Windows 8 forum: Windows 8 wont start

You're stuck for now. Look at the PC and if it's some HP, Acer then call them and order the media.

All PCs require we have a backup and restore plan. Those that never heard of this often learn during the disaster.

If you need to get your files out read the next link.
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/

Works on most PCs.
Bob

Bob gave you a link on how to save your data using Ubuntu. Did you read it? Windows 8 has a facility for making recovery media, but you apparently apply that ounce of prevention, so now you're into the pound of cure.
You could make one if you can find another computer with Windows 7 or 8. When you upgraded from Windows 7 to 8, you must've downloaded the file(s) for doing that, so I guess you didn't bother to save that. With Ubuntu or a recovery disc you can boot up and recover these. The school of hard knocks is a good teacher, but it is a painful one. I hope you've learned from this experience.

When you've gotten your system back like you want it, I urge you to get yourself an external hard drive and a good 3rd party backup program. You can set it up to do everything automagically at the time and frequency of your choice. 1 TB external hard drives are about $70 these days and a really good FREE backup program is the Easeus todo backup free which you can download from
http://www.todo-backup.com/products/home/free-backup-software.htm . That can save you a lot of time and frustration the next time something like this happens. Sooner or later it happens to all computers for one reason or another.

Read http://forums.cnet.com/7726-13974_102-5325452.html?tag=posts;msg5325452

I don't want to upset you but details such as make and model are very important. If I knew it was a Dell I would have supplied this tidbit instead of telling you about the flat tire.
Bob

Sorry but I made a bad assumption that you would install 8 the same way as before. Install the prior OS and do the same upgrade you did before.

Your claim you can't get the prior OS appears to be untrue. I see Dell is making it available for download via that system.
Bob