Solved EFI System Partition missing files, Repair Disk won't boot

aenda

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Hello everybody.
While I was messing around with my laptop, I decided to add on a fourth operating system, Arch Linux. I suppose I was pushing my luck a bit ;). Anyways, during the installation, I accidentally deleted the EFI system partition from my laptop, which contained the Windows Boot Manager and necessary files to boot. Great. I only made things worse by trying to troubleshoot, and broke grub as well.

I have a Windows 8 repair disk I made using the Windows 8 built in utility, but it does not boot: the computer turns on, and just hangs at the Toshiba splash screen.
I also can obviously not access the Toshiba recovery partitions, as they are booted into just like Windows itself.
I found a bootx64.efi file on one of my system's recovery partitions (Toshiba seems to have some really complex system going on) and placed it in \EFI\boot\bootx64.efi. According to this site, FGA: The EFI boot process., I need to place the bkpbootmgfw.efi (on my system, that was what it was called, but I suspect boot-repair (ubuntu tool) messed something up when I was first setting up grub and the ESP and the bkp stands for backup) back onto the EFI System Partition.

The BIOS and underlying GPT all seem to be working, as I am typing this from a Linux Mint live USB. If anyone who has a UEFI based system (probably any computer that came preinstalled with Windows 8 has such a system) could acces their EFI partition and upload it for me, I suspect my computer will boot again and from there I can get on to fixing grub. Even better would be someone with a Toshiba computer, as this post (grub2 - Unable to boot Windows 8 after Ubuntu installation - Ask Ubuntu) makes me suspect all Toshiba systems are the same in this regard. Someone with a Toshiba could then provide me with the system specific .efi files which are used to boot into the recovery partition.

If not, someone with experience with WindowsRE could perhaps tell me where to look for in the various Windows Imaging Format .wim and .swm files I have laying around my recovery partition(s) in order to extract the necessary EFI files. Most pertinent information can be found in this thread: EFI System Partition deleted - can only boot from Live CD / Newbie Corner / Arch Linux Forums . I would also much appreciate if someone was willing to supply a Windows Repair iso that works for them. I will edit this post shortly for the exact error code Windows Boot Manager gives me (i can access it from that lone bootx64.efi file I placed on the ESP).

Thank you very much for your time and support.
Edit
I put in some files from recovery partition, and now get this:

Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet
 
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Someone with a Toshiba could then provide me with the system specific .efi files which are used to boot into the recovery partition.

You can use the Toshiba Recovery disks to do repairs.

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

information   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2855-system-repair-disc-create-windows-8-a.html

 

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    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
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    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
I selected "Copy contents from the recovery partition to the recovery drive" when following the built in Windows recovery drive creation. Of course, that drive does not boot. If worst comes to worst, I can purchase the OEM recovery drives from Toshiba.
 

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From the Repair CD/USB:
How to do a Auto Repair:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2843-automatic-repair-run-windows-8-a.html
Note: You may need to do startup repair 3 to 4 times.
Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times - Windows 7 Help Forums

How do a Refresh:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2293-refresh-windows-8-a.html
Refresh.PNG

How to do a Reset:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2302-reset-windows-8-a.html
 

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    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
But my drive does not boot. I also tried making one from my desktop (running "stock" window 8, not an oem version), but that one does not boot either.
 

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" But my drive does not boot. I also tried making one from my desktop (running "stock" window 8, not an oem version), but that one does not boot either. "

When I was dual booting Windows and Linux Mint I had to turn on CSM Legacy mood in my BIOS. This presented me with the option to boot from several devices, DVD, USB flash, Windows Boot Manager, etc. Just a thought, do you have it turned on? It should give you the option to boot from A DVD or Flash Drive. I have an ASUS K55n DS81 laptop.
 

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System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus K55n DS81
    CPU
    Amd A8 4500M
    Memory
    4gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon HD
    Hard Drives
    500GB
    Browser
    Inernet Explorer 11 Chrome
Well, I tried that, and grub came up, so I can now get into Linux. I still am unsure of the best way to repair windows - the repair drive still doesn't work. Does anyone have an idea why this might be so? Are there alternative repair drives I can download? I have both my OEM product key and one I purchased to upgrade my desktop.
 
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Did you really delete the 100 MB EFI partition, and if you did, how did you replace it?

Any chance you could get us a picture your hard drive partition configuration using a third party partition manager like GParted or Partition Wizard?

The BCDboot command will normally replace the System partition files and allow you to boot.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown
    CPU
    i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 -v Pro, Z87-Expert
    Memory
    16 G
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 680 Classified (2)
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SSD 240 GB
I did delete the EFI system partition. I accidentally did it using
Code:
mkfs.ext4 /dev/sda2
, which, as I understand it, does not in of itself format the partition, but its small size and all the reading and writing done to it means I have probably lost all the files now. I did recover some files using PhotoRec, but most seem corrupted.

