Windows 8.1 error recivery

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A s with the release of any new operating system, some users have experienced problems installing and running Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1.

On this page we'll report the most serious bugs or upgrade problems and offer potential solutions. Help us and fellow readers identify and fix other problems using the comments facility at the foot of the article.

Windows RT 8.1 BSOD

The most serious bug reported so far affects Windows RT 8.1, with some users experiencing the dreaded Blue Screen of Death or Boot Configuration Data File errors after installation.

The problem is so severe that Microsoft has decided to pull the Windows RT 8.1 update from the Windows Store.

Many users have been unable to repair devices affected by the Windows RT 8.1 update, so Microsoft has released a Surface RT recovery image to help restore tablets to working order. Beware that clicking on that link will immediately instigate the 3.8GB download.

It's not yet clear when Microsoft will release a patched version of the update. (Update 23 October: Microsoft has re-released Windows RT 8.1 in the Windows Store.)

Windows 8.1 installation snags on drivers

The upgrade installation of Windows 8.1 stalled on one of our office machines because of a driver issue. Windows demanded that we uninstall "Sentinel Runtime Drivers" before the installation could proceed, but there was no obvious means of removing them via the Add/Remove Programs facility.

We found that following the instructions published by SuperUser.com solved the problem.

Remember that if you're copying the address of the downloaded file into the Command Prompt, you can't use the normal cut and paste keyboard shortcuts. Instead, use the Paste facility in the dropdown File menu of the Command Prompt.

SkyDrive files available "online only"

If you'd synchronised desktop files on your PC with SkyDrive before installing the 8.1 update, you may have been shocked when you first looked into your SkyDrive folder to discover folders now marked as available "online only".

On our test office PC, this label proved misleading. Files stored inside folders that were ostensibly "online only" were still available even when we disconnected from the internet, and the local file storage afforded to SkyDrive suggests those files are indeed still saved locally.

Microsoft's support site claims that: "The SkyDrive files you've saved or previously opened on your PC are automatically available offline on that PC. Any files you create on SkyDrive.com or another computer are online-only to save space on your PC."

To avoid any confusion, open Windows Explorer, right click on "SkyDrive" in the left-hand pane and click "Make available offline". All your files should now be synchronised locally, if they weren't already.

Limited upgrade path from Windows 8.1 Preview

This issue is not a bug: it's a pre-announced problem for those who jumped early and installed the Windows 8.1 Preview on their PC. Although you can upgrade in-place from the Preview to the final code, you may have to reinstall all your desktop and Windows Store apps.

Unofficially, our very own Darien Graham-Smith has written a blog post explaining how you can upgrade in-place from the Windows 8.1 Preview to final code and keep all your data, settings and programs intact. Several readers have reported on the comments below the blog that the method has worked for them, but we offer no guarantees, nor technical support if it goes wrong.

Can't find System Backup?
Also for people who didn't try the preview looking for System Backup to save a Full System Image post upgrade of their computer it has been moved.

You now have to go through the File History Control Panel entry. There is a link in the bottom left corner of the File History window to access the old Windows 7 System Backup utility.
By mr_chips on 21 Oct 2013
Another Skydrive issue
Previously I'd shunned logging in with my Live account but it seems you can't use Skydrive in 8.1 unless you do this. I gave in and connected my login to my live account in the end, but I'd be curious to know if there's a work around.
By jgwilliams on 21 Oct 2013
Network Driver issues...
I'd been running 8 on an old Acer Travelmate 6292 with no problem...upgraded to 8.1 and suddenly my network devices (both hard and wifi) said not enough resources available. plugging in a usb dongle works fine though.
By MDSmith71 on 21 Oct 2013
What about the watermark for if UEFI is disabled?

Also, can anyone confirm if a 'generic key' is a good way to install W8.1 if you want to do a clean install using a W8 key?

I want to clean install 8.1 as I have other compatibility issues which really needs a clean install and I don't want to p*** about with two/three different OSs.
By tech3475 on 21 Oct 2013
* secureboot, not UEFI.
By tech3475 on 21 Oct 2013
Fuzzy Text
Since installing 8.1 the text in Explorer and MS Office 2013 windows has become fuzzy. Googling, I can see reports of problems (but no solution) in Win 8.0 relating to Clear Typre -- but I had no issues until 8.1. It is pretty horrd so I'd be grateful if anyone has found a work around.
By speedykit on 21 Oct 2013
Fuzzy Text Fixed
Having failed to find the solution last night I found it straight after the above post. If anyone else needs the fix it's at: http://www.askvg.com/fix-bold-blurry-or-hard-to-re
ad-font-problem-in-windows-8-1/
By speedykit on 21 Oct 2013
US Recovery Image?
The link you posted appears to be for a North American Recovery Image; have they not released a specific UK version?
By nrmsmith on 21 Oct 2013
Skydrive
@jgwilliams
I've ben using a utility called syncDriver that supports using Skydrive logging in with a local account
By MikeC2 on 21 Oct 2013
European Surface RT
http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/confirmati
on.aspx?id=40810# Downloads the European version of the recovery image
By DALT42 on 22 Oct 2013
Start screen not coming up after update
I have upgraded my HP Pavilion laptop to Windows 8.1 yesterday. Now the start screen is not visible. Only a black screen is visible with cursor continuously blinking. This is the same after several restarts. While upgrading to 8.1, I have gone past all steps including the verification code. Please help how to resolve this?
By Jithesh on 22 Oct 2013
Windows Transfer Wizard issue
In parallel with upgrading a bunch of 5 machines to 8.1 (all of which went without a hitch), I also bought a new desktop with a plan to move my account from an older machine.
It turns out that the Windows Transfer Wizard is only partly functional under Win8.1 - there is no option to declare a machine as the 'Old' one, so you can't create the transfer file on a PC that has been upgraded.
Equally, when importing an existing file (from Win7) it will re-establish the files but not any of the user settings.

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