People using simple Mac software attempting to resolve Windows 8.1 startup problems
People using simple Mac software attempting to resolve Windows 8.1 startup problems
Hello, I'm here to assist your friend with his Windows 8.1 Pro setup. We're both beginners with Windows, so don't worry. This machine isn't connected to the internet; it's mainly for running audio plugins and instruments over a local Ethernet connection. He began experiencing boot problems after creating a system clone on another drive, which is when I noticed something unusual. Here are the details: the BIOS screen and the boot screen we see when trying to start. I created a DVD of the Windows 8.1 ISO, booted it, and attempted the startup repair—it took about 20 minutes. Then I watched some YouTube videos to try commands from the Windows Disk Advanced Command Line. Interestingly, I made a USB drive with the Windows installer before using the homemade disk. While connected, the computer booted into Windows using the USB version, bypassing login, and then switched back to the SSD. It seems there might be a way to fix the boot partition. Any guidance would be really helpful!
They didn't copy the bootloader. Please back up the whole disk including all partitions.
It's a Sandy Bridge model from 2011. I wouldn't suggest updating the BIOS, as it might cause more issues than simply reinstalling Windows.
I connected the original disk again and the same problem appeared, but with a different display. The available boot choices are shown here: How could he remove the bootloader? Is it possible to reinstall the bootloader during an upgrade or installation of Windows 10 without erasing files?
You can obtain the .iso file straight from Microsoft and apply it during your restoration process.
You possess a bootable 8.1 DVD created from a Microsoft source. It's unclear what the following actions should be for restoring your system.