Tweaking.com Support Forums
Main Forum => General Computer Support => Topic started by: JohnCoool on August 10, 2020, 11:08:38 am
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A few months Win 8.1 does not remember the last user logged in anymore.
I think it happened during the time I changed the Antivirus to AVG but not sure if that was the cause. I don't remember the exact thing I did.
Now it just shows all the user list instead of the last user logged in.
I did also some delete some files that all users use for background so that when I log off it shows the same background for all users.
I checked forums and found a registry entry that suggests to change a value from 1 to 0 but mine is already set to 0.
Does anyone know where I should check to solve this small issue?
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I don't have any experience of Win 8.1 but as this seems to be self inflicted, I would suggest a Refresh which will preserve your personal stuff but not your installed programs.
I had considered a repair install but that preserves your Users files and if they are already corrupt, then that may not reinstate them.
Anyway, the choice is yours.
https://www.eightforums.com/threads/repair-install-windows-8.26095/
You could however see if these cmds will do anything for you.
Open a Command Prompt (Admin) and enter -
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
sfc /scannow
shutdown /r /t 00
Then see what happens after the reboot.
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I did try sfc /scannow before I opened this ticket and it did not help.
Usually I don't use the dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth unless there is a huge problem. But it could repair the issue and might restore the deleted files that I removed.
They are system protected files and could only be deleted if a person logs in from another O/S that can bypass all locked files.
However, I would like to try a couple of methods 1st and leave this as a last resort.
A solution that does not require running a repair.
I prefer to find the source of the issue before fixing it to be aware of it for future reference.
Are there any tips for checking in the windows registry?
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As you have removed files, then you may need to repair the system.
While a sfc /scannow doesn't check all files, it can repair some corruption, whereas the dism /restorehealth cmd can do much more, but it's best to perform a sfc /scannow after the dism /restorehealth cmd to see that no corruption remains.
This is also the procedure to resolve when a sfc /scannow reports it is unable to repair all corruption in Win 8.1 and Win 10.
What I would suggest is to create Win 8.1 install media if you don't have any and boot up with that.
You can create Win 8.1 install media from https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows8ISO
You will need to do this on the Win 8.1 machine.
Boot up with the media and navigate to the Install screen and click on Repair your computer.
I assume you know how to change the boot order ?
I think Win 8.1 will be similar to Win 10 in that you would click on Troubleshoot to select Command Prompt.
At the prompt enter bcdedit |find "osdevice"
For clarity that is a Pipe symbol before find and is the uppercase of \
Using your partition letter instead of the x I have exampled, enter -
dism /image:x:\ /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Disregard what it says about the scratch directory and wait for the cmd to complete.
You can also perform a sfc /scannow with the following cmd, again using your partition letter instead of the X I have exampled.
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=X:\ /offwindir=X:\Windows
Enter exit to close the cmd window, remove the install media and restart to see if they have resolved.
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AVG may be a contributing factor to your other problem in that antivirus programs can be slow in releasing files after it has checked them.
I remember reading that AVG can become bloated which could unnecessarily take up memory.
Use AVG's uninstaller to remove it and see if that improves the situation.
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Is there a way to disable AVG for testing for one reboot?
I tried a couple of things but did not work.
I want to try other methods before repairing or restoring to learn about it (the reason is that I was an IT support specialist many years ago and still do it for my systems to keep up.).
It might have happened after an upgrade of AVG because they release a new version each month and a couple of times I had to change setting after AVG upgrades because the settings would be slowing down the system too much.
But before I uninstall it. I want to try to disable it.
I checked the CBD logs and those are the corrupted files in it that did not get repaired. Some of are created from a patch that I installed to use Aero theme on Win 8.
The files that I deleted are the background ones that show up when logging off from all users and you get a common one. I changed it by removing it and adding my own.
I also just remembered that I locked some *.msc files too.
Here are some of them (corrupted in the CBS log)(I think some of them are related to the patch that I installed and they do not affect the system). I did not add the *.msc because I know that they are locked.
C:\WINDOWS\Web\Screen"\[l:20{10}]"img100.jpg" (This is the one I created and added it to that directory)
C:\WINDOWS\Boot\Resources"\[l:22{11}]"bootres.dll
Lets 1st try to disable AVG then we see other options...
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The files that you have attached are not in an openable format, but as they are of your own creation then they would probably be of no use to me.
