Force Win 8.1 repair

frase

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I had an issue with a customer whom has Windows 8.1 on system, being UEFI cant access via F8 to safe mode. There was no option in BIOS to change either - Desktop system.

The issue was the keyboard and mouse no longer was detected, though other USB devices where.

As I was unable to create a recovery USB/DVD as customer didn't bring me the Install disk I went to other measures.

So what I did was hard reset windows when it was loading the OS - about 5 times and this forced it to go into "Repair Mode". So from there I could access the advanced recovery options.

I selected CMD and ran rstrui.exe to restore to a previous date
Rebooted and Mouse and keyboard functioning, but an error came up on logon "There is a problem with microsoft keyboard and mouse centre..blah blah"

So downloaded and reinstalled MS Mouse and Keyboard Centre
https://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-au/downloads/mouse-keyboard-center

Rebooted and resolved, probably common knowledge to some here but I didn't know this till I tried today.
 
So what I did was hard reset windows when it was loading the OS - about 5 times and this forced it to go into "Repair Mode".

Yes, used this once in a similar situation. I think it's called the "Crash-boot" method or something like that. There is an old thread somewhere about it.

Here it is.
 
So what I did was hard reset windows when it was loading the OS - about 5 times and this forced it to go into "Repair Mode". So from there I could access the advanced recovery options.

Rebooted and resolved, probably common knowledge to some here but I didn't know this till I tried today.

Similar problem here as well on a new Asus netbook. After doing the updates got flashing video. Hard reset 3 times put it into repair mode for me.
 
So what I did was hard reset windows when it was loading the OS - about 5 times and this forced it to go into "Repair Mode". So from there I could access the advanced recovery options..

Similar problem here as well on a new Asus netbook. After doing the updates got flashing video. Hard reset 3 times put it into repair mode for me.

Isn't it sad that instead of Microsoft making it easier to do this, they made it harder ? I mean having to "crash" the machine several times to get it to go into repair mode seems like a huge step backward for people trying to fix their computers.

Between BIOS "secure boot" and "UEFI/CSM boot" modes or the "Raiders of the Lost Ark" maze of boot menus you have to traverse to wake up a function to access some diag menus in Windows 8, it seems like Microsoft doesn't want you to fix your computer. They just want you to stay broken, hate them and pray for an alternative to this torture.
 
It would not boot into safe mode that was the point
And my point was that if you had a recovery USB key you wouldn't have to use the crash boot method to get into repair mode. Which has nothing to do with a product key. You DO have a recovery USB key don't you?
 
Those last 4 posts by frase and nlinecomputers were weird - I felt like I had stepped into the Twilight Zone.

I created the recovery USB key and tested it.
It gives these options:
Troubleshoot:
Refresh
Reset
Advanced Options:
System Restore
System Image Recovery
Startup Repair

But there was no option for 'Startup Settings' or safe mode.
So it looks like a useful recovery tool, but not a method to get into safe mode.
 
I still don't understand why M$ had to go and make such a huge change to the way one boots into safe mode. Just makes no sense to me.
To cut boot time. Most end users couldn't give a frak about safe mode. They just want the damn thing to boot up. Simply put the needs of the end user was put before the needs of the tech.
 
Those last 4 posts by frase and nlinecomputers were weird - I felt like I had stepped into the Twilight Zone.

I created the recovery USB key and tested it.
It gives these options:
Troubleshoot:
Refresh
Reset
Advanced Options:
System Restore
System Image Recovery
Startup Repair

But there was no option for 'Startup Settings' or safe mode.
So it looks like a useful recovery tool, but not a method to get into safe mode.

What happens when you click TROUBLESHOOT>ADVANCED OPTIONS >STARTUP SETTINGS> RESTART ?

Does it not give you the option to start in Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking after the restart?
I don't work on many Win 8 machines, but this has worked for me in the past.

I've had this link in my notes for awhile. I usually do step 4.
 
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What happens when you click TROUBLESHOOT>ADVANCED OPTIONS >STARTUP SETTINGS> RESTART ?

When I boot from the Recovery USB and click TROUBLESHOOT>ADVANCED OPTIONS.
The options System Restore, System Image Recovery, Startup Repair and Command Prompt are available, but Start Settings is not there.

I've had this link in my notes for awhile. I usually do step 4.

The information in the link for step 4 is incorrect. It does not work as a method to get into safe mode (at least not on my systems using the Recovery USB I created).

I just reran the tests twice on my workshop PC and it definitely does not work.
I also tested it on a second machine, a Win 8.1 laptop, and "Start Settings" still does not appear.

Try it on one of your systems see if it works for you.
 
What happens when you click TROUBLESHOOT>ADVANCED OPTIONS >STARTUP SETTINGS> RESTART ?

Does it not give you the option to start in Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking after the restart?
I don't work on many Win 8 machines, but this has worked for me in the past.

I've had this link in my notes for awhile. I usually do step 4.
Wasn't the "F8 key" easier to use - to boot to SAFE mode? Instead of all of the other hoops we have to jump thru now....?
 
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