Hi Charles,
Thank you for choosing Windows 8 and for providing us an opportunity to assist you.
Have you installed any third party antivirus?
You have mentioned that the system crashed when you were trying to create a back up disc and after that the system is keep crashing with a blue screen and give the error message as mentioned. We’ll help you with this issue.
This issue could be caused due to some corrupted system files.
I would suggest you to try these steps and check.
Method 1: Safe mode:
Safe mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services. If a problem doesn't reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers and services as possible causes. I would suggest you to boot the computer in safe mode and check if the issue persists. Refer this link to boot the computer in safe mode:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/windows-startup-settings-including-safe-mode
Method 2: Install Windows updates
I would also suggest you to download and install updates and device drivers for your computer from Windows Update. Refer this link:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/windows-update-faq
Method 3: Scan your computer for virus
I would also suggest you download the Microsoft security scanner and perform a complete check for virus or other online threats. Here is the link:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx
Note: The Microsoft Safety Scanner expires 10 days after being downloaded. The Microsoft Safety Scanner is not a replacement for using an antivirus software program that provides ongoing protection.
Method 4: Disk error checking
I would suggest you to perform a complete scan on these drives to check if there is any errors and check. Refer to these steps:
a) In Windows explorer, right click the external drive
b) Click on properties and click on the tools tab
c) Click the check button under “error checking” to scan errors in the drive.
Important: Data available on bad sectors might be lost when windows tries to repair your hard disc.
You can also refer this link:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/improve-performance-optimizing-hard-drive
Hope this helps. If the issue remain unresolved, please get back to us and we’d be happy to help.