As some time has probably passed since you made those changes then I doubt your restore points would be of much use, but you could see how far they go back.
This article describes how to disable AVG - http://shockform.com/disable-antivirus/
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No the log was created yesterday.
The files are not added. I just pasted them from log to view some details in case you knew about them.
I will update after disabling AVG.
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This article may be more current to disable AVG as the previous one doesn't relate to my Kaspersky.
https://support.avg.com/SupportArticleView?l=en&urlname=Disable-AVG-Antivirus
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I am in trouble now............
I disabled AVG and did not change anything then I uninstalled it to be sure. The good news is that I was able to back up setting, it is a feature in the newer versions. Then I reinstalled it and added the settings again. It worked well.
Then I tried to do something that I used to do that I learned from Microsoft forums. I tried a clean boot. It is done from Msconfing and then you hide all the Microsoft services and disable the others then reboot.
However, After the reboot it did not come back. I am on a different PC now to log this.
At the login screen it just flickers with a black background. I waited for an hour and no change. Maybe I turned off Microsoft services but I am sure that I clicked on hide.
So the device is not F*d up.
I have Wondershare which is installed on a USB and boots up into an OS called Wondershare Live boot. to solve issues. It has recovery and other methods.
I tried a repair for boot from here but did not help.
I have access to the registry of my Win8.1. I can turn the services back on from here since I turned off services and that is what messed it up. I just need to turn them back on.
Can you check with you friends which services need to be on for it to work again. I could not find proper info online.
This is an urgent matter now. The repair I did earlier might have fixed the other issue I had here.
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There are about 13 non-MS services but don't know them offhand.
In the past I've found a Hiren's Boot Disk can get Windows back up.
Use the 15.2 download - https://www.techspot.com/downloads/6966-hirens-bootcd.html
If it gets you back into Windows then go into msconfig and check the button for normal start up which should reinstate those services.
It's a pity you didn't create the Win 8.1 install media as you could have booted up with that and used your restore points.
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I did create a recent Restore point about 2 days ago. There is a feature in Wondershare live boot to restore using it but it was not compatible.
I am downloading the Hiren program now.
I disabled a service yesterday called App readiness it is for new accounts (it is usually on manual). It might the reason this happened. I tried to turn it back on with the registry but it reverted after re-boot. Could be because I did not take ownership of the registry.
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Also a restore point would have been created at the point of installing AVG. Windows would usually create restore points are such changes.
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system back up.
Great tip with Hiren boot.
Thanks
Will now try to get the issue solved. maybe hiren boot can fix it too.
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You would have needed to get into Windows to use those restore points and with your machine not able to boot up, this is where install media comes into its own.
I would advise you to create that should you need it in the future.
Did you use the dropdown for that service in Services/Properties to turn it back on and Apply/Save the setting ?
You can add Take Ownership to your right click context menu with this registry hack - https://www.intowindows.com/take-ownership-of-files-and-folders-in-windows-8/
I've never really gone into what a Hiren's Boot Disk can do as I only needed it the once to get back into Windows and then used the dism /restorehealth and sfc /scannow cmds which normally resolve most problems in Win 10, although occasionally I've had to perform a repair install.
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Have you performed the dism /restorehealth and sfc /scannow cmds yet to see if they resolve ?
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Yes there is a safer way of doing things. However, I am not too worried because I occasionally take image backup of my drive just in case the disk totally fails.
The solution that I used to solve the issue was to just click on restore registry. I tried the same solution from Wondershare Live boot but did not work as it gave an error. But from Hiren-Boot it gave successfully restored.
As for changing services from settings. You will just need to locate them in the registry (I found them on internet. different for each O/S) then use 0-4 depending on what you need. the values are explained here: https://www.digitalwelt.org/en/tips/software/disable-services-state-through-regedit
I tried the clean boot 2 more times while changing some settings and failed again. This means there is a bigger issue than I expected.
I found a tool a few months ago that repairs the corrupted files because the DISM solution does not work on older systems like Win7. This tool can work on other newer O/S as well (Just needs to be run a few times and it works very quickly). Found here: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/downloads/sfcfix/
I will be trying the DISM solution as a last resort (The reason is that it will be changing back some of features that I need that were created by a patch that I installed). I am now try to find the source of the issue.
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I think it will need the dism /restorehealth to fix that clean boot problem.
Does Event Viewer record anything for when it fails ?
