Unbootable disk

Hi Guys, It is the first time my pc crashed just like that. It doesnt reboot in any mode whatsoever and displays a message "unbootable_disk_volume". I still hope it is not a physical damage to the HD, but just an unexpected boot in the middle of something and the system files are just gone. I am using XP Pro SP2. It is an old IBM machine and I still have the recovery disks, however I wish to recover some data before reformatting. I dont have a bootable DOS or Windows CD or Floppy at hand. But I have another pc with access to the web. Please help. Many Thanks

Do you have another computer into which you could install this Hard Drive as "Slave"
If you do, then use that second computer to copy/save any important files, documents, media that you wish to retrieve/savee.

Then run the recommendation below. It "should" be non-destructive, leaving all your files, documents, media, applications and operating system intact.
However, there is a slight risk of file damage, and that's why I suggested the backup plan above.

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Can you boot into Recovery Console using your Recovery Disk?

If you can, run:

chkdsk /r < ———- notice the space between the "k" and "/"

then run
fixboot - Enter

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If the above does not fix you up, do the following:

Again with the Recovery CD - Enter Recovery Console

Do not select the first "R" that is offered

Instead:
Select - Install - then Select "R" for Repair Installation
This "should" run a repair installation of XP, leaving your documents and files safe.

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If the above two options don't fix you up,

You will have to do a full Reformat and Installation

Again, use the Recovery CD to enter Recovery Console

Select the first "R" and allow the routine to run
(note: this 3rd option will destroy all the data and application presently on your machine)
(therefore you should make every effort to retrieve/save important documents and files as above)

Keep us posted with your progress.

Best Regards

Thank you so much for your reply where can I find the 'recovery console' ? I put Disk1 in here and couldnt find a file with that name. The recovery cds that I have are pretty much customized just to reformat and install xp. I dont have a MS CD!

Sorry. I'm not familiar with "an old IBM machine and I still have the recovery disks". Did this "old IBM machine" originally come with Windows XP? Or maybe, did you install Windows XP later in the life of the old IBM machine? Unless that machine "originally" came with Windows XP loaded, then I'm afraid that the "Recovery Disks" will attempt to wipe out your operating system and install the "original" operating system. Need to know if the machine came "originally" with Windows XP. Please let us know.

I am sorry.. I didnt explain that enough, coz old could mean 10 years old. Mine is 4 years old and it came origianlly with XP installed. The Disks dont allow me to do anything other than reformat and then reinstall. Other than that some PC doctor utility that doesnt really help much. I searched their support website site and was able to get a bootable CD with a PC-Doctor Drive Specialist. That program runs a quick test (smart quick) on the HD and unfortunately it failed There is nothing else that program can do other than Disk Santitization (probably more like an old low level format) and that is it.

Hi,
In your original post you say there is some data that you want to recover, so it might be reasonable if you look at this area first.
Here are some ideas on how you can go about doing this, that you may wish to consider,(without employing the sevices of your friendly neighbourhood computer technician).

1 After taking all the required *personal safety and *anti-static precautions, remove your hard drive from your (existing) computer and install it as a "slave" drive in another machine (which we will call "helper computer".) that also has an IDE hard drive. You will need to set the jumpers on your hard drive to "slave" and connect it to the middle connector on the "helper computers" IDE cable (40 pin, wide ribbon cable) Please do not touch the jumpers on the original hard drive in the "helper machine" which should remain set to "Master"

Your hard drive, recently taken out of your, "existing computer" will now be visible and accessible from the "helper computer" allowing you to copy all important data files, photos, spreadsheets and practically anything you want. Depending on the helper machine and it's facilities you could burn the data to DVD/CD or copy it to the helper machine's hard drive, an external hard drive, thumb (flash) drive or if you are really desperate even floppy discs!

* NOTE if you are not absolutely certain of the necessary personal safety and anti-static precautions then you should not attempt any of these or the following steps but consult your local competent technician. It is great to save money but not at the expense of personal safety or damaging your computer.

2 As an alternative to the above, but still taking all necessary personal safety and anti-static precautions, you could fit your hard drive into an extenal USB2 caddy which you could just plug into the USB socket of any Windows XP or 2000 computer. This will enable you to read and copy data, as set out above.

3 For a one off session you don't even need to buy an external USB caddy, just the IDE connector on the end of the USB cable + a 5 Volt power supply will do. Although caddies are so cheap and so useful, (about £3 GBP or $6 USD + postage) it's probably a good idea to have one anyway.

4 Once you have safely got your data off, you can follow Dough's most excellent advice and use the Recovery Console to try and get your system up and running again.

5 Put your existing "Format and Restore discs somewhere safe as you will not be needing them for the next steps but what you will need is a Windows XP Professional Operating System Installation Disc with Service Pack 2 included. If you boot from this disc (you may need to set your BIOS to Boot from CD) you will be able to enter the Recovery Console and then just follow Dough's directions.

6 If you cannot beg or borrow such a disc it is possible to make a set of 6 bootable floppy discs that will get you into the Recovery Console, however the bootable CD referred to earlier is the best option so do try and find one if you can. (Please note that the format and reinstall discs are NOT used for this particular procedure

Further info, available here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310994 and here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654

Note, you don't need to install the Recovery Console just use it!

One final point before you proceed, please make sure you have an accurate note of your correct Windows Product Key, just in case it should be needed in the future.

Please post back if you have any questions Dough and the rest of us here on the forum will be pleased to offer help wherever we can.
Regards
paws

Thank you guys for your help. It seems like a bit of work to do and will see what I can do.