Repair Windows 8 Install
I've got a client with a Windows 8 PC that won't boot. I am currently running a CHKDSK on it now to see what that will do but I have no idea where to go when this doesn't work.
It is a DELL XPS 8500
Automatic Repair cannot repair the machine.
Refresh cannot refresh the PC.
I cannot reset the PC.
I cannot run SFC /SCANNOW. It simply comes back and says it cannot be run at this time.
There is no system restore point for me to restore to.
I can't upgrade it to 8.1, because the ISO from Microsoft for that upgrade needs to be run from Windows, you can't boot from it.
I can't boot in any form of safe mode.
I have a DELL 8.1 recovery media CD, but when I try to run a new install it asks for a CD KEY, which as you all know doesn't come anywhere on the machine. This was not an upgraded Windows 7 PC, it came with 8.0 installed right from Dell.
Any ideas?
It is a DELL XPS 8500
Automatic Repair cannot repair the machine.
Refresh cannot refresh the PC.
I cannot reset the PC.
I cannot run SFC /SCANNOW. It simply comes back and says it cannot be run at this time.
There is no system restore point for me to restore to.
I can't upgrade it to 8.1, because the ISO from Microsoft for that upgrade needs to be run from Windows, you can't boot from it.
I can't boot in any form of safe mode.
I have a DELL 8.1 recovery media CD, but when I try to run a new install it asks for a CD KEY, which as you all know doesn't come anywhere on the machine. This was not an upgraded Windows 7 PC, it came with 8.0 installed right from Dell.
Any ideas?
Did you try to create an installation media for Windows 8.1?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media
ASKER
AWAWADA:
Thats the media I tried to use the first time
R.Toby Tichards:
Ill see if I can burn one of those and try it.
Thats the media I tried to use the first time
R.Toby Tichards:
Ill see if I can burn one of those and try it.
Also, make sure that BIOS of the system is updated. After try to reinstall with the installation media for Windows 8.1.
Look at the product ID at the bottom and see if the product ID mentions the words OEM. If the license is OEM then your product key will reside within the system UEFI/BIOS. If on the other hand your license does not mention OEM, you should have the product key in a confirmation email or in retail packaging. The Windows 8.1 “edition” with Update 1 .iso will automatically input OEM UEFI/BIOS Embedded System Locked Preinstallation Windows 8.0 “Edition” and Windows 8.1 “Edition” keys. Product activation will occur automatically upon first connection to the internet. There is thus no longer any need to use a third party utility to obtain your product key.
Look at the product ID at the bottom and see if the product ID mentions the words OEM. If the license is OEM then your product key will reside within the system UEFI/BIOS. If on the other hand your license does not mention OEM, you should have the product key in a confirmation email or in retail packaging. The Windows 8.1 “edition” with Update 1 .iso will automatically input OEM UEFI/BIOS Embedded System Locked Preinstallation Windows 8.0 “Edition” and Windows 8.1 “Edition” keys. Product activation will occur automatically upon first connection to the internet. There is thus no longer any need to use a third party utility to obtain your product key.
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ASKER
I kind of figured that the 8.0 vs 8.1 CD was the problem. I didn't even think about the recovery partition. It doesn't even pop up on the post screen anymore! haha, will mash F-keys and give it a try. I have 8.0 CDs for HP and Powerspec (which I will never buy again) but I might give one of those a try as a last resort if I had to.
http://www.lazesoft.com/forgot-windows-admin-password-recovery-freeware.html