Yes, I've used SFCFix.exe on my Win 7 as well as advising its use for other Win 7 users.
However, it didn't always fix so I then referred them to www.sysnative.com forum.
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That tool worked well for me on all the problems I had before. You have to run it over and over until it removes all the errors.
I used the DISM method a few years ago and it worked well but not today.
I could not find a proper solution and I ran it and then I restarted but no changes. I just ran SFC /verifyonly and it found corrupt files. I have a security program that is probably locking some files. I will try to unlock and test again.
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Run another sfc /scannow and when it reports it is unable to repair all, copy & paste this cmd to the prompt -
findstr /c:"[SR]" %windir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log > %userprofile%\Desktop\sfcdetails.txt
This will put an icon onto the desktop which when double clicked will show what it has and can't repair.
Which security program do you think is locking those files ?
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Thanks for the tip on creating the CBS file on Desktop but I don't need it. I know where to find it and always check it. I sent the info yesterday on the string from that report.
I thought it is Ask Admin.
I did run SFC /scannow now, about 2 times after DISM but still no luck. The same files that were corrupted yesterday are still showing as corrupted today.
Your DISM command did not work. I had to use one with online.
Is there a way to perform it without being logged into windows? Like from Hiren-Boot or another one?
I think last time I downloaded Win8.1 and used it as an image reference. But I do not remember the code for that... On DISM.
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There are two dism cmds - one from within Windows which is dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and one done after booting up with install media, which is dism /image:x:\ /cleanup-image /restorehealth
There is an offline version but you still need to be booted into Windows using an ISO - https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/repair-a-windows-image
As the dism /restorehealth has failed to resolve the clean boot problem, then perhaps it's time to see if a repair install will resolve, unless Event Viewer gave you some clues as to what is failing.
I don't know which code you are referring to as the Win 8.1 ISO download failed to verify on my Win 10 machine, so I assume it has to be downloaded onto a Win 8.1 machine.
You haven't said which security program it is which you think could be locking files.
Using two antivirus programs and each having their own firewall will cause anomalous problems.
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I only have one Antivirus program which is AVG.
I did mention the program. it is called Ask Admin. It locks the windows store which showed up as corrupted.
I am little confused with your explanation about how to use to DISM.
Please clarify as much as possible methods for me to try before trying other methods. I am considering a way to be done without being logged having windows active so that it can overwrite any file it needs to while referring to another image of WIN so that it will be clean.
The one you are mentioning is not working "dism /image:x:\ /cleanup-image /restorehealth"
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In which way is it not working ?
That cmd will only perform after you have booted up with install media and selected Repair your computer on the Install screen.
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Oh ok,
So then it will do the clean up without being logged in. That is perfect.
I did it online. Which is done while being logged in into windows.
Then I will do it and create it on USB and then test it.
I will download Win 8.1 ISO from a torrent site for this operation.
I will wait for your feedback before commencing.
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Rather than trusting to torrents I think it would be advisable to use the link I have provided.
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Yes there is a safer way of doing things. However, I am not too worried because I occasionally take image backup of my drive just in case the disk totally fails.
The solution that I used to solve the issue was to just click on restore registry. I tried the same solution from Wondershare Live boot but did not work as it gave an error. But from Hiren-Boot it gave successfully restored.
As for changing services from settings. You will just need to locate them in the registry (I found them on internet. different for each O/S) then use 0-4 depending on what you need. the values are explained here: https://www.digitalwelt.org/en/tips/software/disable-services-state-through-regedit
I sent you the wrong link here to download the tool. I meant to send you the same one you sent me back...
I tried the clean boot 2 more times while changing some settings and failed again. This means there is a bigger issue than I expected.
I found a tool a few months ago that repairs the corrupted files because the DISM solution does not work on older systems like Win7. This tool can work on other newer O/S as well (Just needs to be run a few times and it works very quickly). Found here: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/downloads/sfcfix/
I will be trying the DISM solution as a last resort (The reason is that it will be changing back some of features that I need that were created by a patch that I installed). I am now try to find the source of the issue.
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I don't understand your reply.
I've always considered torrents to be risky.
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Ok I will get on it. The last message is suppose to include text from me that in that message I sent you the wrong Link for the tool. I meant to send you the same one you replied back with.
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I sent DM to you because I am on another device and need live assistance if possible...
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So have you created Win 8.1 install media to boot up with ?
Re, your PM what assistance do you require ?
