Random error messages

[Munchies]

I have a Dell inspiron 15R that's running Windows 8.1 and I've been getting the following error messages for the past two weeks:

0xc000021a

kernel_data_inpage_error

 

and when these errors do occur and my laptop restarts itself it's shown a black screen that says checking media: (it usually has to go through another restart) and after the second restart it says that there weren't any boot disks, then proceeds to the lock screen.

 

 

My mom's recommending that I do an open system restore, but I've also read to boot up the computer in safe mode and then run the disk scanner.

 

 

I don't really know what to do and I'm kind of stressing out about it. :dance:

[megs4u]

I suggest the safe-mode ... might have a pretty little virus :(

[Scoobert_Doo]

I have a Dell inspiron 15R that's running Windows 8.1 and I've been getting the following error messages for the past two weeks:

0xc000021a

kernel_data_inpage_error

 

and when these errors do occur and my laptop restarts itself it's shown a black screen that says checking media: (it usually has to go through another restart) and after the second restart it says that there weren't any boot disks, then proceeds to the lock screen.

 

 

My mom's recommending that I do an open system restore, but I've also read to boot up the computer in safe mode and then run the disk scanner.

 

 

I don't really know what to do and I'm kind of stressing out about it. :dance:

A few questions, if you do not mind me asking:

 

1. Do the error messages show up at the same time, as in a "blue screen" message, or do they show up separately, at random times or it is upon bootup?

 

2. How old is your Dell Inspiron 15R laptop?

 

3. Did this happen right after you ran Windows Update, with updates found and installed?

 

The reason I'm asking the questions in 1. is, Windows usually will display a message like "STOP: 0XC000021A KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR". There may be more information, but it generally looks like that and may appear on a "blue screen". You could have been on your computer for awhile, click on something and the message/blue screen appears. You may be or not be doing the same thing when it happens. Trying to lookup the error codes online (google), they don't appear to correlate, meaning 0XC000021A and KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR both are not listed together. I can find something for each message, but the two are not listed together. I've seem this before, with Windows. I was getting error codes/messages the didn't quite match up online, but appeared like you said. Sometimes all of the codes are not listed, just the common ones seen. They both seem to indicate something "slightly" different. I say slightly because both can occur if your computer's memory (RAM) or hard drive is going bad. And that is why I asked question 2. Hard drives can last a long time, but the older they get, the more chance of failure. I suspect a failing hard drive. I could be the RAM, but, generally, if you hear beep codes (series of beeps) right after the computer is turned on, and the computer fails to boot into Windows, those codes could indicate the RAM is bad. Even if you don't hear the beep codes, it could still be the RAM. I've seen more hard disk failures than memory (RAM). Hard drives have moving parts that can wear out over time. So, if your computer is 3 years or older, and that is just my opinion, I would lean towards a failing hard drive. The "KERNEL" error points to that. So, what you read to do makes sense to do first, as that can check the hard drive for errors. If your hard drive is going bad, files can get corrupted. Sure, a system restore can "fix" the corrupted files, and your computer may work for awhile, but the error messages could start appearing again. Plus, it doesn't hurt to check the hard drive first. I can take awhile, depending on the type of scan and size of the hard drive, but if it finds "bad sectors", then it is a good indication your hard drive is starting to "go bad". Unfortunately, I'm not very familiar with Windows 8. In Windows 7, click Start, then Computer. Right-mouse click the "Local Disk", usually (C:) and select properties. Click the Tools tab and under "Error-checking This option will check the drive for errors", click the "Check now..." button. It will pop-up "Check Disk Local Disk" with options. "Automatically fix file system errors" is usually already checked. At least run that (click Start). Or at the command prompt type "chkdsk /f C:". However, I'd run "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors", too (chkdsk /r C:). That option can take longer (couple of hours), but if it finds "bad sectors" then I'd start thinking about backing up important files right away, as your hard drive may not last much longer. BUT, if the answer to 3. is yes, that the problem happened right after Windows found and installed updates, then doing a system restore to a point before the updates were installed, makes sense. Something could have been installed that is not working properly with your computer's hardware, or the update process may not have gone smoothly, causing the issue. Anyhow, with the limited amount of information provided, and it is hard to "troubleshoot" without physically seeing/being what is going on, that is what I'd do. Sorry for typing a novel and I hope this helps. Please though, don't blame me if anything goes bad. I've been through a couple of bad/going bad hard drives. Not fun and I can't stress enough to backup your important files right away, like NOW, if possible. When your drive dies, there may be no way to recover the data. On a final note, you could try the Dell.com support website and see if the error is mentioned there and if there is a fix. I truly hope it is not a failing hard drive. Good luck!

