Unmountable boot volume
I'm having some serious problems. My computer starts up, goes through the XP loading screen, and then gives me a BSOD saying that the computer has to restart because of an Unmountable Boot Volume. I have a Dell, and thus don't have the XP CD, but I made 6 floppy disks Windows boot disks to access the recovery console. When the disks finished installing, I pressed R to access the console. The screen turned black, and then my computer restarted, thus completely confounding my efforts.
I need help, 'n fast. I trust Short Media has a solution.
I need help, 'n fast. I trust Short Media has a solution.
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I really need a solution here.
Good luck.
Two questions before I do so: Is it possible that I'd end up losing Windows, and is it possible to use a backup drive on it if Windows can't boot?
Is there a free program I could use for this?
Cobian Backup is very good and is freeware. Cobian though, will backup all of your data and programs, but will not create an image. In other words, you can't just clone a hard drive from your working drive/partition that contains Windows, put the drive into your computer and boot from it.
Acronis True Image is not freeware, but does have a trial period. So you are in luck. You could use Acronis to create an image, to let the software expire or to pay for it before it expires.
Is your computer stable enough to download, install, and run a new software program?
BTW, I used Ghost for years. It is excellent - accurate and reliable. I'm presently using Acronis, as I wanted a backup program that would work in Windows, outside of DOS. The newest version of Ghost may work through the Windows user interface as well. I haven't tried it.
There are some programs which help recover data in areas of the drive that are bad, working chiefly by automating the "try again" process when it gets an error saying that the disk is unreadable.
Whatever you do, don't run the drive at all unless you are actively copying data. It is on its last legs and may croak altogether at any time.
EDIT: Leo's suggestions are good ones, provided you can get the image program to run on a failing drive. Lots of them (like Partition Magic) balk at the first sign of trouble.
Putting the drive in a computer, assuming the files and data on it could be 'seen' by the other computer would only allow you to copy files and data. You wouldn't be able to make an exact clone of the drive. Well, you could try it. The computer would need to have three drives: 1) the regular drive that the computer runs on, 2) your bad drive, and 3) a third drive to which to try and clone the bad drive. But it would that you might need to purchase a Windows CD if the hard drive diagnostics software can't fix the problem.
The manufacturers' hard drive diagnostics and repair software is pretty good. Cross your fingers. Maybe it will repair the problems for you.
If they tucked Windows away on a hidden partition on the hard drive you are in trouble. One way out of it may be to order a disc from Dell to replace it. I'd contact them and see what your options are.
I bit the bullet and ran the recovery program, and it worked! As far as I can tell, I haven't lost any data. The computer's running just fine!
Any ideas as to what caused this, and anything I should to to prevent it happening again?
I hope you get a clean bill of health after re-running the test. If you don't, my next move would be to image the drive over to a new drive while you can.
Files:
- defragment the partition/drive on a regular basis
- run Windows "Error Checking" every five or six weeks on all partitions; set to "automatically fix file system errors"
- connect your computer to a quality UPS (uninterruptible power supply); sudden power loss and voltages spikes and dips can damage both hardware and the files on the hard drive; a quality UPS will condition the power coming from the wall outlet to keep it even and the battery backup will keep your computer from shutting off improperly
Hard Drive Fitness (mechanical):
- use an UPS
- ensure that the computer case is well ventilated; open the case and ensure that the space around the hard drive allows air circulation; ensure all fans work; keep the computer insides clean of dust and lint; tuck cables out of the way so that cool enters enters the case efficiently and warm exhausts quickly
No guarantees. Even the best quality drives and best maintained file systems are subject to failure. I recommend you start a backup routine. You can use a spare hard drive - internal or external Firewire/USB, CDs, or DVD. Having important data backed is wonderful for peace of mind.
How was your problem caused? Could have been a number of things, singly or in combination:
- hard drive overheating
- too abrupt shutdown of computer
- power failure
- power spike
- inadequate or failing power supply unit (PSU) in the computer
- beginning of a hard drive mechanical failure
- computer virus