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I thought you would read it. I sent it because I needed live assistance while I was try to get it started and then I found the problem.
I had an issue with the command then I noticed I missed a letter. I ran it and rebooted.
But with no luck. It did not work.
However, I think I know the reason for all the problems.
I had same corrupted files on Win 7 and did not get repaired until I ran the tool I showed you before and when it got fixed the theme was gone.
They are patches to force certain types of theme and then they alter certain system files which the files see them as corrupted.
The one I am using on Win 8.1 is to use Aero themes.
So I will remove the patch and I am sure that it will fix all the issue that I am facing here.
I will update afterwards...
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Okay - thanks for the update and hope your solution works.
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It did not...
I want to try one thing but I need your feedback before proceeding so that I don't ruin it even more.
I am going to log in from Hiren boot (it should work. Moving locked files is possible from Wondershare) and move all the "corrupted files in the CBS log" to drive D. then boot from the Win ISO and run DISM.
I am assuming that will create new ones. If not then I can put the old ones back...
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Here are the files from the Log that I will be removing temporarily.
I don't get why img100.jgg is still showing as corrupted. That is the one I changed to use my own image at the user list background and then after the repairs I saw that it has been changed back to normal in the directory but not in the User list. Over there it is the one I created. Could this be the problem that is not allowing to remember the last use after Logon?
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs"\[l:34{17}]"Windows Store.lnk" from store
C:\WINDOWS\Boot\Resources"\[l:22{11}]"bootres.dll"
C:\WINDOWS\Web\Screen"\[l:20{10}]"img100.jpg"
C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64"\[l:14{7}]"fde.dll"
C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64"\[l:22{11}]"fdeploy.dll"
C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64"\[l:20{10}]"gpedit.dll"
C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64"\[l:20{10}]"gptext.dll"
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It's my understanding that Hiren loads Windows so I can't see the point of booting up with that.
Can you remove those files while in Safe Mode ?
I would create a system image before removing anything.
After you have run the dism /image:x:\ command using your partition letter, follow that with a sfc /scannow as I've previously described to see what that reports.
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The problems are why worse that I thought possible.
Here are the new updates.
I wanted to try your idea of moving files from safe mode but was unable to reach it. I have restricted access to safe mode and can only be done if I create a new user to remove the restriction. But I was unable to create a new user. It would not allow sign in then I checked the information on the internet and they had a tip from registry but that wont work unless there was already a login into that profile to create an entry in the registry to edit it.
Then I tried to reboot into safe mode to login to that account but the system crashed while trying to boot into safe mode (2 times). (I still doubt that system files can be moved from any active windows partition and will test it later to see if you are me is correct)(Let's do a virtual bet on this)...
Anyway I will do the same thing I did last time to remove system file which was either from Wondershare live boot (similar to Hiren-boot) or repair-boot-disk.
I don't know if we should now close the thread because now the last user can be remembered. It might be because I removed the patch yesterday or because I created a new user.
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I believe you are correct that you cannot delete a file when it is in use.
However, see if this free program will help, although I'm not sure if it will work on system files - https://www.malwarebytes.com/fileassassin/
DeleteDocter in Hiren's may do it for you where you can drag and drop a file into the UI.
It may help if you can take ownership of the file.
That registry hack for adding Take Ownership to the right click context menu can be useful in these situations.
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I managed to move the files same like I did last time. In case you need the program, here is the link. Just boot from it. Use Rufus to create it and it needs to connect to internet to add some files.
https://sourceforge.net/p/boot-repair-cd/home/Home/
I did the DISM after I moved the files same like last time from Win 8.1 ISO and then ebooted back into it and did the SFC the way you said also from that location and rebooted
The log files are not showing any corrupted files
I am running one more sfc from within windows now just to be sure. Then I will start testing all the problems I had before...
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That's great news - it sounds like you are getting somewhere.
Are the users still acting up or have you also sorted that ?
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SFC still running, will test all and update.
During the SFC scan in win 8.1 iso it did not show percentage progress like it does in Windows. Is that normal?
It just said that the operation will take some time and a while later it said completed.
and it time it is completing it says that it found corrupted files and successfully repaired them. That message started after the 1st DISM repair attempt.
Before that it would just say that it found corrupted files and was unable to repair some of them....
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Yes, when you run that sfc /scannow cmd after booting up with install media, it just runs until completed.
It sounds like it has replaced the corrupted file that you removed.
