- Nov 17, 2014
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- 4,510
I downloaded Windows 8.1 for free through my university and installed it onto my HDD for my new build using a formatted USB flash drive with the download files. However, I ran into an issue where my computer will no longer boot to the OS. It stops after the BIOS at a Windows message that reads "Your PC failed to start 
." This message appeared after a hard shutdown.
Advanced Troubleshooting options on the failure screen recommend that I wipe the HDD, but it then says to insert the Windows 8.1 disk to wipe it. I do not have an optical drive on my build, and I also do not have the disk since I got the Windows software for free.
How can I wipe my HDD if I cannot get to the OS in the first place, even without an optical drive? I have read methods and watched videos of how to wipe the HDD from the Windows OS, but I cannot even get to the desktop.
I am open to buying a CD drive and third-party CD if that will fix the issue. I am also completely fine with wiping my HDD. There are no files on there worth saving.
I will answer any questions. Thank you in advance.
." This message appeared after a hard shutdown.Advanced Troubleshooting options on the failure screen recommend that I wipe the HDD, but it then says to insert the Windows 8.1 disk to wipe it. I do not have an optical drive on my build, and I also do not have the disk since I got the Windows software for free.
How can I wipe my HDD if I cannot get to the OS in the first place, even without an optical drive? I have read methods and watched videos of how to wipe the HDD from the Windows OS, but I cannot even get to the desktop.
I am open to buying a CD drive and third-party CD if that will fix the issue. I am also completely fine with wiping my HDD. There are no files on there worth saving.
I will answer any questions. Thank you in advance.
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