no way to update programs

Please help lol. If you need any additional information or logs, feel free to ask and direct me on how to get it, thanks!

 

[jds63]

Look here
How to Fix the Automatic Repair Loop in Windows 8.1 - Microsoft Community

 

[TheDudeKeanu]

Tried all those solutions, didnt work. Like I said, it doesn't even boot into safe mode.

Edit: lol what was that number

 

[jds63]

Tried all those solutions569951676058, didnt work. Like I said, it doesn't even boot into safe mode.

Tried where it said to try to access the BIOS ? Can access the BIOS at logo screen or no ?

Something as said here is corrupt or missing in file system, look this over. Also when trying to do this make sure any USB or other external devices are disconnected. Do you have a integrated card, maybe can try to remove video card for now try to boot, then after can try uninstall those drivers if this was the case. Anything else felt was done when this happened ?

https://www.winhelp.us/repair-your-computer-in-windows-8.html

 

[TheDudeKeanu]

BIOS didn't have that option to begin with. I'm currently trying the repair option on my computer since the bcedit solution (#1) on that link actually gave me an error message:

File: \Windows\system32\storahci.sys
Status: 0xc000000f
Info: The operating system couldn't be loaded because a critical system driver is missing or contains errors.

I'm going to see if this install CD will fix that driver with "Repair your Computer"

Will try to remove my video card after that.

 

[jds63]

BIOS didn't have that option to begin with. I'm currently trying the repair option on my computer since the bcedit solution (#1) on that link actually gave me an error message:

File: \Windows\system32\storahci.sys
Status: 0xc000000f
Info: The operating system couldn't be loaded because a critical system driver is missing or contains errors.

I'm going to see if this install CD will fix that driver with "Repair your Computer"

Will try to remove my video card after that.

That storahci.sys is a chipset SATA /AHCI controller driver for your HDD and DVD ROM's. Let me know how this goes, hopefully not an issue with the HDD or SSD.

Like this here

 

[TheDudeKeanu]

BIOS didn't have that option to begin with. I'm currently trying the repair option on my computer since the bcedit solution (#1) on that link actually gave me an error message:

File: \Windows\system32\storahci.sys
Status: 0xc000000f
Info: The operating system couldn't be loaded because a critical system driver is missing or contains errors.

I'm going to see if this install CD will fix that driver with "Repair your Computer"

Will try to remove my video card after that.

That storahci.sys is a chipset SATA /AHCI controller driver for your HDD. Let me know how this goes, hopefully not an issue with the HDD or SSD.

It shouldn't be a failure since I was able to browse and look through some files without a problem. I'm running a single 2tb HDD. After doing a system file repair with the install CD, it found no files that needed replacing and after looking at the system32 folder in both the boot and primary drive, the storahci.sys file that was supposed to be in that path is missing. Is there any way I can install that driver from a repair CD or command prompt? Thanks!

 

[jds63]

Usually these files are loaded before operating system. Check your motherboards manufacturer site for those drivers if intel would be Intel bootdisk IRST 64 or 32bit, not sure way but need to copy files on a USB Flash to install them. Either booting from it i think, get back to you make sure as never did it this way. As may just be able to go to device manager and select update driver then select the USB Flash as the location to where the drivers will be.

 

[jds63]

As have no specs to look at here to guide you to right place to find the files or check if they are correct.

 

[TheDudeKeanu]

This is my motherboard: MSI USA - Computer, Laptop, Notebook, Desktop, Mainboard, Graphics and more

I did update the BIOS. Do I need to update the drivers separately?

Edit: my major system specs is in the thread first post. Is there anything else you need?

 

[jds63]

Believe just the controller drivers that are missing, 64bit or 32bit windows 8.1 ?

 

[TheDudeKeanu]

64bit Windows 8.1

Where do I find those?

 

[jds63]

One highlighted around in white is it, no matter to 64 or 32bit works for both, always check here for updated drivers besides BIOS which can sometimes render the PC useless.

 

[TheDudeKeanu]

Thank you! I'll get to installing those drivers now and will report back when it's finished. You're a great help!

 

[jds63]

Thank you! I'll get to installing those drivers now and will report back when it's finished. You're a great help!

Your most welcome, unzip file, need to look for ones shown as 64bit only, not 32bit, be series of them, copy to a flash drive then go into the device manager under IDE/ATA ATAPI Controllers look there see any yellow exclamation points, this is were drivers go. Forgot to mention if drivers are missing should be yellow exclamation point in this area under IDE/ATA controllers.

 

[TheDudeKeanu]

Just tried that. However, the driver installer is an exe and how do I start that? I tried to start the installer exe from command prompt but came up with the error message "The subsystem needed to support the image type is not present"

 

[jds63]

Why command prompt, because no access within the desktop from the PC ?

 

[TheDudeKeanu]

Yeah, the whole reason I made this thread is because km stuck in an automatic repair loop and can't get my PC to boot lol

 

[jds63]

Yeah, the whole reason I made this thread is because km stuck in an automatic repair loop and can't get my PC to boot lol

Eactly, somehow i forgot all this because telling me about the error shown for controller driver, but again have to look back as to where you saw this, also because i thought you were further through and able to boot.

 

[jds63]

If chkdsk checked out fine, repair does not work, good chance you may need to do a reinstall of windows 8.1, hopefully all other software, documents or any important files were backed up.