Generally when the dism cmd has done its job, a sfc /scannow can report that it has repaired all corruption.
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2nd SFC scan also passed.
But it still shows that it has found corrupted files and repaired them
I remember before that I saw the message that no corrupted files found. Or do I remember wrong?
I am testing now.
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From within Windows run the dism /online cmd followed by another sfc /scannow
If it reports that it has fixed files again then run SFCFix.exe to see what that reports.
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I have 4 profiles on this device and all login normally. But when I create a new one I still can't login. I get that message that the login service service is unable to load profile.
It also still crashes when trying safe mode. I dont want to test clean boot now until we have some of the above working again.
I will try your tip.
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It shouldn't be crashing when you try Safe Mode.
I think it's time to go for a repair install if it's still acting up after those two cmds and SFCFix.exe is unable to resolve.
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You do have a point.
The thing is that I have many security programs locking different parts of the system. I disabled them but not sure if they are still affecting the system
I will keep working on the to figure it out then I will update.
I will post SFCfix tool update after it is ready...
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The thing is that to fully isolate 3rd party programs is to boot up into Safe Mode - so that looks like a Catch 22 situation.
I think the only way to eliminate those would be to uninstall them with their uninstallers.
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We have reached our goal...
No corrupted files and last user is remembered...
The other issues might be related to security. I will keep on trying to resolve it but I wont be repairing windows.
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Okay, at least that is something but you still need to resolve the Safe Mode problem.
I'll be shoving off shortly for my evening meal as it's about 5:15pm here in the UK.
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Well enjoy it. It is 7:20 here and will be eating now too...
I purposely disabled safe-mode. even bought a program for it. but it still should boot into it.
will keep trying and updating.
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Enjoy your meal too.
I thought Jordan would have been further ahead of the UK than just a couple of hours.
Geography was never my strongest subject though :)
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Jordan? How did you know? That location does not exist in the signup of the site. I put it as somewhere in the USA.
Is it because you are a moderator you can see IP or does everyone see it?
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I have added a screen shot of the SFCfix.exe latest tool.
It looks a lot like DISM.
Please let me know your feedback on the report.
I get same info about store at each dism repair.
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I think I know the reaon new user cannot be created.
The program Ask Admin locks Metro apps and then it cant login a new user
So I will work on this.
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I saw tips that suggest that the issue might be with the default user. It is like a template for new users.
Is there a way to change that with a new one or if I delete it maybe it will be re-created?
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I found a link online that shows me how to create a new default profile and I followed it. Now I am in the new user account.
So the default profile must have been corrupted...
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That looks like you have cracked it.
Yes, I check out each new member to see if they are Spammers, using their IP address.
Yours did come up as being reported once in April 2017 for a brute force attack.
As that was a one off and a further check didn't bring anything up, I decided to let it go.
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2017, wow that is a long time ago. I think that public IPs change daily to weekly. I was in the UAE in 2017...
I am facing a new issue while trying to resolve the safe mode issue.
I clicked on safe boot in msconfig and now it is just looping and crashing. I tried the Win8.1 start up repair but no success. I will try Hiren-Boot again.
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what is your opinion on the sfcfix report?
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what is your opinion on the sfcfix report?
Going by that, it had repaired all corruption.
Boot up with the Win 8.1 install media and navigate to the Command Prompt and enter these cmds -
bcdedit
This will give you a list.
Look for Windows Boot Loader and make a note of the identifier.
It can either be {current} or {default}
I will use {current} in my example of the cmd but use your identifier if different.
bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot
Ensure you use the correct brackets as typed.
Enter exit to close the cmd window, remove the install media and restart to see if resolved.
If that doesn't resolve then you can boot up with the install media again and perform the dism /image:x:\ cmd using your partition letter which should put things right.
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Because it was such a while ago, I considered in my decision that the IP address may have belonged to someone else then.
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The command worked but here is the interesting part. I was using the same USB media for Hiren-Boot and did not want to download it on another PC so I tried the command from Hiren-Boot.
Thanks for the great tip...
I want to try the below to try and enable safe mode.
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-performance/how-to-use-and-enabledisable-safe-mode-in-windows/460175e1-e783-426a-8408-eb3724827b34
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Well that's something I've learned - I wasn't aware that Safe Mode wasn't a default feature of Win 8.0
I would have assumed they would have added that for Win 8.1
No wonder the machine is all over the place when you try to boot into that mode.
