Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows 8 => Topic started by: zinger on May 21, 2018, 01:04:20 PM

Title: Having trouble with recovery disk
Post by: zinger on May 21, 2018, 01:04:20 PM
I had replaced the hard drive on my computer and am following the instructions but after getting the computer to boot up to the flash drive, it gets a bit muddled after that. Instead of using the flash drive to boot up and re-install windows, it gives me about 4 choices of what to do. The procedure says to chose the boot drive but it lists several other choices, recovery device being one. It's amazing that procedures from Microsoft are so vague or are inaccurate or not specific enough to walk you through it. I've also considered the last factor that might be screwing it up... ME! I could use some help from anyone that's done this. I am doing this for a Windows 8, 32 bit
Title: Re: Having trouble with recovery disk
Post by: BC_Programmer on May 21, 2018, 01:41:47 PM
Quote
it gives me about 4 choices of what to do.
I'm guessing this is something like "Continue", "Use a Device", "Troubleshoot" or "Use another operating system"?

And you chose the second option, I assume?

Quote
The procedure says to chose the boot drive but it lists several other choices, recovery device being one.
Let's say you have an Ace of Spades, a Queen of Clubs, and a Jack of Hearts. Now, a procedure says to "choose the ace of spades".

I assume those instructions are reasonably clear. How is it relevant? well, what you are saying is sort of like saying in that situation that "the procedure says to choose the ace of spades, but there are several other choices, the Jack of Hearts being one". The instructions, after all, specifically tell you to choose the boot drive (the device you want to install to) because there are likely to be multiple options.

(I assume when you say that it lists other choices you mean the boot drive/HDD you installed is listed appropriately)
Title: Re: Having trouble with recovery disk
Post by: zinger on May 21, 2018, 01:58:40 PM
OK, let me myself be a little more clear. After starting the computer and clicking esc to get it to open to the flash drive, it offers the following:
Continue startup
system information
choose language
---------------------
Diagnostics
boot menu
system recovery
network boot
utilities
run vefi application

I remember it saying to pick boot menu but maybe I need to pick system recovery because that's what I'm trying to do. Regardless, it gives about 5 options after that and that's where I'm not sure what to choose.

I have to make a correction to my original post, the computer system is a 64 bit, not a 32.
Title: Re: Having trouble with recovery disk
Post by: BC_Programmer on May 21, 2018, 02:26:41 PM
I'm not familiar with any Windows disc that presents those options, so I don't really know what you've got there. I suppose it is a manufacturer-constructed recovery disc.
Title: Re: Having trouble with recovery disk
Post by: zinger on May 21, 2018, 02:36:25 PM
I have a homemade disk, I'm thinking I've gone down the wrong path and need to back up and start over. I found this procedure and it looks promising.

https://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/be-ready-to-use-the-windows-8-recovery-drive/
Title: Re: Having trouble with recovery disk
Post by: zinger on May 21, 2018, 03:49:13 PM
Hey, I finally succeeded! After enough trial and errors, I did a fresh install of Windows 8. I'm a lot happier now that I've got my old computer up and running. When booting from a homemade disk, it gives 4 options and I picked Windows Legacy. I then proceeded to use "Troubleshoot" and eventually to "Reset". I then had to answer all kinds of questions like you would when installing a new copy of Windows.
Thanks to BC_Programmer for taking the time to try and help, it's not easy working with a dummy like me.
Title: Re: Having trouble with recovery disk
Post by: patio on May 21, 2018, 05:04:03 PM
Kewl Beans...Kudos to BC...