This is not so much a question but more of a statement. 

First of all I'd like to readily admit that it was silly of me to update to 8.1 or make any drastic change to my system without backing up everything first. 

Running Windows 8, i have been getting pop up prompts to update to 8.1 for quite sometime and always chose to ignore it as i was really happy with 8. - 2 days ago my system began the update anyway, so i made sure it was plugged into a power source and continued the update process, i left it running and went about my daily business, once i had returned i found that my system was on a perpetual 'Boot Loop'.  Hoping it would right itself i left it on all day and 6 hours later returned to find it still in the same loop . The system would show my Samsung logo, pop up with a cyan windows logo and then shutdown, lather, rinse repeat.... 

None of my function keys works and i was unable to get access to boot menu's/options, after using a friends PC to ascertain a solution I had to remove my HDD, power on the system, wait for an F4 prompt, re-insert my HDD then run recovery. 

As a freelance digital artist and writer you can imagine the rage i felt when ALL of my work over the last 3 years is now lost.... EVERYTHING!! - once again, i state that this is partly my fault for not being sensible and backing up, but i shouldnt have to, windows update should not have caused this problem. 

I just wanted to share this, for no other reason than im still annoyed and needed to vent.

Peace. 

Before starting the upgrade process, it will warn you to backup your data and files and it is also stated in this website:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/update-from-windows-8-tutorial

As for your information, you may be able to retrieve them if you didn't format your hard disk. If you have access to another Windows 8.1 you could create a recovery USB and use it to repair your Windows installation:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/create-usb-recovery-drive

In any case, if you face such an issue before performing format and recovery, you may always ask in forum.

I could be wrong, but I don't remember the Windows 8.1 just starting for me.

It may inform you that it is available, but you still have to initiate it. Unless MS have done something to get everyone on 8.1 without their consent.

8.1 is not an update, and it can't be rolled back.

I have to admit this is a serious flaw, and it is something that I found out the hard way too!!

But thankfully I had most of my data stored on a secondary drive.

If the install crashes, or the system becomes erratic you can't go back to what you had before.

Note to original poster :

Don't store your important documents on the system drive.

Keep your system drive free from clutter.

Always maintain a copy of your important applcations and keys.

Invest in some kind of Windows 8 compatible (Partition/Disk) imaging tool.

--------------------------------

You may be able to get your work back if the disk hasn't been formatted.

Look up Gandalfs WIN8 PE, download a copy and burn it to disk.

It will boot a pre OS version of Windows and it comes with a lot of tools that you can use to interrogate your machine. I think it even comes with two HDD imaging/cloning tools and a MBR repair utility.

It could just be a simple case of repairing your version of Windows from any startup problems.  

Let me know how you get on.

• Edited by midi25 20 hours 25 minutes ago

Stating that Windows 8.1 ruined your life would be inaccurate. I don't mean to make any judgements on your life and if its really ruined or not. However, if losing your data ruined your life then it is ENTIRELY your fault for not backing up such important data. Even if Windows updated to 8.1 magically on its own, its your responsibility to make sure your data is safe. Computers are prone to failure, and most people, even technology illiterates know this. If your hard drive failed I'm sure you'd blame the manufacturer, it's ok I get it, its tough knowing your the cause of the issue and could have saved yourself a big headache, so you find someone else to blame to make yourself feel better. But the fact remains, its not anyones fault but your own.

Now that we sorted that out (sorry I just wanted to vent about ignorant statements) if you actually have a question please ask, otherwise find an appropriate forum to point your misguided rage.

EDIT: I'll throw you a bone, your data is probably still on your drive. Try programs such as "GetDataBackNTFS" or look here for any other programs that may fit your needs: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/filerecovery/tp/free-file-recovery-programs.htm

• Edited by Acreed02 20 hours 14 minutes ago

^ This ^