HIGHLIGHTS
Users complain that Windows 8.1 RT is causing BSoD errors, bricking their Windows tablets, unofficial fix is out.
Microsoft seems to have committed a major boo-boo with its Windows 8.1 RT update after users who installed the update on their Windows 8 tablets began complaining of the dreaded ‘Blue Screen of Death’ errors. Microsoft quickly pulled the update from the Windows Store stating, “Microsoft is investigating a situation affecting a limited number of users updating their Windows RT devices to Windows RT 8.1. As a result, we have temporarily removed the Windows RT 8.1 update from the Windows Store. We are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and apologize for any inconvenience. We will provide updates as they become available.” Last we checked, the update was still unavailable.
According to users who installed the update, the error that sprung up stated, “Your PC needs to be repaired. The Boot Configuration Data file is missing some required information.” By corrupting the boot configuration data, the 8.1 update essentially managed to brick the tablets. While Microsoft hasn’t yet issued an official workaround or a fix, there is a solution floating around on the Internet. If you’ve bricked your Windows 8.1 tablet
you should head over to this site and check out the workaround, but be warned: it’s a little complicated and involves a lot of steps.
Fortunately for users (and unfortunately for Microsoft) there aren’t many Windows 8.1 RT tablets floating around out there. In fact, Microsoft is currently the only company still selling the hardware, in the form of the
Surface tablets, after Dell became the final OEM that stopped selling RT tablets last month. As a result, there won’t be too many people out there pulling their hair out because of Microsoft’s shoddy work.
Microsoft released the
Windows 8.1 update on October 18 and it brings a lot of changes to the table including a ‘start menu button’ (praise the lord!) that just takes you to the Modern UI homescreen (goddamnit!), the ability to snap multiple windows side by side, more Bing search integration, pre-installed SkyDrive and Skype and the ability to boot directly to desktop instead of being forced to burn your eyes looking at the start screen.