How to Fix Windows 8.1 Automatic Repair Loop

Resources / By / October 16, 2023

If you are a Windows 8.1 user, you might have faced a situation where your computer gets stuck in an Automatic Repair Loop. This happens when your computer is unable to start up and instead enters a continuous cycle of diagnosing the problem and trying to fix it. This can happen due to several reasons such as inconsistent system files, faulty hardware, or corrupt boot configurations.

This issue can be extremely frustrating and time-consuming. You might be thinking that you have to hand over your computer to technicians, but don’t worry, with a little bit of knowledge and patience, you can solve this problem on your own. In this blog, we will discuss some of the methods that you can use to fix the Windows 8.1 Automatic Repair Loop.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Before we delve into the methods to fix the Automatic Repair Loop, there are a few things that you need to have:

  • A Windows 8.1 installation media or a recovery drive
  • Access to the boot menu or the BIOS
  • A USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage
  • A working computer to create a recovery drive

What Requires Your Focus?

Before we begin, it is important to note that fixing the Automatic Repair Loop in Windows 8.1 requires a lot of focus and patience. Follow each step carefully and do not rush through the process. Also, ensure that you have backed up all your important data before attempting any of the methods listed below.

Different Methods to Fix Windows 8.1 Automatic Repair Loop

Method 1: Use the Windows 8.1 Installation Media

If you have a Windows 8.1 installation media, you can use it to fix the Automatic Repair Loop. Here are the steps:

  1. Insert the Windows 8.1 installation media in the computer and restart it.
  2. When the computer starts up, enter the boot menu or the BIOS. The key to enter the boot menu or the BIOS varies depending on the computer manufacturer. Some common keys are F12, Delete, F2, or Esc.
  3. Select the installation media from the list of boot options.
  4. Press any key to boot from the installation media.
  5. Select your language preferences and click Next.
  6. Click on Repair your computer.
  7. Select Troubleshoot and then click on Advanced options.
  8. Select Automatic Repair and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Pros:

  • You do not lose any data during the process.
  • It is a straightforward process and does not require any technical expertise.

Cons:

  • You need the Windows 8.1 installation media.
  • You need a working computer to create the installation media.
  • The process might take some time to complete.

Method 2: Use the Command Prompt

You can also fix the Automatic Repair Loop using the Command Prompt. Here are the steps:

  1. Insert the Windows 8.1 installation media in the computer and restart it.
  2. When the computer starts up, enter the boot menu or the BIOS. The key to enter the boot menu or the BIOS varies depending on the computer manufacturer. Some common keys are F12, Delete, F2, or Esc.
  3. Select the installation media from the list of boot options.
  4. Press any key to boot from the installation media.
  5. Select your language preferences and click Next.
  6. Click on Repair your computer.
  7. Select Troubleshoot and then click on Advanced options.
  8. Select Command Prompt.
  9. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each of them: 
    bootrec /fixmbr
    
    bootrec /fixboot
    
    bootrec /scanos
    
    bootrec /rebuildbcd
  10. Close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer.

Pros:

  • You do not need any external tools.
  • The process is quick and straightforward.

Cons:

  • If the problem is not with the boot configuration, this method might not work.
  • It requires some knowledge of the Command Prompt.
  • You might lose your data if you make any mistakes while entering the commands.

Method 3: Reset Your PC

You can also fix the Automatic Repair Loop by resetting your PC. Here are the steps:

  1. Insert the Windows 8.1 installation media in the computer and restart it.
  2. When the computer starts up, enter the boot menu or the BIOS. The key to enter the boot menu or the BIOS varies depending on the computer manufacturer. Some common keys are F12, Delete, F2, or Esc.
  3. Select the installation media from the list of boot options.
  4. Press any key to boot from the installation media.
  5. Select your language preferences and click Next.
  6. Click on Repair your computer.
  7. Select Troubleshoot and then click on Reset this PC.
  8. Select whether you want to keep your files or remove everything.
  9. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Pros:

  • It is a straightforward process.
  • It fixes most of the software-related issues.

Cons:

  • You might lose your data if you choose to remove everything.
  • You need to reinstall all third-party software after resetting your PC.
  • The process might take some time to complete.

