Unmountable boot volume error on XP home edition

[Guest]

I have an HP Media Center m7680n with Windows XP home edition SP2. When I
powered up the PC recently, it stopped and showed error message
“unmountable_boot_volumeâ€
STOP:0x000000ED (0x89D197F8,0xc0000006,0x00000000, 0x0000000)


I'd tried F1, F8, F10 options during boot up without success.

I used SATA to USB adaptor trying to read the HD as an external drive from
another PC. The PC can read the files in the recovery drive of the HD but
can’t open the directory in the original C:\ drive of the HD. Does anyone
know if the HD is damaged or if just some files got corrupted?

I called HP tech support and the tech recommended using the HP recovery
discs to reset the HD to factory installation default settings, meaning all
the users installed software and data files will be gone. I am not sure if
this is the only option. I did some digging in the MS web sites and they
recommended fixing the problem using Windows XP installation CD. Is it worth
try the XP installation CD?


Thanks in advance.

DY

 

[Guest]

what can usually be done
is to run a chkdsk directly
from the disk system by
using a windows cd, logging
onto the disk via the recovery
console.

here are the instructions:

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


there are other tips that can
help as well. just keep us
posted.. : )
--

<)))º>·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><)))º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><)))º>

..

 

[Guest]

Will the Windows XP home edition version 2002 (with 'upgrade' label on the
disc) work for this purpose?

Also, the second PC recognized the C: drive (when mounted as external drive
through USB port) but can't open the directory. I can't backup any file from
the HD right now. Is there any solution to this? Please tell me that my HD is
not toasted. This make me worry.

Thanks,

DY

 

[Guest]

i don't think it's
toast. for one thing the
hd has more magnensium
and iron and slightly
tougher to chew.

basically using
the recovery console
from any windows cd or
emergency boot disk, the
disk system commands
should work with all xp's.

it's not unlike the
old days when you
could use similar commands
for a disk operating systems, dos.


--

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..

 

[Ron Martell]

Will the Windows XP home edition version 2002 (with 'upgrade' label on the
disc) work for this purpose?

Also, the second PC recognized the C: drive (when mounted as external drive
through USB port) but can't open the directory. I can't backup any file from
the HD right now. Is there any solution to this? Please tell me that my HD is
not toasted. This make me worry.

It might be advisable to check out the hard drive with the drive
manufacturer's factory diagnostic utility. All of the major drive
manufacturers have these utilities available for download from their
web sites. Some have Windows versions, which you could use to check
out the drive via the USB enclosure setup, but most just create a
bootable diskette or CD.

If the drive passes the factory diagnostics then it would worthwhile
to try fixing it with CHKDSK.

Boot the problem computer with your Windows XP installation CD and
choose the Repair(Recovery Console) option. When it finishes loading
and logging on (it will ask you for the Administrator password which
is blank by default unless you specified one when you set up Windows
originally. This is not your user account password, but rather for
the default Administrator account which is usually hidden unless you
boot into Safe Mode or to the Recovery Console.

When the system has finished booting and is stopped at the command
prompt enter the following command:

CHKDSK C: /R

The command may take quite a while to finish processing the drive.
When it does finish type EXIT to quit the Recovery Console and reboot
the computer. Hopefully the problem will be resolved and your
Windows XP will start up normally.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2008)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Guest]

Ron,db,
I didn't have a chance to download the factory diagnostic utility for the
hard drive (Samsung 250GB SP2504C).

I used the windows xp cd and booted the PC from the CD drive. A blue screen
of error message appeared and froze.
********************************
......Check for viruses on your computer. Remove any newly installed hard
drives or hard drive controllers. Check your hard drive to make sure it is
properly configured and terminated. Run CHKDSK /F to check for hard drive
corruption, and then restart your computer.

Technical information:

** STOP: 0x0000007B (0xF78DA63C, 0xC0000034, 0x00000000, 0x00000000)
************************************

I mentioned the problem to the HP tech support. The person concluded that
I'll have to do the HP recovery - meaning losing all the old data and
reformatting the HD !!!

Right now, I can't do backup through another PC since it gave me an error
message of " E:\ is not accessible, error performing inpage operation" (E:\
is the mapped original C:\ drive of the HD).

Is there any other option to bring the HD back or at least backup the data?

 

[Guest]

--
jad

I have an HP Media Center m7680n with Windows XP home edition SP2. When I
powered up the PC recently, it stopped and showed error message
“unmountable_boot_volumeâ€
STOP:0x000000ED (0x89D197F8,0xc0000006,0x00000000, 0x0000000)


I'd tried F1, F8, F10 options during boot up without success.

I used SATA to USB adaptor trying to read the HD as an external drive from
another PC. The PC can read the files in the recovery drive of the HD but
can’t open the directory in the original C:\ drive of the HD. Does anyone
know if the HD is damaged or if just some files got corrupted?