Anyway, I'm off to roost now - Goodnight.
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The safe mode used to work normally for me. But I installed several software to lock it up. Then I uninstalled the software without disabling the feature. That might have made it permanent. So I will try this method to get it back up.
I did try reinstalling the software to allow it back on but maybe it was too late.
I will update here and we will continue on another day...
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That solution did not solve the issue it just added a new way to go into safe mode after a crash...
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I think I found the cause of the safe mode issue but resolving it wont be as easy...
I found the below in a thread and I was going to open a thread here next after this one is done but I won't anymore.
Had to think about anything that i may have done to change the way windows boots in the past and remembered this,
I used a program called Boot UI Tuner from winaero.com to remove the Windows 8 logo during boot a while ago (because I dont like it).
I have just re-enabled the boot logo using Boot UI Tuner and now Safe Mode works from the Advanced Startup Options.
I think the logo in the laptop I am using is controlled by the vendor because it used to be blank and after I updated the BIOS it now says Lenovo. On other platforms it would just show the Windows logo. I tried to change it when it was blank and then again a few days ago but it just wont go away.
You will also notice that one of the corrupted files I had before is the same one from this program. I am not using the same program as this person is but it does the same thing.
I am not sure how to remove it. I might have to put back the corrupted file from before and then try to remove it. Let me know if you have any ideas. The logo is not there but the changes are...
I will be back on this some time tomorrow evening. I have attached another screen shot...
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You seem to have done so much that has changed your system which could have left remnants when you have tried to remove them.
For the moment you appear to be going around in circles.
I think you should start with a clean slate by performing a repair install and then take it from there.
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While you do have a valid point from your point of view but certainly not from mine.
I have been doing changes to the system almost every week to a month since early 2018 and every once in a while I would run SFC /scannow to keep it well.
The only issue I have with it is not remembering last user login... which has been resolved now.
As part of sharpening my skills which I learned during the IT support days. I can't give up and restart. I need to keep on learning how to solve issues to keep it going.
I had to restart it twice before. it was around once per year were the system would get to a total crashed state, but since 2018 things have changed for the system stability.
Anyway, it is ok if you want out of this... but I will keep on updating. I will 1st fix this issue which will probably also fix the clean boot issue too...
Till later then.....
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Well for me - if it aint broke then I don't try to fix it.
My machines seem to work okay without any tweaks - in fact they don't like tweaks :)
You can get bogged down in trying to undo anything you have put on when it causes other problems, it is sometimes prudent to wipe the slate with a repair install.
The machine I've kept Win 7 on once lost the Repair your computer from the advanced boot options and the only solution was to factory reset and I've done a repair install a couple of times on my other upgraded to Win 10 laptop.
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Is there a way to uninstall all updates in an easy way?
Then I will do a new update. It will overwrite many system files...
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A repair install will remove all existing updates and during the process you get the option for them to be auto reinstalled, or you can do it manually with a check for updates after the repair install has completed.
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Oh ok...
I have not done a repair since windows XP.
Is it the same? Does it require to go through the entire installation?
Will it create a 2nd windows on the same drive?
What are the risks?
Does it need another Windows key? This one was built into it...
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I think Win 8.1 will digitally activate, but create a system image first as a fall back.
With Win 10 I open Windows/File Explorer - click on This PC (it may just be listed as Computer in Win 8.1) - insert the install media and double click on its drive.
This will start the process when using a DVD but will open to its files when using an USB where you would then double click on setup Application.
I don't know how long it will take on Win 8.1 but on Win 10 with it auto installing the updates, it takes 3 - 4hrs.
This cmd will clean out obsolete updates from the WinSxS folder if Windows hasn't already done that but it will leave current ones intact.
dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup
At least it does on Win 10, but I think the repair install is the way to go.
Depending upon what you have installed as tweaks on your machine, hopefully it won't see those as installed programs and bring your system back to pristine.
Failing that, you'd probably be looking at a Refresh.
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Thanks...
I will see if I will need it after all...
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Well I'd still go for it.
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I just thought I'd check on activation and from this article you do require a product key, but it gives you some generic ones you can initially use.
https://www.eightforums.com/threads/repair-install-windows-8.26095/
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Belarc Advisor may display your product key or you could use the one on the COA sticker should you need to change it.
https://www.belarc.com/products_belarc_advisor
With branded, machines Belarc tends to display the manufacturer's generic key which is usually different to the COA sticker but you can still use your COA sticker key and I would advise making a note of that because those stickers eventually fade.
