Giving up on Windows 10 - help to revert to 8

Hi everyone,

I have tried everything to get Windows 10 running this week on my relatively new laptop.

I did a format and clean install and it always works well - it runs fast and looks stable - until the first reboot where it hangs at "Restarting..." and after 20 minutes eventually gives the blue screen of death. After that point rebooting is no longer possible, only a format and clean install is possible or restoring to the original installation point.

I got Windows 10 running 6 times now from a fresh install and I tried everything. I mean EVERYTHING.

I tried disabling updates and uninstalling all drivers in case one of those causes the problem - it failed.
I tried updating with all recommended windows 10 updates from DELL's support website - it failed.

I did manage to get a memory dump file, but it's 550Mb and I can't really email that to anyone nor do I understand what that data means.
So after a week of pain and suffering and having tried pretty much everything I can think of I now must revert back to Windows 8.1 because I can no longer continue formatting and installing every morning.

My laptop was originally shipped with Windows 8. Later I upgraded and activated 8.1 and later 10.

Does that means if I install Windows 8.1 from a DVD ISO it should work or do I have to get Windows 8 and upgrade again?
Can anyone point me to the right direction where I can download the Windows 8.1 Home ISO x64? I found a few online but not sure if they're the right ones.

nkomp18 said:

Hi everyone,

I have tried everything to get Windows 10 running this week on my relatively new laptop.

I did a format and clean install and it always works well - it runs fast and looks stable - until the first reboot where it hangs at "Restarting..." and after 20 minutes eventually gives the blue screen of death. After that point rebooting is no longer possible, only a format and clean install is possible or restoring to the original installation point.

I got Windows 10 running 6 times now from a fresh install and I tried everything. I mean EVERYTHING.

I tried disabling updates and uninstalling all drivers in case one of those causes the problem - it failed.
I tried updating with all recommended windows 10 updates from DELL's support website - it failed.

I did manage to get a memory dump file, but it's 550Mb and I can't really email that to anyone nor do I understand what that data means.
So after a week of pain and suffering and having tried pretty much everything I can think of I now must revert back to Windows 8.1 because I can no longer continue formatting and installing every morning.

Hi.
Not to beat a dead horse, but did you ever try turning off Fast Startup once you got W10 installed? I have found this to cure a whole host of strange problems, including BSODs with every shutdown/startup on a laptop I have.

nkomp18 said:

My laptop was originally shipped with Windows 8. Later I upgraded and activated 8.1 and later 10.

Does that means if I install Windows 8.1 from a DVD ISO it should work or do I have to get Windows 8 and upgrade again?
Can anyone point me to the right direction where I can download the Windows 8.1 Home ISO x64? I found a few online but not sure if they're the right ones.

The official MS W8.1 ISO can be found here. I am not sure if you can use it to reinstall or not. You can try it and let me know. The W8.0 key should reside in your BIOS since the install was OEM. Honestly, I don't know how that works with the 8.1 update, but I think you may be okay.

nkomp18 said:

I didn't try the Fast Startup suggestions, mainly because my problem starts when I try shut down/restart/hibernate or sleep.

I will try it though just in case it does something. I will make one last attempt and then I've had enough...
It's been a whole week now that I've been installing W10 every morning only to watching crash and burn at reboot.

Yes, if you are willing, please try it - turn it off and leave it off. I've found that some things just don't work right with "restart".

I am so sorry about your lost week - that is so frustrating! Of course, we do have a BSOD section, and you could follow the instructions to upload the data there. Those guys are pretty darn good with this stuff! I'd hate to see you lose this opportunity...

nkomp18 said:

Thanks simrick!
My problem is very frustrating because I haven't seen anyone else with quite the same issue as me so far.
I will try the BSOD section. I also have a memory dump file which is 550 Mb and I doubt anyone can make a sense of that.
Let's hope for the best

You're quite welcome.

Please follow the instructions to upload the required files in the BSOD section and let those experts have a look. Really, if they help you, they may also help others that may find a similar issue. I think it's worth a try - those guys are VERY good. And, I'd really like to see you get the upgrade!

Good luck! :)