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There is no Start Menu as such in Windows 8.
You have to use 3rd party programs.
That was one of the reasons why 8 failed.
8.1 does not have a Start Menu as such either, but a tiled Metro Start Screen/Window.
Support for 8, including Windows Updates, ended on the 12th Jan, 2016.
You were/are supposed to use the free upgrade to 8.1.
But it is now complicated to get it as the Store is closed for Windows 8.
Support and downloads for 8 has ended.
Do a clean install of the exact same edition of 8.1 as 8 is.
Windows 8 > 8.1 is a free upgrade released by Microsoft.
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IMPORTANT: Read the part about generic keys
You can download and create your own Windows 8.1 Installation Media to reinstall the Operating System with..
"Create installation media for Windows 8.1"
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media
"Download Windows 8.1"
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8
A similar Tutorial which may also assist you
"Create Installation Media for Windows 8.1"
http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/create-installation-media-windows-81
In the first screen of this very simple wizard, you need to choose the following:
Language. English – en-us if you're in the United States.
Edition. Windows 8.1 (Core), Windows 8.1 N, Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows 8.1 Pro N, or Windows 8.1 Single Language.
Architecture. 64-bit (x64 ) or 32-bit (x86).
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"How to Create a Bootable USB or DVD with a Windows 8 or 8.1 ISO"
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2227-create-bootable-usb-dvd-windows-8-iso.html
Warning
This will not work to install Windows 8 or 8.1 for UEFI. For that, see this tutorial below instead.
UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows
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To access BIOS/UEFI - UEFI/EFI configuration:
https://neosmart.net/wiki/boot-usb-drive/
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How to clean install:
"How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1"
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html
Make sure that you read Section 4 about using generic keys
If you have a retail Windows 8 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1or Windows 8.1 Update, then you would need to enter a generic key below to install unactivated with, and change the product key later on instep 22 below to activate with your Windows 8 key.
If you have a retail Windows 8.1 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1or Windows 8.1 Update, then you are good.
If you have an OEM Windows 8product key and want to clean install W indows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update, then you would need to enter a generic key below to install unactivated with, and change the product key later on instep 22 below to activate with your OEM Windows 8 COA product key.
If you want to clean installWindows 8 Enterprise*,W indows 8.1 Enterprise, or W indows 8.1 Update Enterprise, then you would need to change the product key later on instep 22 below to activate since Enterprise editions do not ask to enter a key at this step.*
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With Windows 8/8.1 The Product Key on preinstalled Operating Systems (HP, Acer, etc) is embedded in the BIOS in the Motherboard, so that the lost and/or worn C.O.A. Sticker problem is no more.
When you reinstall it will pick up the Product Key and activate the system automatically.
If it does not, follow these steps:
"How to Activate Windows 8 and 8.1 by Phone"
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/24636-activate-windows-8-phone.html
"Get help with activation errors"
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/activation-errors
"How to activate a Microsoft product by using Microsoft Product Activation Center"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929/en-us
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