My Windows 8.1 is stuck in an automatic repair loop, how can I fix this?

Anonymous

my laptop will not boot at all, when I turn it on the screen shows 'preparing automatic repair' then 'diagnosing your PC'. After this, the screen shows 'your PC did not start correctly' and it doesn't work when I restart it so I selected advanced options. After this, if I click continue the repair screen appears again and I am redirected back to the same page. I can't access my desktop at all and an administrator hasn't been set on my laptop, so after clicking troubleshoot I can't refresh or reset my PC.After this I clicked on advanced settings and I cannot choose system restore, command prompt, system image recovery or startup repair because they either don't work or need an administrator and I haven't set one as I mentioned before. My last resort was startup settings which requires restarting the PC. 9 options are to choose from and I tried almost all and it won't boot up in safe mode. Help!

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Anonymous

I've inserted the System Recovery disc 1 that came with the computer. No change.

Usually that means that that device is not higher than the hard drive in the boot device order. You would probably need to get into your BIOS screen to change that. See your User Guide or contact HP for more information. Post your product id (e.g. what details you need to use HP's site to find your particular documentation and downloads but not your serial number) if you need someone to help interpret your user documentation. In W7 HP had a nice tool that gave me those details. I never found anything analogous from W8, except in bits and pieces.

HTH

Robert Aldwinckle

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156 additional answers

Anonymous

2014-09-10T13:10:10+00:00

My new Dell computer did not come with a Windows installation disc.

The information on the link you provided (which I accessed with my trusty old Windows XP computer) says that it must be run on the PC that I want to upgrade, which is impossible because the PC I want to upgrade is stuck in the Automatic Repair Loop.
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Anonymous

2014-09-10T12:49:17+00:00

Hello Seth,

Thank you for the update.

It is unfortunate that the issue still persists.

I would suggest you to repair Windows 8.1 and check if it helps. Please follow these steps:

a. Insert Windows 8.1 installation disk(DVD) and restart the computer.

b. Press spacebar or Enter key when it shows "Press any key to boot from CD/DVD".

c. On installation window, click "Install Now" and follow on-screen instructions.

d. Select "Upgrade" when "Type of installation" window appears.

Windows may check for compatibility and then repair starts. Windows may restart several times while repairing Windows.

If you do not have Windows 8.1 disk, please refer to this link to download it. Windows 8.1 key is required.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only?woldogcb=0

Note: I highly recommend backing up all of your important files and folders onto an external storage device before attempting any type of operating system repair or upgrade.

I hope this helps.

Thank you
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Anonymous

2014-09-10T12:08:36+00:00

The cd%windir%\system32\config command returns: The system cannot find the path specified.
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Anonymous

2014-09-10T07:42:05+00:00

Hello Seth,

Thank you for the reply.

It is unfortunate that issue still persists. However, I appreciate your efforts towards resolving the issue.

I would suggest you to follow suggestions provided in the following article and then try refreshing Windows and check if it helps.

Refer this article:

Unable to refresh or reset PC after Automatic Repair fails in Windows 8

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2823223/en-us

Note: Apps you installed from websites and DVDs will be removed. Apps that came with your PC and apps you installed from the Windows Store will be reinstalled. Windows puts a list of removed apps on your desktop after refreshing your PC.

I hope this information helps.

Thank you
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