Method 4: Check Your Hardware

If none of the software-related solutions work, it is time to check if there are any hardware-related problems. Here are the steps:

  1. Shut down your computer.
  2. Disconnect all external devices except the keyboard and the mouse.
  3. Restart your computer and check if the Automatic Repair Loop is still there.
  4. If the Automatic Repair Loop is still there, open the computer and check if all the hardware is properly connected.
  5. Replace any faulty hardware such as the hard drive or the RAM.

Pros:

  • You can identify and fix the hardware-related problems.
  • It ensures the proper functioning of your computer.

Cons:

  • You might need to purchase new hardware.
  • You need to open your computer.
  • It requires some technical expertise.

Method 5: Use Windows 8.1 Recovery Drive

If you do not have the Windows 8.1 installation media, you can create a recovery drive to fix the Automatic Repair Loop. Here are the steps:

  1. Connect your USB flash drive to a working computer.
  2. Search for "Create a recovery drive" in the search box and click on the corresponding result.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a recovery drive.
  4. Insert the recovery drive in the computer with the Automatic Repair Loop.
  5. Restart your computer and enter the boot menu or the BIOS.
  6. Select the recovery drive from the list of boot options and press any key to boot from it.
  7. Select your language preferences and click Next.
  8. Click on Repair your computer.
  9. Select Troubleshoot and then click on Advanced options.
  10. Select Automatic Repair and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Pros:

  • You can fix the Automatic Repair Loop without the installation media.
  • It is a straightforward process and does not require any technical expertise.

Cons:

  • You need a working computer to create the recovery drive.
  • The process might take some time to complete.
  • You might lose your data if the recovery drive is not prepared properly.

Why Can’t I Fix the Windows 8.1 Automatic Repair Loop?

The Windows 8.1 Automatic Repair Loop can be caused by several issues, some of which are:

  1. Corrupt boot configuration
  2. Inconsistent system files
  3. Hardware failure

If you are unable to fix the Automatic Repair Loop, it might be due to the following reasons:

  1. Incorrect or incomplete implementation of the methods listed above
  2. Presence of malware or virus on your computer
  3. Crash or corruption of your Operating System

If you cannot fix the Automatic Repair Loop despite trying the above methods, you should consider contacting a professional to help you diagnose and fix the issue.

Implications and Recommendations

Here are some recommendations that you should follow to avoid or fix the Windows 8.1 Automatic Repair Loop:

  • Regularly scan your computer for malware and viruses.
  • Update your Operating System and all third-party software regularly.
  • Try to avoid using third-party software that can cause system instability.
  • Create a recovery drive or a system image to restore your computer in case of emergencies.

5 FAQs about Fixing Windows 8.1 Automatic Repair Loop

Q1: Can I fix the Automatic Repair Loop without losing my data?

A: Yes, most of the methods listed in this blog do not affect your data. However, it is always recommended to take a backup of your data before attempting any of the methods listed here.

Q2: Can a faulty hard drive cause the Automatic Repair Loop?

A: Yes, a faulty hard drive can cause the Automatic Repair Loop. If you suspect that the problem is with your hard drive, you should consider replacing it.

Q3: Can I fix the Automatic Repair Loop without the recovery drive or the installation media?

A: It is not recommended to attempt fixing the Automatic Repair Loop without the recovery drive or the installation media. These tools are essential for diagnosing and fixing the problems with your computer.

Q4: Can I use the same recovery drive for multiple computers?

A: No, you cannot use the same recovery drive for multiple computers. Each recovery drive is specific to the computer it was created for.

Q5: Does resetting my PC remove all the software and apps?

A: Yes, resetting your PC removes all the third-party software and apps. You need to reinstall them after the reset is complete.

Final Words

The Windows 8.1 Automatic Repair Loop can be a bothersome issue, but with the above methods, you can easily fix the problem yourself. If you still face any issues while fixing the Automatic Repair Loop, it is recommended to seek the help of a professional. Remember to regularly scan your computer for malware and viruses, update your system, and create a backup to avoid such issues in the future.

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