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As mentioned before this one came with a built in Key. There is no sticker.
The 1st time I set up Windows I had to activate it but don't remember seeing a key. The last 2 times I was forced to use the recovery to reinstall windows it just activated automatically.
Some people use the code that shows up in the system properties and call Microsoft to get the windows activated but I would not do such a thing. I would prefer to reinstall it instead.
Here is the latest update.
I found a tool meant for Win 7 and earlier called SMfixer that seems to repair safe mode.
After running it it automatically restarted. Then after that I tried to go into the safe mode list from there and it would just skip over it. No list is showing up.
Then I ran the SFCFix tool and this time I got a report for the 1st time since I have been using it. It was not like what I posted. It showed 6 entries and all had 0 count for errors.
Then tested for Safe mode again but it just skipped over it again......
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See if turning off Fast Startup will resolve - https://winaero.com/blog/how-to-disable-or-enable-fast-startup-in-windows-8-1/
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Thanks but I don't use fast boot.
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What is the difference between the refresh and reset options in the advanced menu?
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A Refresh reinstalls the OS but gives the option of retaining your personal stuff but not installed programs, whereas a Reset removes the lot.
This is why a repair install is preferred because it doesn't touch personal stuff or installed programs.
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I will keep trying until next Sunday then I will consider running the repair.
But most probably by then I would have either fixed it or ruined even further...
I have a couple of months working Back up image. So it is not a big deal.
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Did you have the same Safe Mode problem when you made that back up or don't you know - you could have backed up a corrupt system and given that a sfc /scannow had found problems.
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I deliberately disabled safe mode a long time ago. Not sure is that was the cause for it. I don't care about it. However, I am concerned that clean boot is no longer working.
I think the two are related and that is why I am trying to resolve it now. I don't think it was corrupted the old Image because I did not use the logo editor until recently. I will do some tests later on.
A restore point was created yesterday during one of things I was reinstalling and I went back to it successfully but the safe mode list is still skipped over.....
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I will suspend updates here until I have some progress because I don't like the feedback.
Nothing is going to deter me from doing this.
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I can't help it you don't like the feedback - I'm just telling it the way I see it.
If you disabled Safe Mode a while back then the system image you created a couple of months back won't help.
I suggest you restore with that to see what you have and then you can decide if you need to perform a repair install.
After all, you had asked about two other extreme measures of a Refresh and a Reset - a repair install is a lot easier and not destructive to what you have installed.
Anyway, it's not my machine that has problems and it's up to you whether you take any of my advice or not - I would have repair installed straight away, but why did you disable Safe Mode in the first place when it's such an useful repair or diagnostic mode.
As former IT support, surely you must have known the value of Safe Mode.
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Yes I did disable it but it still worked. This is something new. It is now corrupted.
That is the reason I keep image backups. In-case HDD fails. So that I don't start from scratch.
I asked about the two other solutions because I thought one of the was just repair. I forgot what I did before 2018...
It seems that I am just going in circles. Even though it is now showing errors anymore I am not sure that it fixed them...
I think the reason it is skipping over the boot menu is because I deleted it by mistake. After I tried that safe boot option I showed you in the link I deleted that entry and I think it deleted it all.
I tried to find an option called repair but all I could find was options to refresh or repair, even in the boot media I created.
How is it done? Do I run it from within windows?
What are the risks? Will my system become less stable?
Is there a video I can see about it? I could not locate it on youtube...
Please stop repeating things. I am a perfectionist. I know exactly what I am doing I don't need you or anyone to 2nd guess my work.
You cannot supersede me in my own things.... No one can
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So what exactly are you asking for now ?
I've already described how to perform a repair install and the benefits it has.
I've even linked an article on it.
You say you are a perfectionist, but from what you have described you have done, you have damaged your system.
If you do perform a repair install then I suggest you leave the patches alone and leave the system as is.
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Tweaking.com is certainly a unique forum. I have joined many forums and I rarely get support. But not here. You are strangely dedicated to doing this I have never seen anything like it on other Windows support forums, not ever on Microsoft. I am wondering if it is your job or just your hobby.
I can see that you have over 9k posts on here which is a lot. So I can understand why you are pushy and relentless and kind of robotic. You don't really have time to waste on small things.