 

EDIT: megs4u could be correct too. It could be caused by a virus. You do have Microsoft Security Essentials installed and updated or another form of Anti Virus? You can try running a full scan. Also, here is a (Microsoft) link to the "KERNEL" error message: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/ff559211%28v=vs.85%29.aspx And for 0xC000021A: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/ff560177%28v=vs.85%29.aspx. To clarify, I'd run chkdsk /f first. If it finds errors, I'd run it again. If no errors found the second time and the computer is working "normally" again (after booting and in Windows), then I'd leave it. However, if it found errors the second time, or the error pops up again after in Windows, then I run chkdsk /r. If no errors found, and Windows is working "normally", then leave it. If no errors found, but the error pops up again, then system restore. If errors like bad sectors found, then try to backup/move important files, check warranty and/or think about getting a new hard drive. If errors after a system restore, then I'd start thinking about a fresh install of Windows (format the hard drive, extensive disk check and Windows install). Again, just what I'd do. Hopefully, others will post and with more ideas, you can make an informed decision.

[Munchies]

A few questions, if you do not mind me asking:

 

1. Do the error messages show up at the same time, as in a "blue screen" message, or do they show up separately, at random times or it is upon bootup?

 

2. How old is your Dell Inspiron 15R laptop?

 

3. Did this happen right after you ran Windows Update, with updates found and installed?

 

The reason I'm asking the questions in 1. is, Windows usually will display a message like "STOP: 0XC000021A KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR". There may be more information, but it generally looks like that and may appear on a "blue screen". You could have been on your computer for awhile, click on something and the message/blue screen appears. You may be or not be doing the same thing when it happens. Trying to lookup the error codes online (google), they don't appear to correlate, meaning 0XC000021A and KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR both are not listed together. I can find something for each message, but the two are not listed together. I've seem this before, with Windows. I was getting error codes/messages the didn't quite match up online, but appeared like you said. Sometimes all of the codes are not listed, just the common ones seen. They both seem to indicate something "slightly" different. I say slightly because both can occur if your computer's memory (RAM) or hard drive is going bad. And that is why I asked question 2. Hard drives can last a long time, but the older they get, the more chance of failure. I suspect a failing hard drive. I could be the RAM, but, generally, if you hear beep codes (series of beeps) right after the computer is turned on, and the computer fails to boot into Windows, those codes could indicate the RAM is bad. Even if you don't hear the beep codes, it could still be the RAM. I've seen more hard disk failures than memory (RAM). Hard drives have moving parts that can wear out over time. So, if your computer is 3 years or older, and that is just my opinion, I would lean towards a failing hard drive. The "KERNEL" error points to that. So, what you read to do makes sense to do first, as that can check the hard drive for errors. If your hard drive is going bad, files can get corrupted. Sure, a system restore can "fix" the corrupted files, and your computer may work for awhile, but the error messages could start appearing again. Plus, it doesn't hurt to check the hard drive first. I can take awhile, depending on the type of scan and size of the hard drive, but if it finds "bad sectors", then it is a good indication your hard drive is starting to "go bad". Unfortunately, I'm not very familiar with Windows 8. In Windows 7, click Start, then Computer. Right-mouse click the "Local Disk", usually (C:) and select properties. Click the Tools tab and under "Error-checking This option will check the drive for errors", click the "Check now..." button. It will pop-up "Check Disk Local Disk" with options. "Automatically fix file system errors" is usually already checked. At least run that (click Start). Or at the command prompt type "chkdsk /f C:". However, I'd run "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors", too (chkdsk /r C:). That option can take longer (couple of hours), but if it finds "bad sectors" then I'd start thinking about backing up important files right away, as your hard drive may not last much longer. BUT, if the answer to 3. is yes, that the problem happened right after Windows found and installed updates, then doing a system restore to a point before the updates were installed, makes sense. Something could have been installed that is not working properly with your computer's hardware, or the update process may not have gone smoothly, causing the issue. Anyhow, with the limited amount of information provided, and it is hard to "troubleshoot" without physically seeing/being what is going on, that is what I'd do. Sorry for typing a novel and I hope this helps. Please though, don't blame me if anything goes bad. I've been through a couple of bad/going bad hard drives. Not fun and I can't stress enough to backup your important files right away, like NOW, if possible. When your drive dies, there may be no way to recover the data. On a final note, you could try the Dell.com support website and see if the error is mentioned there and if there is a fix. I truly hope it is not a failing hard drive. Good luck!

