Windows 8 update wrecks two XPS 8500 computers

Sometimes booting to "last known good mode" fixes this.

It's a shame that these updates are pushed without being properly tested.

Sometimes, but not this time.

Have you tried updating the drivers with the latest versions from their respective vendors?

Also, if you haven't already, I suggest you update the BIOS to the latest version.

Even though brand-new, they may not have the latest drivers. OEM machines are set up with mass-deployed images that tend to be behind the ever-changing latest fixes. Furthermore, sometimes the factory image is incorrect, as was the case with a UK user here last weekend: two brand-new 660s slims this user had tried both refused to boot. In the end, we got the problem corrected through wiping the disk and clean-installing generic Windows 7 (the OS in question).

If you haven't checked the drivers against the latest on Intel's site, it's worth doing so. Another thing that may be worth doing is saving any data, and clean-installing generic Windows.

Looking through frantic Win8 outcry postings I realizing that Win7=WinXP in stability, and Win8 is more like WinME, experimental, undercooked. I don't feel any regret for not getting Win8 so far.

Just ventilating my thoughts.

The Win8 UI is designed for touch screens, which few of us have.

It's a step back for most of us.

I just plugged in two new XPS 8500 Special Edition machines for the first time today.  Both booted fine and went through their first-time setup routines normally.  I walked away after setting them up and came back a few hours later.  Both went to sleep.  Tried to power them up, and no good.  Stuck at the Dell Logo screen, or sometimes says your PC needs to be repaired.  Nothing I do works to go forward and have been on hold for tech support for over an hour now, with no answer yet.  I've run ePSA diagnostics and it says the hardware's fine.  Huge disappointment.  I'm the IT Director for my firm, and I've tried every trick I know with no avail.  We've recommended Dell for home users for years, and I've had Dell systems in my office and home for ten years.  Experiences like this really make you think about those kinds of decisions.

If you are IT, you would know that Microsoft must take at least half of the blame for creating this junk Win8! I am not trying to protect Dell, but asking to see the whole, big picture.

I had the same problem myself...

The answer was two changes to the settings in the BIOS.  This problem AND solution is known by DELL tech support.  Give them a call and they will talk you through the changes.

Richard

The changes they got me to make were to disable 'Secure Boot' and change 'Boot Mode' to UEFI...

I can't confirm that these are the only changes that are required for all users however (hence why I didn't post that this was a definitive answer and rather refered the poster to the DELL tech support).

I have asked DELL to post instructions on the steps to troubleshoot the problem.

I was told that this is a well known problem that occurs on some XPS 8500's.  They didn't appear to know why.

Rich

What were the changes to the BIOS?  This information could save some of us a call to Dell.

That wouldn't have helped me any, as those were my settings when everything   out.

Yes, but are they still set that way?

Yup.