Windows 8.1 corruption

Gwynbleid · March 19, 2020

Win 8.1 64bit

Wont run any .exes (Window to choose a program to run it pops up) Basically the only thing that works is outdated internet explorer, but it has trouble downloading anything. Also any flashdrive that i plugged in reported as either corrupted or unreadable data so i cant move any files (wanted to run Malwarebytes ). Desktop is buggy as hell, switching between windows or closing something sometimes results in complete freeze and lock up.

Any way to fix it without system re-install? Not my pc, also no idea where the license key is.

homeap5 · March 19, 2020

First - prepare some rescue USB with any bootable antivirus and scan whole drive. You may boot using Ubuntu first for made backup of your important files. You may try run Windows in safe mode and use AdwCleaner. You have lot of possibilities, but they are risky (av may made your system unbootable if delete any of system files), time consuming (backup) and requires lot of experience to restore system to good state. There is no easy fix like "press F8" or even step by step instructions. If you have this type of problem, only good friend with good computer skills may help you.

Gwynbleid · March 20, 2020

Thanks for the answering, i have some basic skills since i had to screw around with garbage pc's since childhood. I will check if there is a option to restore it to a previous state. What about the windows repair tool? I mean i can get the system image from microsoft, put in on a bootable usb and use it just for repair without activating or buying the license, right ? At least i think i did something like that sometime ago. I dont know if Adw will run if i cant move any files to the computer or run any .exes, havent tried that in safe mode i guess so will do it next time im there.

homeap5 · March 20, 2020

Well, automatic repair is always some option - it may work better or worse, but I'm not sure if it leave your system the same way as before.

I'm taking about different kind of experience like ability to work with registry (including checking associations with exe files), fast recognition of harmful processes, controlling tasks and start items - basically everything you must do before you even start using automatic tools.

If you can - prepare that Ubuntu bootable USB and at least copy your files to some external drive.