Repair Windows 8.x from a bootable USB device

Last week my colleague had an issue with his local Windows 8.1 installation. For this case of emergency, Always make sure you have a bootable USB device with Windows 8.x in your pocket. In this blogpost I explain how to create one. Let's have a look how to repair Windows 8.x from a bootable USB device.

Just start your system with this bootable USB-device for installation/ upgrade or refresh/ reset actions. Then start the following actions:

1. Choose "Language to install", "Time and currency format" and "Keyboard or input method".
2. Then choose "Repair your computer", NOT "Install now".
3. At "Choose an option" select "Troubleshoot" and then "Advanced options".

4. Choose "Startup Repair", Operating System Windows 8.x first, which doesn't actually fixed the issue (Startup Repair couldn't repair your PC).
5. Choose "Advanced options" after the issue instead of shutdown.
6. At "Choose an option" select "Troubleshoot" and then "Advanced options".

7. Choose "Command Prompt" and type the following lines:
-bootrec /fixmbr
-bootrec /fixboot
8. Start your PC again and the issue should be fixed now.

Hope it helps!

Thanks to Frans Oudendorp (@oudendorp) for this one!

Guide to install Windows 8.1 from a bootable USB device

Last week I did an upgrade on my notebook from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1. I prefer by doing this with a bootable USB device, Always having the Operating System with me for refresh or reset actions. This because you can use it in case of emergency also. The following steps are needed to get it done.

1) Download the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool and install it on your Windows device. Download
2) Start the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool and follow the steps. Select the Windows 8.1 ISO and use a empty USB device (4GB min.)

Select the Windows 8.1 ISO file on the hard disk

Use an empty USB device for installing Windows 8.1

Select the empty USB device and start/begin copying

Copy job is done and the USB device is ready to use now!

Just start your system with this bootable USB-device for installation/ upgrade or refresh/ reset actions. You can use it in case of emergency also! I will mention that in my next blogpost.