I called HP tech support and the tech recommended using the HP recovery
discs to reset the HD to factory installation default settings, meaning all
the users installed software and data files will be gone. I am not sure if
this is the only option. I did some digging in the MS web sites and they
recommended fixing the problem using Windows XP installation CD. Is it worth
try the XP installation CD?


Thanks in advance.

DY

Try System restore back a couple of days. If system restore is not available
then go to the recovery console, log on and use the fixboot command. Restart
your computer and remember to use system restore in the safe mode.
Good luck.

 

[Ron Martell]

Ron,db,
I didn't have a chance to download the factory diagnostic utility for the
hard drive (Samsung 250GB SP2504C).

I used the windows xp cd and booted the PC from the CD drive. A blue screen
of error message appeared and froze.
********************************
.....Check for viruses on your computer. Remove any newly installed hard
drives or hard drive controllers. Check your hard drive to make sure it is
properly configured and terminated. Run CHKDSK /F to check for hard drive
corruption, and then restart your computer.

Technical information:

** STOP: 0x0000007B (0xF78DA63C, 0xC0000034, 0x00000000, 0x00000000)
************************************

I mentioned the problem to the HP tech support. The person concluded that
I'll have to do the HP recovery - meaning losing all the old data and
reformatting the HD !!!

Right now, I can't do backup through another PC since it gave me an error
message of " E:\ is not accessible, error performing inpage operation" (E:\
is the mapped original C:\ drive of the HD).

Is there any other option to bring the HD back or at least backup the data?

On a working computer download Bart's PE Builder from
http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/
and use it to create a bootable Windows XP CD.

Boot your problem computer with this CD, open a Command Prompt window,
and enter the following command:

CHKDSK C: /R

If it is possible to fix the drive with software that should do the
trick.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2008)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Guest]

Ron,
I downloaded the PE Builder v3.1.10a - self-installing package and created
the CD from another PC. I loaded the CD to the problemistic PC. The BartPE
launched and then showed a black screen asking the user to" insert the disk
labeled Windows XP Professional CD-ROM into Drive A: ... Press Enter when
ready.."

I was stuck right there because I don't have the XP Professional CD-ROM. Why
did it ask for that CD???

However, you suggested:

Boot your problem computer with this CD, open a Command Prompt window,
and enter the following command:

CHKDSK C: /R

I am not sure the 'CHKDSK C: /R' will work based on my experience with this
HD mounted as an external drive to another PC. The other PC just gave me the
" E:\ is not accessible, error performing inpage operation" (E:\
is the mapped original C:\ drive of the HD).

On the other hand, can I run the command 'CHKDSK E: /R' from another PC by
mounting the bad HD as the external drive (E:\) to that PC to fix the problem?

Thanks,

DY

 

[Guest]

Ron,
I mounted the bad HD to another PC running Windows XP home through SATA to
USB adaptor. I then opened a DOS command window and type in 'CHKDSK K: /R'
(K: drive is the mounted C: drive of the bad HD). This is the first time I am
seeing another PC communicating with the HD. It detected some unreadable
records in stage 1 and deleted an index entry and recovered some lost files
in stage 2. Uneventful in stage 3. It is still verifying data file at stage 4
of 5. I guess it will take some time because of the 250GB HD.

I hope the HD will be restored. Will keep you all updated.

Thanks,

DY

 

[Guest]

db, Ron, Julie,

My nightmare started exactly one week ago, and it is now finally over! The
approach that I mentioned in the previous post actually worked! My HD is now
back to normal.

I believed the key is to be able to open a DOS command window and launch the
'CHKDSK /R' command to clean up the mess.

When the problem 1st happend, I called the HP tech support. The tech offered
only one solution - to reformat the HD and restore to factory settings. I was
shocked when I heard that and wondered if he was trying to kill a mosquito
using a canon.

I am glad that this discussion forum exists. It doesn't totally has the
right solution for my specific problem, but it provides me the insight to
finally solve the problem.

Many thanks to everyone who spent the time and responded to my post.

 

[Guest]

glad you figured it
out.

the consensus was to
perform a chkdsk.

unfortunately, there is no way for
anyone trying to help
to know the exact configuration
of anyone's computer.

there are simply too many
configurations involving
hardware and software.


another suggestion is that you

1) maintain your file system while
you have a functional o.s.

2) make a plan of having
copies of your data stored in the
event an issue like this occurs
again but will be unfixable.

humorously, even with the two
ideas there is also a number of
methods to accomplish them


--

<)))º>·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><)))º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><)))º>

..

 

[cornedbeef007-groups]

When the problem 1st happend, I called the HP tech support. The tech offered
only one solution - to reformat the HD and restore to factory settings. I was
shocked when I heard that and wondered if he was trying to kill a mosquito
using a canon.

