📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses a Windows 8 user experiencing a BSOD and losing access to the C: drive after a system refresh. The original poster attempts to modify permissions but encounters errors due to "file in use" issues. A suggested solution was to boot into Safe Mode and perform a system restore, but the user clarifies that Safe Mode isn't available, and the problem persists with limited access to programs and data. Another contributor advises reinstalling Windows 8 using a clean install from media, emphasizing the importance of creating installation media from an ISO and opting for a custom installation to avoid upgrade-related issues. Overall, the thread reflects troubleshooting efforts, with recommendations leaning toward a fresh install as the most reliable fix.
yawa77

yawa77

New Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2013
Messages
2
Thread Author #1
Hello,

I recently became the proud owner of a Windows 8 BSOD. I did a refresh and afterwards I can not access my C: drive. I have gone in to the Properties Tab and tried to change the writes/ take ownership for Administrators and Administrator and applied them. While applying them I get a lot off pop up boxes from " File is in use" to " Object can not be parsed" etc. I need access to the entire C: drive. I had it before the refresh and now I can not do anything at all.

Thank You!
 

Solution
Medico
How did you install Win 8 to start with? If this was an upgrade from the download, you might need to start over. Can you access the email receipt you received from MS? If so there is a link near the top to start over. I would follow this and choose the Install from Media you create option, burn a DVD or Flash drive and start over. Boot to the Media and do a Custom Install.

Many of these very strange failures are caused by the Upgrade Install going bad.

I always recommend 2 things:
1) Always create the installation media from the ISO download. This gives access to the Repair Console through Repair my computer on the DVD

2) Always do a Custom Install, not an Upgrade Install. In my case I use the Disk Options (Advanced) link and...
Sort by date Sort by votes
patcooke

patcooke

Microsoft MVP
Microsoft MVP
Joined
May 16, 2010
Messages
5,688
#2
Try booting into safemode and running a system restore.
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
yawa77

yawa77

New Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2013
Messages
2
Thread Author #3
There isn't a Sfae Mode like in Windows 7 etc. Like I said I had to do a system refresh and it restored the factor settings on the laptop and then would not let me access anything on the C drive. I can pen things like the control panel but can not run any of the programs
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
Medico

Medico

Essential Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2011
Messages
1,144
#4
How did you install Win 8 to start with? If this was an upgrade from the download, you might need to start over. Can you access the email receipt you received from MS? If so there is a link near the top to start over. I would follow this and choose the Install from Media you create option, burn a DVD or Flash drive and start over. Boot to the Media and do a Custom Install.

Many of these very strange failures are caused by the Upgrade Install going bad.

I always recommend 2 things:
1) Always create the installation media from the ISO download. This gives access to the Repair Console through Repair my computer on the DVD

2) Always do a Custom Install, not an Upgrade Install. In my case I use the Disk Options (Advanced) link and format the partition during the installation. This gives a very pristine installation and helps to eliminate these problems.

Link Removed tells use how to add Safe Mode to the Win 8 Boot Options in the MBR
 

Upvote 1 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.