Getting Error message " the operating system version is incompatible with Startup Repair"

Question

Original title: Windows 8.1 Automatic Repair - OS incompatible with Startup Repair

Today I came back from lunch to my computer with no screen or sleep mode.  I had to restart it as I could not wake it.  It went into the famous Auto Repair loop. 

• I've tried every option except the two that will wipe your files and/or programs.
• I was able to CHKDSK /R at the command prompt.  There was no issue.
• Restore comes up with and error 0X81000204 no matter what restore point I use.
• The log file for auto repair reads "the operating system version is incompatible with Startup Repair
• I have the original Windows 8 upgrade disc (not 8.1)
• I've disconnected all extra drives and USB except for C Drive and keyboard and mouse

My system is all new parts.  ASUS motherboard with an Intel i7.

What is going on?

Answer 1

Saltgrass,

Thanks.  I will try to answer all of your questions.

• Have you been able to get into Safe Mode?  No - it brings me back to the initial Auto Repair screen then "Your PC did not start correctly"  Restart or Advanced options are the only two buttons
• While you do that, if the board has Bluetooth - No just built in LAN, Audio, HDMI
• Are you ever offered any Cancel buttons during the Repair Process?  - No, It just has a circle hour glass with "Attempting repairs" forever.  Eventually, it goes back to "Your PC did not start correctly"  Restart or Advanced options screen
• Do you know what you were doing when the srttrail.txt file was written? -  that error is from another attempt at the basic Auto Repair when I booted from the Win PRO 8 Upgrade disc.  This makes me believe you are correct in that it wants a Win PRO 8.1 disc.
• How did you install Windows 8, Legacy or UEFI and are you booting the recovery media the same way? - I upgraded from  XP Home OS using a Windows PRO 8 DVD.  I failed to realize I should make a rescue disc once I upgraded to 8.1.  Silly.

Answer 2

Safe Mode is normally one of the Advanced Options.....  But it does get confusing as to exactly what is offered when with the Repair scenario.  There are stories about on the third reboot, it may allow more options.

I think I have seen someone recommend downloading the Enterprise trial version to get the install media and boot to it to access the repair options.  I have not tried this so I do not know if it will work.  If you could find an 8.1 RTM .iso it might also work.  There used to be some of those available, and you would not need the License to boot into repair.

If you ever decide to reinstall Windows 8, that board is UEFI compatible, if you wanted to use it.

Answer 3

Thanks for the advice.  Also, I have looked at the newest log file after Auto Repair.  There is one failure. 

I'll have to look this up.  c:\windows\system32\drivers\msisadrv.sys is corrupt.

Answer 4

Hello Jessen P, did you give up on me?

The log file is showing c:\windows\system32\drivers\msisadrv.sys is corrupt.

How do I at least fix that?  The drivers folder is protected so I can not copy a new msisadrv.sys in there.  Or can I?

Answer 5

a. Press " Win key + c" to get the charms menu.

b. Click "Settings".

c. Press and hold the shift key on the keyboard.

d. Do a left click on the power.

e. Click Restart.

f. Click troubleshoot, click advanced options.

g. Click Start up settings and click restart.

h. Press the number on the keyboard that is displayed next to Disable Driver Signature Enforcement.

i. Check if you get the bluescreen.