 

EDIT: megs4u could be correct too. It could be caused by a virus. You do have Microsoft Security Essentials installed and updated or another form of Anti Virus? You can try running a full scan. Also, here is a (Microsoft) link to the "KERNEL" error message: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/ff559211%28v=vs.85%29.aspx And for 0xC000021A: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/ff560177%28v=vs.85%29.aspx. To clarify, I'd run chkdsk /f first. If it finds errors, I'd run it again. If no errors found the second time and the computer is working "normally" again (after booting and in Windows), then I'd leave it. However, if it found errors the second time, or the error pops up again after in Windows, then I run chkdsk /r. If no errors found, and Windows is working "normally", then leave it. If no errors found, but the error pops up again, then system restore. If errors like bad sectors found, then try to backup/move important files, check warranty and/or think about getting a new hard drive. If errors after a system restore, then I'd start thinking about a fresh install of Windows (format the hard drive, extensive disk check and Windows install). Again, just what I'd do. Hopefully, others will post and with more ideas, you can make an informed decision.

1.The error messages show up separately, but they do show up on a blue screen.

2. It'll be 3 years old in November

3. It hasn't happened right after a Windows update.

 

I have noticed though that the KERNEL error does show up when I either have to many tabs open or when I've been on it too long. So to test if that was the case I only had one tab open at a time (which was really frustrating) but I only got the KERNEL error message once and that was at the lock screen. I also ran a diagnostics program (reimage) which found one virus and a few hardware problems. I use AVG as my anti-virus program. And after running it's scan it detected no virus. I also use it's fix performance tool and that seems to have helped a bit.

 

But I didn't have any of these problems until a few weeks after uninstalling and re-installing Sims 3, could the game itself have any affect?

[Scoobert_Doo]

1.The error messages show up separately, but they do show up on a blue screen.

2. It'll be 3 years old in November

3. It hasn't happened right after a Windows update.

 

I have noticed though that the KERNEL error does show up when I either have to many tabs open or when I've been on it too long. So to test if that was the case I only had one tab open at a time (which was really frustrating) but I only got the KERNEL error message once and that was at the lock screen. I also ran a diagnostics program (reimage) which found one virus and a few hardware problems. I use AVG as my anti-virus program. And after running it's scan it detected no virus. I also use it's fix performance tool and that seems to have helped a bit.

 

But I didn't have any of these problems until a few weeks after uninstalling and re-installing Sims 3, could the game itself have any affect?