But that is me. I like to take hours doing each thing for skills sharpening and what not. Each thing that I do wrong is a new chance to learn something new for future reference. So I need to make mistakes... But then I will try to never do them again...
A perfectionist does not mean a person does not make mistakes. It means that he tries to do a perfect job.
Nothing is damaged. The machine has no known errors and I need to make mistakes to learn. Most people just stick the disk in and repair or reinstall everything but I delay that as much as possible to learn more. The reason I am trying to fix something I don't even need or even though there are no errors is because I am a perfection. Otherwise I can just carry on.
Over the past week, I learned so much from your tips and that is of good value to me and will always server and very grateful for it. Maybe I will do a repair and learn something new... For me it is just a new great thing to learn.
I only found a brief post about booting into Win media and going to the repair Menu. I did that be fore the last post and I only saw two options... One is to refresh and one is to reset. The same like what I get in mine.
I also requested for a video about the subject if you know one.
Perfection is not easy. That is my statement :)
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I also want to thank you for the time spent on this.
I do think that you should take a step back when giving tips and allow for a margin of error.
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Thank you for what you have said and I'm glad you say you have learned from my tips.
In some instances it is also a learning curve for me.
For me this is just a hobby as I like to help people where I can.
For the repair install, if you go back to the link I posted on that, you will see pics of what you can expect to see during the process, so you don't need a video.
Most people who post on here with problems just want their machines fixed as soon as possible, which is why I always try to go for the most direct route.
As with you, things were more difficult because of the modifications you had made to your system which had caused other problems.
As this became apparent, I realized that the easiest course would be a repair install to overwrite the mods you had made.
This may be the only course of action that will resolve the residue of problems you still have.
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So I am correct, it is done like an upgrade from within Windows...
However, in the screen shot it requires the key before even starting it.
So I am not sure if it can be done as I don't have a copy of it. I think it was on the screen when I started the system the 1st time in 2015.
I saw this in the thread The product key should have been embedded in the BIOS/UEFI firmware and entered automatically during installation. Time will tell as more people report their results.
I gave it a quick run to see if it will ask for it and it did not. It did some checking and then went to Install. So it might have picked up the key. I am not sure.
But I am worried about this.
I know that there is a way to backup the product key from windows files. I never did it but I will try it if I can find the method.
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The above is mentioned for pre-installed OEM systems.
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Helping people is a very noble feat...
Well done!
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I found the tools in the below link for key back up but they don't display the same info which is not good at all...
https://www.raymond.cc/blog/retrieve-serial-numbers-or-cd-keys-from-your-computer/
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I tried a couple more and each time the key is not the same...
Maybe the information is encrypted...
It found keys for other programs and they matched...
So I will trust the thread and do it.
I will backup those keys I found just in case...
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I will remove AVG and take image backup of the partition.
AVG has blocked system restore when doing it from within windows because it protects system files.
Normal windows does not log into windows during the process but recovery does. Since I never did a repair before I don't want to risk it.
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Yes, that article does advise disabling any AV program.
Did you try any of those generic keys that are in the article.
If you have a COA sticker on the machine where you can read the product key, restore with that system image from a couple of months back and press the Windows key and r together then type Slui 3 into the Run box which will bring up a pane where you can enter your COA sticker key.
You can then use that key to activate when prompted for it.
If you have added any personal stuff since that system image, then back that up onto something like an USB which can be added back later.
As a last resort you can contact Microsoft and ask them to re-activate your system, although I'm not sure what info you need to provide though.
Edited.
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I would never do that, I don't just do what ever solution that works in what ever condition. I would never call Microsoft to have them activate the system I did mention that earlier as well. (It conflicts with my own personal way of doing things.)
I don't believe in such ways. If this method does not work then I will just use the old image and then reformat it.
The system is still backing up the existing image. From the 1st test run it does not seem that it will ask for a the key but that still remains to be seen.
The Laptop only has a serial number sticker and no other info.
It is time to close this thread and mark it as Solved because all the tips that are needed have been provided and I no longer require more info on this.
I also no don't want any more of these types of tips.
Thanks for the rest
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Okay - go to your opening post and add [SOLVED] to the title.
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Done...
Lock it please
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Just for info, on Win 8.1 machines the product key is embedded in the BIOS so it should auto activate.
However, the original key can be found with this cmd from an admin cmd prompt.
wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
I'll now lock the thread as requested.