You need to remember that HP support's main aim is to get you
fixed...fast. Time is $$$$$
Their solution would have had you going the same day, but you have
taken a week to fix it.
It's good for you that you you recovered your data with persistence,
but imagine the cost if you'd been actually paying someone for the
time it took you to fix it.
Your data is MUCH more valuable to you than to HP support.
Sounds to me like a good time to setup a good backup system too.
Much quicker to restore a backed up image than to fiddle for a week.

Good Luck.

 

[Guest]

I would say it actually took me around 8-10hrs of researching, buying the
adaptor, fiddling with the PC/HD and software, phoning and on-line chatting
with the HP support…. It was a good learning experience though.

It wasn’t the amount of time it took to fix the HD that mattered; it was the
one week horror that went through my mind of possibly losing the valuable
data in the HD and spending the exhaustive effort to re-install all the
software that bugged me.

You are correct that I should backup my data diligently. I did backup my
data from time to time. I was just a little bit lazy lately. I will do it
more regularly from now on.

Regardless, I believe that the CHKDSK command is much less intrusive that
the HP way. If the HP tech wasn’t so absolutely positively affirmative about
the ONLY solution- recovery to factory setting- to fix my problem, I could
have slept easier last week. Was he trying to save HP $ or did he sincerely
know there is an alternative solution to my specific problem? I don’t know.

Thanks,

DY

 

[cornedbeef007-groups]

I would say it actually took me around 8-10hrs of researching, buying the
adaptor, fiddling with the PC/HD and software, phoning and on-line chatting
with the HP support.... It was a good learning experience though.

It's good outcome for you, and good that you've used this a s a
learning experience.

It wasn't the amount of time it took to fix the HD that mattered; it was the
one week horror that went through my mind of possibly losing the valuable
data in the HD and spending the exhaustive effort to re-install all the
software that bugged me.

You are correct that I should backup my data diligently. I did backup my
data from time to time. I was just a little bit lazy lately. I will do it
more regularly from now on.

Whew! Lucky that the backup wasn't needed ....this time.

Regardless, I believe that the CHKDSK command is much less intrusive that
the HP way. If the HP tech wasn't so absolutely positively affirmative about
the ONLY solution- recovery to factory setting- to fix my problem, I could
have slept easier last week. Was he trying to save HP $ or did he sincerely
know there is an alternative solution to my specific problem? I don't know.

I'm guessing for HP here. Maybe they knew that there *could* be
another less destructive fix, but they knew *for sure* that a restore
to factory setting would work, guaranteed, in one phone call.

No, I don't work for HP. I fix friends PCs when the computer shop says
"re-install will fix it!"

Good Luck.

 

[Guest]

Sorry to crash this posting. Had similar bootup error but as below:-
0x000000ED (0x811FCA48, 0xC000009C, 0x00000000, 0x00000000)
Will 'Chkdsk C: /R' using XP upgrade disc also work for my error?

 

[Ron Martell]

Sorry to crash this posting. Had similar bootup error but as below:-
0x000000ED (0x811FCA48, 0xC000009C, 0x00000000, 0x00000000)
Will 'Chkdsk C: /R' using XP upgrade disc also work for my error?

It should, although the status code (parameter 2) is not the one that
indicates actual file system damage. That would be a value of
0xC0000032 as the second parameter.

The first thing I would do with this instance is to go to the hard
drive manufacturer's web site and download their free diagnostic
utility. Most of them create a bootable diskette and/or have an ISO
image to make a bootable CD.

Run the factory diagnostics and be prepared to replace the drive if
any failure codes are reported.

If the drive passes the factory diags then boot with any Windows XP
installation CD, choose the Recovery Console option, and run CHKDSK C:
/R (and say a prayer).

Good luck.

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2008)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Guest]

Hi,
I have XP home edition but no longer have the installation cd. I got the
unmountable boot volume error and am finding that the only way to fix it is
with the original cd. What can I do? I looked into just upgrading to Vista
but I wont be able to install that w/o turning my computer on so that wont
work. Tell me I haven't lost my computer...

 

[Guest]

Many thanks for your help, Ron!
My laptop is IBM Thinkpad T20 but a friend of mine tried his Dell boot disc
in it and it worked! He also did the CHKDSK function from my WXP Upgrade CD
and that worked ok too! All appears to be well again (so far anyway!)
Thanks again Ron for all your help.
Regards, Steve Bolton.

 

[Ron Martell]

Many thanks for your help, Ron!
My laptop is IBM Thinkpad T20 but a friend of mine tried his Dell boot disc
in it and it worked! He also did the CHKDSK function from my WXP Upgrade CD
and that worked ok too! All appears to be well again (so far anyway!)
Thanks again Ron for all your help.
Regards, Steve Bolton.

Glad to be of some assistance. And thanks for reporting back the
results. It is always nice to know that my advice was useful.

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2008)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."