Based on your answers, I, personally, would run chkdsk /r or a hard drive scanning program, like SeaTools. (SeaTools is made by Seagate, a hard drive manufacturer. It is free and usually scans/checks any hard drive, not just their own brand). Chkdsk /r or a hard drive scanning program can do a thorough check of your hard drive, by looking for and correcting (some) errors and scanning for bad sectors. If bad sectors are found, it can mark those areas as unusable, so the hard drive does not try to "write" files to those bad areas. As I stated earlier, a full scan can take awhile, depending on the size of your hard drive and if problems are found. If no problems or bad sectors are found, you can (possibly) rule out your hard drive and troubleshoot the problem elsewhere. As you said the error messages seem to pop-up when you have many tabs open or on your computer too long, it is possible the scan *may* find bad sectors. When you surf the web, your browser stores cookies, graphics, web page information, etc, in the temporary Internet files folder on your hard drive (cache). That way, it can bring up the page faster, if you go to it again. By storing, your hard drive first "writes" the files to the disk, and then later, when you visit the page again, it "reads" them, to display them. By opening more tabs, the more temporary files are "written" and "read" to your hard drive. If your hard drive has bad sectors, but they have not been marked as "bad/unusable", your computer could try to "write" the files to those sectors. When "writing" them, they could become corrupt. Later, when revisiting a website, it may try to "read" the files in those corrupt sectors, but cannot, causing the blue screens to appear with the error message. The same can happen if you are on your computer "too long" or if your laptop goes into "sleep" mode. If you are running programs, it may periodically "write" and "read" files, depending what you are doing. Or, in the case of "sleep" mode, it saves information to the hard drive before going to "sleep", so when you "wake" your computer, it looks like exactly what state it was in, before "sleeping". If any information is "written" to bad sectors, when your programs try to "read" them again, or when "waking up" your computer, it cannot "read" the saved information, causing the blue screen. Having some bad sectors doesn't necessarily mean it is completely bad. 1Mb of bad sectors on a 120Gb drive, isn't much, at all. But if later scans keeps finding more bad sectors, then it is most likely your hard drive will fail at some point. Say you do a full scan and find some bad sectors and they are marked as bad, so Windows does not use those areas, and Windows boots up normally and you do not see the errors anymore. Not necessarily bad, as you can use your computer again, without random pop-ups. Now, say, if the errors pop-up again, a few month later and more bad sectors are found, then, that is a sign your hard drive is going bad and could fail sooner. I, personally, experienced that a couple of times. Random errors, scanned and found/marked bad sectors, computer work for awhile (months), and then the random errors popping-up, and a full scan finding way more bad sectors, to the point where the drive died. In my case, though, the errors were more along the lines of a program not being able to run, because it couldn't "find" (read) the file - "Program Name.exe could open because "file name.dll" (or something like that) could not be found", even though I could see that file name in the folder the program was installed into. Corrupt system files would cause blue screens. Is it possible Sims 3 could be causing the problem? Yes, it is possible. Some games will check your computer to see if it meets the games specs. Sometimes, they may recommend an update for your video driver/card or other hardware update. A new driver may not be fully compatible with your specific hardware and could cause problems. For that, you could try completely uninstalling Sims 3, without re-installing it and see if the problem goes away. You could always check the Sims 3 web page to see if there are updates to the game or if others are experiencing the same issue. At this point, it is your choice. 50 - 50 for uninstall Sims 3 or chkdsk /r, first. If you have a friend or family member who knows computers, they could be helpful, too. Does your laptop get unusually hot? If you have anymore info or questions, please ask. If you figure out the problem, please post. If your computer is still under warranty, they may cover be able to send you a new hard drive.

 

EDIT: Which "diagnostics program (reimage)" did you use?

[Munchies]

Based on your answers, I, personally, would run chkdsk /r or a hard drive scanning program, like SeaTools. (SeaTools is made by Seagate, a hard drive manufacturer. It is free and usually scans/checks any hard drive, not just their own brand). Chkdsk /r or a hard drive scanning program can do a thorough check of your hard drive, by looking for and correcting (some) errors and scanning for bad sectors. If bad sectors are found, it can mark those areas as unusable, so the hard drive does not try to "write" files to those bad areas. As I stated earlier, a full scan can take awhile, depending on the size of your hard drive and if problems are found. If no problems or bad sectors are found, you can (possibly) rule out your hard drive and troubleshoot the problem elsewhere. As you said the error messages seem to pop-up when you have many tabs open or on your computer too long, it is possible the scan *may* find bad sectors. When you surf the web, your browser stores cookies, graphics, web page information, etc, in the temporary Internet files folder on your hard drive (cache). That way, it can bring up the page faster, if you go to it again. By storing, your hard drive first "writes" the files to the disk, and then later, when you visit the page again, it "reads" them, to display them. By opening more tabs, the more temporary files are "written" and "read" to your hard drive. If your hard drive has bad sectors, but they have not been marked as "bad/unusable", your computer could try to "write" the files to those sectors. When "writing" them, they could become corrupt. Later, when revisiting a website, it may try to "read" the files in those corrupt sectors, but cannot, causing the blue screens to appear with the error message. The same can happen if you are on your computer "too long" or if your laptop goes into "sleep" mode. If you are running programs, it may periodically "write" and "read" files, depending what you are doing. Or, in the case of "sleep" mode, it saves information to the hard drive before going to "sleep", so when you "wake" your computer, it looks like exactly what state it was in, before "sleeping". If any information is "written" to bad sectors, when your programs try to "read" them again, or when "waking up" your computer, it cannot "read" the saved information, causing the blue screen. Having some bad sectors doesn't necessarily mean it is completely bad. 1Mb of bad sectors on a 120Gb drive, isn't much, at all. But if later scans keeps finding more bad sectors, then it is most likely your hard drive will fail at some point. Say you do a full scan and find some bad sectors and they are marked as bad, so Windows does not use those areas, and Windows boots up normally and you do not see the errors anymore. Not necessarily bad, as you can use your computer again, without random pop-ups. Now, say, if the errors pop-up again, a few month later and more bad sectors are found, then, that is a sign your hard drive is going bad and could fail sooner. I, personally, experienced that a couple of times. Random errors, scanned and found/marked bad sectors, computer work for awhile (months), and then the random errors popping-up, and a full scan finding way more bad sectors, to the point where the drive died. In my case, though, the errors were more along the lines of a program not being able to run, because it couldn't "find" (read) the file - "Program Name.exe could open because "file name.dll" (or something like that) could not be found", even though I could see that file name in the folder the program was installed into. Corrupt system files would cause blue screens. Is it possible Sims 3 could be causing the problem? Yes, it is possible. Some games will check your computer to see if it meets the games specs. Sometimes, they may recommend an update for your video driver/card or other hardware update. A new driver may not be fully compatible with your specific hardware and could cause problems. For that, you could try completely uninstalling Sims 3, without re-installing it and see if the problem goes away. You could always check the Sims 3 web page to see if there are updates to the game or if others are experiencing the same issue. At this point, it is your choice. 50 - 50 for uninstall Sims 3 or chkdsk /r, first. If you have a friend or family member who knows computers, they could be helpful, too. Does your laptop get unusually hot? If you have anymore info or questions, please ask. If you figure out the problem, please post. If your computer is still under warranty, they may cover be able to send you a new hard drive.

