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Unable to Windows 8 Refresh/Recovery on ASUS notebook [Closed]

windows 8 windows 8.1 USB boot

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#1
bunjirocket

bunjirocket

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This is a long description, so here's the bottom line up front (BLUF): I cannot boot into my wife's Windows 8.1 system after trying to update Adobe and removing virus/malware from the system.  I need to know what the next step to take is.

 

Here's the novel:

 

My wife has an asus notebook pc (model x501a).  It has Windows 8.1 installed, but came with Windows 8. It came with a 500MB SATA HD, about 4 GB RAM, and all other configurations were the base model (I haven't updated any hardware or replaced anything since purchase).

Recently, a scan of my system indicated that it had viruses and malware on it. I installed McAfee to clean the system.  After removing the viruses and malware (assumption), the system needed to update other software.  I started with Adobe Air (could have been Reader), and the installation hung.  I let it run for around 30 minutes with no change to the screen and little to no activity indicated by the hard drive.  I attempted to verify that the processor(s) were still being used by looking at the task manager, however, the computer would not respond using CTRL-ALT-DEL.  I did a hard shutdown.  When I pushed the power button on, the system appeared to start normally, however, the graphics were not displaying correctly.  Where there should have been fonts, boxes and characters appeared instead.  I tried logging in, hopping that all that needed to happen, was a continuation of the install that would fix the font.  When the password was entered, a message would display and then go back to the main screen.  I have no idea what the message said as it was in the boxes and characters.  In doing research, it appeared that Adobe might have been replacing/updating a font and all that I needed to do was replace the font.

Before attempting to update the font, an attempt was made to boot using a USB Flash drive.  A backup/recovery flash drive had not been created when initially starting up the laptop, so one was made from another Windows 8.1 system.  Inititally the laptop would not boot from the USB.  So I removed the hard drive from the laptop to see if I could update the font.

I cloned the drive onto an external drive using EZ Gig Cloning Software to make sure that no data would be lost. I attempted to then "fix" the font file, but my other laptop is using Windows 7.  I was denied making any changes to the font file, and the Windows 7 OS displayed the font correctly.  In order to gain access to the hard drive, I had to override the initial security and establish myself as an administrator with admin rights.  One other item to note is that WIndows 7 indicated that there was a problem when the hard drive was plugged in and asked if it should be fixed. I selected not to do anything.

I plugged back in the hard drive into the laptop without changing any files or structure save the security permission.  This time Windows attempted to repair the hard drive.  It went into Recovery screen with 3 options: 1) Press Enter to try again, 2) Press F8 for startup options, and 3) Press ESC for UEFI Firmware Settings.  Pressing Enter resulted in the same screen.  Pressing F8 resulted in the same screen.  Pressing ESC took me to the BIOS. I set the start up boot priorities to the USB Flash drive.

Initially, I was taken to a differnt recovery screen.  I selected first to refresh and then reset the system.  The end result was the same: the disk where windows to be installed is locked.  I attempted to restore the security setting on the drive, but was unsuccessful.  I verified that the partitions where the recovery files are was still there.  I noticed that there were two partitions with recovery files, and I am assuming that one was for Windows 8 (the initial OS of the laptop when purchased) and the other is Windows 8.1. I cannot access these partitions.  Also, now when I try to boot from the flash drive I am taken to the initial recovery screen with the 3 options.

I am to the point of reformatting the drive and trying a re-install, but thought I'd ask for help on the boards first.  I do not have a Windows 8 disk (not that it matters as this notebook does not have a disk drive).  I do have a copy of Windows XP and Windows 7 lying around, but I would rather re-install Windows 8 if possible.  Is there a way to fix this?  Thanks.


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#2
Essexboy

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Hi there sorry for the delay. What I would like to do, if you still require help, is to start the system using the recovery console and see where we can go from there

Download the following three programmes to your desktop :


1. Rufus

For 64bit systems
2. Windows 8.1 64bit RC .. I will PM the link ..
3. Farbar Recovery Scan Tool x64

Insert the USB stick Then run Rufus
rufus.JPG
Select the ISO file on the desktop via the ISO icon.

Press Start Burn
RufusISO.JPG
Then copy FRST to the same USB

frstwintoboot.JPG

Insert the USB into the sick computer and start the computer. First ensuring that the system is set to boot from USB
Note: If you are not sure how to do that follow the instructions Here
When you reboot you will see this.

Select the language on this screen and keyboard on the next

select%20language8.JPG

Select the Trouble shoot option

Select%20option8.JPG

Select Advanced option

advanced8.JPG

Select Command prompt

command%208.JPG

At the command prompt type the following :

notepad.JPG

The notepad opens. Under File menu select Open.
Select "Computer" and find your flash drive letter and close the notepad.
In the command window type e:\frst64.exe and press Enter
Note: Replace letter e with the drive letter of your flash drive.
The tool will start to run.
When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
frst.JPG
Press Scan button.
It will make a log (FRST.txt) on the flash drive. Please copy and paste it to your reply.
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#3
Essexboy

Essexboy

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Due to lack of feedback, this topic has been closed.

If you need this topic reopened, please contact a staff member. This applies only to the original topic starter. Everyone else please begin a New Topic.
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