You need to make sure you have the latest Windows updates, is the W8.1 in the store on your PC, if not read this: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/why-can-t-find-update-store

Thanks but getting updates may prove to be difficult. Re that link's topic, not sure if I was ever on the Windows Store getting download from there since I got to the 8.1 install webpage via links that I followed within microsoft.com.

Today, I checked if Windows Update had any updates and it listed one. I ran the install but it: downloaded install files, saw a window indicating that it had failed the install (note: I walked away for a few minutes so I did not witness the switch from "downloading files" to "installing"; I assume it downloaded all it needed successfully), it then undid the changes, rebooted, tried to do some more changes as part of the reboot, put the failure message window again, undid the changes and rebooted. I logged on a 2nd time with no obvious problems. Just like before, no clues and no helpful messages of any type. Just said can't do.

You can refresh your PC without effecting your files, this may be the best option for you, it takes it back, almost like new again.

To reset to factory settings you need to have the W8 CD, but you can refresh without read how to and also get started here:http://isunshare.blogspot.com/2013/11/factory-reset-windows-8-without-password.html

And PS if you choose to refresh, after you will no doubt have many windows updates, make sure you take all important ones, then go to the store app and see if W8.1 is there to upgrade to.

I had some trouble Upgrading to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8. When the install failed for me it had a windows open that told me I needed Uninstall a certain program. The program it was telling me to uninstall had to do with the touchpad. I uninstalled the program and it still wouldn't install, failed again. After many, many tries I finally found a Empty Folder still in C:\Programs with the same name of the program I was told to uninstall. I deleted this file and on the next try Window 8.1 installed!

Guess what I'm saying is that there should be some kind of Windows telling you why Windows 8.1 won't install! Have you ever run a Compatibility check for Windows 8.1? Here is a link for a compatibility check: Windows 8.1 Compatibility Check

It is possible that there may have been windows active but I did not notice them, especially the 2nd time. Of course, understand that I bought the laptop because I was told that it would be a piece of cake to use. And I got so frustrated that I stopped using it 2-3 years ago, lost the battery charger and did nothing with it anymore. I just got a new charger as a present and this install problem happened when I was trying to get the software up to date. In the meantime, I use my old XP desktop. I need to write down your compatibility link url and try it on the laptop. But as far as searching for folders, refreshing, factory settings, a Windows CD??? ugh, I would not know what or how to do any of that on W8 so let me see how far I get with your link's info instead.

Your Laptop Computer most likely didn't come with a Windows Disk, no use in looking for one. With most Laptops & Desktop computers these days you need to make your own Recovery Disk Set or Flash Drive (My Acer Aspire V5 573P-6896 Laptop has no CD/DVD and you have to use a Flash Drive to make you Recovery Disk) (my Acer Iconia W4-820 Table with Windows 8.1 also uses a Flash Drive for the Recovery Disk).

The laptops usually have an easy to follow program that guides you thru making the Disk Set but you have to look for the program.

I have two Acer Laptops: 1. Acer Aspire 5742z-4601 with Windows 7 2. Acer Aspire V5 573P-6896 with Windows 8. Both of my Acer Laptops have a program called Acer Recovery Management, this is what I use to make my Recovery Set. My Wife has a Lenovo with Windows 7, her Lenovo also has a Program to Make a Recovery Set called One Key Recovery. With this program I was able to Create a Recovery Set of Disks for her laptop.

It is very important to make a Recovery Set as soon as you get your laptop! Most people don't have a Clue this software is present and don't make their disk set. Next thing they know, they run into a problem and have no way to fix their computer. They then need to contact the manufacturer and purchase a Recovery Set from the Manufacturer for around $50. Not including the software (as they use to) is how the manufacturer keeps the prices lower for the customer.

What is the Make of your Laptop: Toshiba, Samsung, Acer, Lenovo, HP, Etc...? I will see if I can guide you in what software to look for on your computer if you supply me with the Make and Model #.

HP: HP Backup and Recovery Manager, Toshiba: Toshiba Recovery Media Creator, Samsung: How to create a recovery disk for Samsung

Toshiba Satellite

Your PC will walk you thru making recovery disks, or repair disks, also learn to use your control panel there you will find everything you are looking for to help you. I don't care what brand of PC you have Windows is windows. Refreshing your PC while keeping all your files intact is easy again look in control panel, (your Pc does all the work for you) and you do not need recovery disks when doing a refresh. Your problems will be gone and you can start fresh also.

The control panel? Well that is good news to hear. I assumed W8 had no control panel because I have not run into it yet. How do I "get" to the control panel?

Oh, wow. I tried it and there it was. I thought they replaced the Control Panel by something else. You know, that burns me up. I had no idea that was there -as many swipes as I have done trying to close windows once they open. How do they expect one to find these things... Grrrr. I asked the guys at Best Buy so many things that I finally quit going because it was too embarrasing...

Ok, I just had a thought. Why do I need to bother creating a recovery disk now? Isn't that a waste of time based on what you said?

Your Laptop has an Image On a Separate Partition on your Hard Drive. You may have screwed up a few things on the Part of the Hard Drive you access (your Operating System, Windows 8) but the Image on the Partition should be okay. If you Run the Toshiba Recovery Media Creator you should be able to make the Recovery Set just fine. You may need to use this Disk Set to Restore your Computer to the Factory State. If your computer should crash and the hard drive is unrecoverable, you won't be able to reinstall Windows on a new hard drive unless you have a Recovery Disk Set!

IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO MAKE THESE DISKS!

This is unless you don't mind spending $100 for a Windows 8 Disk at Newegg or at Best Buy. You could always fight with the Manufacturer (Toshiba) to get a Set for your Computer (Usual cost of around $50 for this option). I would say, just save your money and make a set of Recovery Disks yourself!

Here is a useful link for you (kinda Goofy but useful): Windows 8 Tutorial

Towards the end of this video you'll see a Gray Bar towards the top and it says to Click here for a Windows 8.1 Tutorial. When you're ready it won't hurt to watch that video either. there were lots of changes going from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1, for the better IMO!

There are lots of Windows 8 Tutorials to the Right of this video on Youtube.

Just an FYI. I'm working on a HP Laptop Computer for a friend right now. This Laptop has Windows 8 on it and is really messed up. Not sure what is wrong yet. Nothing coming up on Virus and Malware Scans. The person who owns this Laptop Did not make a Set of Recovery Disks and I believe we are going to need them eventually. I was finally able to find and open the HP Recovery Software but It's unable to make the Disk Set (Failed). All the Apps and Programs are missing. She said she did have a Virus but Norton's took care of it! I can't tell you how important it is to make a Disk Set ASAP. Not sure what I can do for this computer at this point, nothing working yet! But it sure would be nice to have the Disk Set as a Backup Plan!