 

EDIT: Which "diagnostics program (reimage)" did you use?

I doesn't get unusually hot, but hot enough to hear it trying to cool off.

The program was called Reimage by Crossrider.

[Scoobert_Doo]

I doesn't get unusually hot, but hot enough to hear it trying to cool off.

The program was called Reimage by Crossrider.

Reimage does not seem to check/scan the hard drive for errors. From their support page,

 

"There seems to be an indication of prior damage to my hard drive, what can I do?

As with every hardware component, always assume physical damage is a possibility. Sometimes there are indications of bad sectors on a hard drive which can be solved by running a sector recovery scan utilizing windows check disk software. This process may take up to several hours depending on the size of the hard drive and the extent of damage on the drive.

To run the check disk utility simply click Start > Run > (type in the following) chkdsk /r > click Yes when prompted to schedule a test next reboot. Remember, this will take a while, so it is preferable to do it at night before going to bed."

 

Personally, I think you should run it (chkdsk /r). Nothing to lose, really. It's free and nothing to download/install (it is part of Windows). It may even help. Even if it finds no errors, if you run it, like they said, before going to bed or while out for a couple of hours, you are not losing or wasting time while it is running.

 

It doesn't sound like your laptop gets hotter than normal. Problems usually encountered with overly hot CPUs is freezing and complete shut down. You could try a "system restore" to a "point" from before you noticed the problem, ie two weeks ago, if a restore point is available. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc Look for "Restore your PC to an earlier point in time". It may help and it may make no difference. Be aware that any apps or programs installed after that point may be gone.

 

Still, your call though. I think it (chkdsk /r) is your best option, at this point.

 

Did Reimage install any files it found problems for?

 

EDIT: Sorry for asking what program you used, when you stated it. I never heard of, or used Reimage. Where I work, reimage means to restore the computer to when you first got it, and usually with a format, which erases everything on the hard drive.

[Munchies]

 

Reimage does not seem to check/scan the hard drive for errors. From their support page,

 

"There seems to be an indication of prior damage to my hard drive, what can I do?

As with every hardware component, always assume physical damage is a possibility. Sometimes there are indications of bad sectors on a hard drive which can be solved by running a sector recovery scan utilizing windows check disk software. This process may take up to several hours depending on the size of the hard drive and the extent of damage on the drive.

To run the check disk utility simply click Start > Run > (type in the following) chkdsk /r > click Yes when prompted to schedule a test next reboot. Remember, this will take a while, so it is preferable to do it at night before going to bed."

