I do not have the sign-in options at logon. I have set up a picture password but cannot access it since sign-in options are not there at logon.

New computer (1 week); updated drivers via Fujitsu. Updated win 8 drivers. Only installed basic programs (Adobe X, Word)

Let us check if the issue is with the user profile. I would suggest you to create a new user account and check if you get the same error:
In the new modern interface, you can find the Control panel App.
Click on the Control panel. When you click on the control panel, main screen of control panel will be displayed Find an option which is named as "Users."
Click on the Users, you will be taken to a user screen, where you will see four options “change your password, create a picture password, create a pin and the forth one is other users".
Below the other users, you will find a button with "+" symbol. Click on it, you will be taken to the next screen.
In this screen, you can create a separate user account. If you have a Windows Live ID, you can use it to create an account.
If you don't have a Windows Live Id, you can click on the "More login options". You can select a local account. Fill the details in the local account, and click on Next.
A new user account will be created. Now, you can login with the new user account.