Unmountable boot volume

[Renamon 0]

so whenever i start up my computer it gives me the 'Unmountable boot volume' error. Google tells me that I need to use an XP installation CD and use the DOS promot. However, I dont have said CD because it didnt come with the pc and im wondering if anyone here can direct me to someplace where I can legally download some files and make my own.

 

I have not installed any new hardware or software before the crash and I cannot uninstall software as I cannot load windows.

Mashing F8 to bring up the star up options does nothing.

Formatting is not an option. These files are somewhat important.

Everyone I know does not have an XP cd so I cant borrow one.

 

is there anything i can do or am i screwed?

[Malevolence 6]

What's the specs of the PC? Is the rig DIY or OEM?

[Luk3us 63]

You need an XP installation disc. Any will do, as long as they are the same version. But guess what, you won't be able to find any place online where you can just make your own disc, because its illegal.

 

So once you get over the moral issues, and download a torrent, boot it up and go into the recovery console and away you go.

 

That being said though, your hard drive most likely has some bad sectors or is corrupted in one way or another. So you might be screwed even if you do get it going.

 

 

If you can't fix the problem. Then yank out the hard drive, take it to another computer that works, hook it up into that one, and then rip all your files off it. At least you get all your stuff.

[Doctor Destiny 41]

If you can't fix the problem. Then yank out the hard drive, take it to another computer that works, hook it up into that one, and then rip all your files off it. At least you get all your stuff.

Only solution this time unfortunately.

[Mighty BOB! 5]

Well seeing as how he has no install disc I would venture to guess that it is an OEM system.

 

Buy an external drive, take the internal and external drive to a friend's house, hook up the internal to the friend's computer, and then backup your files to the external. You should have backups of your files anyways. Not doing so is playing Russian Roulette with your data.

[Doctor Destiny 41]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/297185

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555302

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=unmount...;fp=G7EFg_3LQek

 

Should have posted those first... but they still need an XP/manufacturer disc.

[TheBlackOut 7]

You could download Ubuntu and use GPartEd to resize the XP partition, move your important data to a new partition, and wipe the old one. But then you have no XP CD... so how you would reinstall Windows, I don't know.

[Doctor Destiny 41]

I can suggest a method but it's legality is up for debate. Had a similar issue where a guy lost his XP Home CD but had a valid key. He 'got' an ISO, burned it and got back up... I'll leave you to get the ISO...

[Renamon 0]

You should have backups of your files anyways. Not doing so is playing Russian Roulette with your data

 

I did but the flash drive was destroyed when a pile of encyclopedias fell on them when i was cleaning out my closet.

 

If you can't fix the problem. Then yank out the hard drive, take it to another computer that works, hook it up into that one, and then rip all your files off it. At least you get all your stuff

 

Cant get over the moral issue so this is what ill try to do. but then, what to do with the case and everything else inside?

 

Buy an external drive, take the internal and external drive to a friend's house, hook up the internal to the friend's computer, and then backup your files to the external

 

Why isnt this mentioned here? seems it'd be helpful to mention it.

 

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/297185

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555302

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=unmount...;fp=G7EFg_3LQek

[Malevolence 6]

Renamoon, is your rig OEM? If it's the case try contacting the company's service hotline? See what they'll say.

[Sonic 295]

Why isnt this mentioned here? seems it'd be helpful to mention it.

 

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/297185

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555302

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=unmount...;fp=G7EFg_3LQek

Doc already posted this same exact links above.

[Renamon 0]

I meant why isnt 'transferring data form one drive to another if you have no cd 'mentioned in the microsoft support site.

[Luk3us 63]

Well its not really a proper way of moving stuff around. Plus it involves people opening up their computers, which just invites problems for Microsoft when people bitch at them for blowing up their computers trying to follow MS instructions.

 

Eh.

[Malevolence 6]

When you open up your OEM rig, you'll void warranty, take note.

[Doctor Destiny 41]

When you open up your OEM rig, you'll void warranty, take note.

That's not quite true.

[Luk3us 63]

Yes, because they can't actually prove you opened up the case. Unless it has one of those stupid stickers on it, but I doubt that is the case.

[Malevolence 6]

I'm stating one with those silly stickers.

[Doctor Destiny 41]

I've worked on machines ranging from old Windows 98 to new Vista machines and never seen a sticker preventing you from opening the case.