How to Fix the Automatic Repair Loop in Windows 8.1

i have 8.1. i discovered that there is an auto maintenance that you can't shut off. it updates and does a lot you would not like to happen. Could any of these solutions shut off the auto maintanance? i have tried task scheduling. nada. and a lot of other stuff. asked microsoft and got basically nowhere. i want these people OFF my computer. appreciate any help!

allen

I just went through this nightmare on a Win 8.1, 64 bit system and finally had to refresh Win 8.1, which sucks because it strips out drivers and any downloads, sometimes leaving behind partial files or corrupted dlls.

I tried everything - bcdedit  commands didn't work, bootrec commands didn't work and the auto repair with cd is a joke.

While reinstalling drivers, I stumbled on this bit of information that may help others from losing data.  This may or may not work but it won't hurt an already compromised system.   I was able to run both DISM and SFC from safemode after refreshing the system.

If the Automatic Repair Loop is running it is very possible that the registry and /or files have been scrambled.  

If you run the Windows Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC) tools, they will scan the integrity of the Windows image and all protected system files - replaces corrupted, damaged and incorrect versions.  

 To repair, place the cd in system and boot from it following the on screen prompts.

When the "Install Now" screen appears, look to the bottom left and choose "Repair Your Computer."

The next screen heading states "Choose An Option" , select "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced Options," then "Command Prompt."

At the Command Prompt, type the correct drive letter + : for your system (usually C, D or E)then press the "enter" key

You should see C:> 

Type without quotes, "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" and press the "Enter" key.

*You will be typing, DISM<space>/Online<space>/Cleanup-Image<space>/RestoreHealth

**While running DISM the process will appear to pause or stall at 20% - after a few minutes the operation will continue (depending on the size of your hdd and ram). 

Once DISM has finished, run the SFC scan:

At the C:> drive prompt, type without quotes "SFC /SCANNOW" and press the enter key.

when done, type "Exit" and press the "Enter" key.

Restart system.  

If you are not in the auto loop and can boot into windows, safemode is accessible by pressing the windows key + r - this will bring up the 'run' screen. Type without quotes "msconfig" - then choose the "Boot" tab then click on "Safeboot" and "Network."

Restart.  

Remember to unclick both Safeboot and Network then restart to restore normal boot processes.

Can also access Command Prompt (Admin) by pressing Windows (Icon) Key + x - brings up power menu - select "Command Prompt (Admin)."

Good Luck!

I installed the update KB2919394 and my computer was thrown into the dreaded automatic repair loop, which Microsoft hasn't fixed yet.

Anyways I thought I would give some solutions on how to get out of this. Solution 1 is what worked for me.

Solution 1

This solution is to disable the automatic repair from starting if your computer fails to boot into windows.

What you will need - A Windows 8 or 8.1 CD

Step 1: Place the CD in your drive and proceed to boot from it

Step 2: When the install screen pops up, look to the bottom left and select "Repair Your Computer".

Step 3: You will now see a screen that says "Choose an option". Select "Troubleshoot", then "Advanced Options", and finally "Command Prompt".

Step 4: You should now see the command prompt. Type "bcdedit" (without quotes) and hit enter.

Step 5: A list should have appeared. Towards the top, you should see "resumeobject" (It is under "default"). Highlight the long number, including the brackets, and copy.

Step 6: Now type "bcdedit /set (the long number you copied) recoveryenabled No" (Without quotes). Hit enter.

Step 7: You should now see the message "The operation completed successfully"

Step 8: Type "Exit" (Without quotes)

Step 9: Reboot

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Solution 2

Booting into safe mode first, then rebooting the computer.

What you will need - nothing

So you are at the screen that says something on the lines of "Windows did not load properly".

Step 1: Select "Advanced repair options"

Step 2: Select "Troubleshoot"

Step 3: Select "Advanced Options"

Step 4: Select "Start up settings"

Step 5: Select "Restart"

Step 6: The computer should restart. Now you want to hit the 4 key, which is safe mode.

Step 7: You should be able to log in now. Restart the computer and the computer should boot normally.

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Solution 3

Running check disk to see if your hard drive is the problem

What you will need - A Windows 8 or 8.1 CD

Step 1: Place the CD in your drive and proceed to boot from it

Step 2: When the install screen pops up, look to the bottom left and select "Repair Your Computer".

Step 3: You will now see a screen that says "Choose an option". Select "Troubleshoot", then "Advanced Options", and finally "Command Prompt".

Step 4: Type "chkdsk /r C:" (Without quotes)

Step 5: The scan should start. This could take several hours depending on the size of your hard drive.

Step 6: Once the scan is done, type "exit" (without quotes).

Step 7: Reboot

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Solution 4 (Found out by user DayDay13)

Making sure your hard drive is first in boot priority.

What you will need - nothing

Step 1: Boot into BIOS on your computer

Step 2: Go into your boot priority list

Step 3: If you see "Windows Boot Manager" as number 1 in your priority, change it so that your hard drive is number 1.

Step 4: Save and exit BIOS

Step 5: Reboot

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Microsoft community, please do not delete this thread. These are confirmed solutions that have worked for many others with the automatic repair loop problem. I will add more if any other solutions become available.

I can' do solutions 1,2,3,or 4  I can't even press f8! It somehow bypasses the UEFI/Bios and just loops.

Please help!

what is this