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

Anonymous
2014-01-02T16:49:35+00:00

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!

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2014-04-02T19:25:00+00:00

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

Was this answer helpful?

200+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

156 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2014-10-30T14:52:40+00:00

     My problem is, I don't see any of my files on the drive.

    Often this is a sign that the user is looking at the wrong drive letter.  E.g. even if you have switched from X: to C: it is possible that the lettering during the boot is not the same lettering that you are used to.  So, it would be an idea to go into diskpart to do a list volume and see if there is a better letter to choose.

    FYI

    Robert

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-10-30T13:08:27+00:00

    Hi,

    Thank you for sharing your issue on Microsoft Community forums.

    Please provide the following information on the issue so that we could help you better.

    • Are you referring to the drive on the new 'working' PC?
    • Is your computer connected to a domain network?
    • What is the make and model  of your PC?
    • Have you tried all the relevant suggestions provided in this thread?

    Please answer all the asked questions for further assistance, we'll be glad to assist you.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2014-10-25T21:23:08+00:00

    I'm having the same problem as everyone else (stuck in "attempted repair mode").  I also don't have any recovery disks.  I took out the HDD from my desktop and connected it to a working PC using a hdd docking station , just so I can pull all my files from it before I attempt a full reset (refresh doesn't work).  My problem is, I don't see any of my files on the drive.  There is no "Users" folder, which normally would contain everything I need.  I've drilled through the 8 or 9 folders that are available, but there's nothing there I need.  Am I crazy?  Is this drive toast?

    Thanks

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2014-10-12T12:59:20+00:00

    I, too, am having similar issue with my Asus Vivotab.  It got stuck in failure in "configuring windows updates reverting changes do not turn off your computer" loop.  I tried holding down volume button & start button at the same time to get to "BOOT Option".  Every blogs I read mentioned connecting micro usb to port usb and connect a keyboard to the port usb to gain access to the screen on the tablet, and install the win 8 x86 from a flash drive.  But when I connect the micro usb to my 4-port usb to connect with a keyboard I am still not sure where I connect my 4-port usb to.  Desperately need help....  I don't know much about fixing tablet.    

    Thanks in advance

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments