Win 8.1 Ult x64

WLE fails with subject error codes and source file.

Unable to boot to safe mode as MS instructions instruct to go to PC Settings and the click 'General' which does not exist so that's a dead end. Repeatedly pressing F8 upon boot-up opens a dialog to the UEFI boot manager rather than boot mode options so that too is a dead end.

Norton Security Suite is disabled ; both FW and AV. Windows FW is enabled.

Logged into Windows Live PC user account.

WLARP does not exist on this OS.

Windows essentials has not been installed. Both the auto and manual command line uninstall methods do not relieve the issue.

Tried both the web and offline WLsetup downloads numerous times.

Have I missed anything?