UPDATE: Before following these steps please try un-installing an re-installing Catalyst Control Center as for some users that fixes the problems. If problems persist then read on!

UPDATE 2: This is also happening to nVidia cards!

There are lots of reports of graphics cards having all sorts of problems after updating to windows 8.1.

There is a simple solution to this: Backup your data and do a CLEAN install of Windows 8.1

Step 1: BACKUP YOUR DATA!

If you want to keep anything on your computer then back it up to an EXTERNAL drive using your preferred method. Be sure to DISCONNECT the drive from the computer after the backup is complete and do NOT reconnect it until the installation is finished!

Step 2: Prepare installer

If you already have a physical installation disk for Windows 8.1 then skip this step

If you have a VALID LEGITIMATE product key for windows 8.1 then download the Core/Pro ISO from http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/47732-The-Windows-8-1-(-amp-related)-Repository and burn to disk using either the built in ISO image burner in windows 8 or a third party program of your choice (I personally recommend ImgBurn ( http://www.imgburn.com/ ) if you want a free software that will burn the ISO).

Step 3: Boot from the install disk

Put the install disk in your DVD drive and boot from it (You may need to alter your EFI/BIOS settings to do so)

Step 4: Install

Just a quick advance notification: I have skipped the key entry screen. Please note that you will need to enter a product key at some point during the installation which is why you need a VALID LEGITIMATE key otherwise the install will NOT proceed

The first screen that comes up is rather simple; just select your preferred region settings

The next step is simple: Click on “Install now”

Next accept the terms and click Next

On the next screen be sure to select “Custom: Install Windows Only (advanced)”. Again; you will want to have a backup of what you want to keep on an EXTERNAL hard drive or other external storage which is currently DISCONNECTED from the computer

On the next screen and select “Advanced Options”. Again be sure that you have a backup of your data on an EXTERNAL storage media which is currently DISCONNECTED from the computer because this is the blue pill/red pill moment; there is NO TURNING BACK after this point! Your data WILL BE DESTROYED if you continue. If “Drive 1” appears on this screen; take the blue pill, DISCONNECT every drive (either external or internal) except the one you want to install windows on and then proceed with the installation.

To take the blue pill: Cancel the installation by removing the install disk and powering off your computer. When you power on the computer it will boot to your current OS with no changes and all of your data intact.

To take the red pill: Continue following these instructions

Using the advanced options you are to DELETE the windows and System Reserved partitions. If there is a recovery partition present then DO NOT delete it unless you have burned the appropriate recovery disks! If you store your OS and data on separate partitions then do NOT delete your data storage partition unless you want to lose ALL data PERMANENTLY that was on that partition.

Once that is done; select the unallocated space on your internal drive and click next. Then just sit back and wait a while, the installation is automated for the time being

There may be one or more reboots during installation; this is normal. DO NOT touch the computer until the following screen comes up:

At this point just follow the directions on screen. If you do not want to sign in with you email address you can create a local account using the corresponding link on the left hand side. Once you see the start screen then your installation is complete. You may now reconnect your external storage and restore your data. Be sure to install the LATEST drivers for your graphics card. Have fun!