Hi Aidan,
Welcome to the Microsoft Community, we’re here to help you with this issue.
The Error Code: 0xc0000178 is generally displayed when Windows is unable to access a required device like the driver on which windows is installed. In Windows 8, to enter the Startup settings, you need boot the computer using the Windows recovery disc. Insert the Windows recovery disc and follow these steps:
- When your computer starts, wait for the manufacturer logo to check the option for boot menu, it will usually be F12.
- The boot menu key might differ with each manufacturer. If you are unable to find the boot menu key, you may refer the user manual.
- Restart the computer, when the manufacturer's logo is displayed, keep pressing the Boot menu option key to enter the boot menu and change the boot option to CD\DVD ROM.
- After you boot your computer using Windows DVD or System Repair Disc, a black screen appears with gray text "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD". Press any key.
- Select the correct time and Keyboard type.
- Click Repair your computer in the lower left corner
- Click on Troubleshooting, advanced option and then click “Startup settings’.
In situations when your computer is not booting to the desktop and displays a Blue screen, it is advisable to run an automatic repair which can automatically detect and fix the issues that prevent the computer from starting normally. Follow the same steps as suggested above to enter the Windows recovery environment. Once you reach the ‘Advanced options’ screen, click on ‘Automatic repair’ and follow the prompts.
Hope this helps. Feel free to get back to us if you have any further assistance; we’d be happy to help.