 

Personally, I think you should run it (chkdsk /r). Nothing to lose, really. It's free and nothing to download/install (it is part of Windows). It may even help. Even if it finds no errors, if you run it, like they said, before going to bed or while out for a couple of hours, you are not losing or wasting time while it is running.

 

It doesn't sound like your laptop gets hotter than normal. Problems usually encountered with overly hot CPUs is freezing and complete shut down. You could try a "system restore" to a "point" from before you noticed the problem, ie two weeks ago, if a restore point is available. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc Look for "Restore your PC to an earlier point in time". It may help and it may make no difference. Be aware that any apps or programs installed after that point may be gone.

 

Still, your call though. I think it (chkdsk /r) is your best option, at this point.

 

Did Reimage install any files it found problems for?

 

EDIT: Sorry for asking what program you used, when you stated it. I never heard of, or used Reimage. Where I work, reimage means to restore the computer to when you first got it, and usually with a format, which erases everything on the hard drive.

 

I appreciate you help!

From what I saw it did not install any files for the problems it found; and it's no problem at all (in all honesty I installed it without reading up on it)

[Scoobert_Doo]

I appreciate you help!

From what I saw it did not install any files for the problems it found; and it's no problem at all (in all honesty I installed it without reading up on it)

Just curious if you were able to find a solution to your computer problem, and, if so, what you ended up doing. Thank you.

[Munchies]

Just curious if you were able to find a solution to your computer problem, and, if so, what you ended up doing. Thank you.

I haven't found a solution yet, but I did run a check disk prompt and my virus scan. I'm not entirely sure what the check disk found because my laptop was shut down when I woke up. But I'm planning on getting help from a friend who knows more about computers than I do. In the meantime I'm shutting down the laptop when I'm not using it, since when I was having the most difficulty with it when it been on too long. I've also backed everything up to my google drive.

[Mouseykins]

If you could I'd get an external Hard Drive and back everything up onto there, it'll save everything there. I'm not sure what all you can save with google drive,, but it might be a good idea just in case your laptop is completed messed up. That way you're sure you're not going to lose anything. I do a backup on my iMac once a week and when I make drastic changes such as a new OSX update being installed.

[Munchies]

UPDATE: The scan only helped for a few days, the screen started freezing (and even more error messages, but they were not blue screen, they were they box). Long story short it got to the point of being unable to log in to my laptop, I filed a claim and ended up resetting Windows completely.

 

Just curious if you were able to find a solution to your computer problem, and, if so, what you ended up doing. Thank you.

 

I ended up finding a solution after all. Not to install Windows 8.1. After a week of using windows 8 I decided to reinstall 8.1; not even a day later I was having the same problems as before. Currently I'm in the process of resetting my laptop (again) because the computer freezes and gives another error message.

[Scoobert_Doo]

I ended up finding a solution after all. Not to install Windows 8.1. After a week of using windows 8 I decided to reinstall 8.1; not even a day later I was having the same problems as before. Currently I'm in the process of resetting my laptop (again) because the computer freezes and gives another error message.

Wow! Sorry to hear you are having so many issues. If you laptop came with Windows 8 and the manufacturer provided the update to 8.1, I'm surprised to hear it's not working. But if it is the opposite, meaning your computer came with Windows 7 and you did an upgrade to Windows 8 and then decided to upgrade to 8.1, then I could possibly see problems if the manufacturer didn't have driver updates or stated it may not work with windows 8 or 8.1. I think the problem may be hardware/driver related.

 

However, thank you for posting an update! Hope you are back up and running soon!

[Munchies]

Wow! Sorry to hear you are having so many issues. If you laptop came with Windows 8 and the manufacturer provided the update to 8.1, I'm surprised to hear it's not working. But if it is the opposite, meaning your computer came with Windows 7 and you did an upgrade to Windows 8 and then decided to upgrade to 8.1, then I could possibly see problems if the manufacturer didn't have driver updates or stated it may not work with windows 8 or 8.1. I think the problem may be hardware/driver related.

 

However, thank you for posting an update! Hope you are back up and running soon!

Well, it's being shipped off to be repaired. On top of the initial issues, there were more error codes and memory problems. It was to the point of having to restart it at least 5 times to get the lock screen loaded. Crossing my fingers that they find the problem.