My EFI partition has a folder called \linuxmint, which contains shimx64.efi, which was automatically created by boot repair. It seems to be used for the grub boot loader, but I can only access grub from legacy boot mode (do you know where legacy boot mode looks for files? the MBR?). There is another folder called \EFI. This contains \EFI\linuxmint once more, which has another shimx64.efi, as well as grubx64.efi and a copy of my grub.cfg configuration file. These were also all made by boot repair.

I also manually made two folders called \EFI\boot and EFI\Microsoft\Boot. I had read online that in Windows NT systems on UEFI, boot files are located in \EFI\Microsoft\Boot\ and I made a copy of a folder called EFI on my recovery partition to that location. I also made a folder at \EFI\boot, which contains bootx64.efi, which I found once more, in the recovery partition, and which was the only file name I actually recognized (my EFI partition used to have \EFI\Microsoft\Boot\bootmgfw.efi, \EFI\Boot\bootx64.efi (both of these took me to windows), as well as \EFI\Toshiba\Boot\bootmgfw.efi, which took me to the recovery partition. (You can see I am rather ignorant as to the inner workings of the boot process).

Here is a screenshot of gparted : http://i.imgur.com/vGe6Ibi.png .

Edit: I just found this, which has sort of dampened my hopes. I suppose that realistically, I just want to find out what my options for boot repair are without purchasing a repair disk. What are possible reasons that mine won't boot?
 

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From the picture, your EFI partition appears intact, and still shows as Fat32.

The Microsoft Reserved (MSR) partition is giving different indications than mine. It indicates on my system using GParted as Unknown and msftres. Did you change it at all? We probably need to get it repaired to show the correct information.

When you check the bios during boot, there is no Windows Boot Manager option?

The Shimx64.efi file is one used to make the install compatible with the Windows 8 Secure Boot. In the latest version of Ubuntu, it is no longer needed.

A Legacy version of Linux is able to use a partition it makes to boot using MBR on a GPT configured drive, so that is what you are seeing. During boot, if the drive itself is selected as the boot device, it will use the MBR and boot to Linux. If the Windows (or Linux) Boot Manger is used, it should boot to the EFI version of the OS.

I also see you have another Fat32 partition. If it is on the Hard Drive and not the Flash drive, it might be confusing Windows since it could look like another EFI partition. It may not be necessary, but can you copy the contents somewhere else and remove it?

Now, if you are not showing a Windows Boot Manager in the Bios, you might run the bcdboot c:\Windows command to replace the boot files. Not sure what might happen to the Other OSes during this process, so you may want to hold off until you decide.

Edit: I just noticed your EFI partition does not show as the System Partition, but the Recovery Partition does. Not sure what might have happened there, except you may be booting through the recovery Partition or even labeled it that.
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown
    CPU
    i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 -v Pro, Z87-Expert
    Memory
    16 G
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 680 Classified (2)
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SSD 240 GB
From the picture, your EFI partition appears intact, and still shows as Fat32.

The Microsoft System Reserved (MSR) partition is giving different indications than mine. It indicates on my system using GParted as Unknown and msftres. Did you change it at all? We probably need to get it repaired to show the correct information.
Do you mean /dev/sda3? I have never changed it. It simply contains a folder called System Volume Information, inside of which is a folder called EfaData, inside of which is a file called SYMEFA.db.
When you check the bios during boot, there is no Windows Boot Manager option?
What do you mean by check the bios during boot? The only bios option I am aware of on my computer is to press f12 to choose the device to boot from (hard drive, usb, cd, network). Strangely enough, this does not work when I have the repair disk inserted - it seems to completely freeze the computer.
The Shimx64.efi file is one used to make the install compatible with the Windows 8 Secure Boot. In the latest version of Ubuntu, it is no longer needed.
A Legacy version of Linux is able to use a partition it makes to boot using MBR on a GPT configured drive, so that is what you are seeing. During boot, if the drive itself is selected as the boot device, it will use the MBR and boot to Linux. If the Windows (or Linux) Boot Manger is used, it should boot to the EFI version of the OS.
All right, that is good to know.
I also see you have another Fat32 partition. If it is on the Hard Drive and not the Flash drive, it might be confusing Windows since it could look like another EFI partition. It may not be necessary, but can you copy the contents somewhere else and remove it?
I made this copy after all these problems, but sure, I will try it.
Now, if you are not showing a Windows Boot Manager in the Bios, you might run the bcdboot c:\Windows command to replace the boot files. Not sure what might happen to the Other OSes during this process, so you may want to hold off until you decide.
I think I misunderstand you here. Do you mean from a Windows command prompt? I still have the issue of actually booting into a repair disk - which, because everything on the C:\ drive as well as recovery oriented is still intact, should make reinstalling Windows easy (I have backups of all my data, so I don't care about wiping the hard drive). What are my options here? Later today, I am going to try to make a Windows Install disk by going into Windows upgrade assistant on my desktop and selecting install from media. Apparently, this will allow me to create Windows install disks and I can simply reinstall.
 

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- boot up to Windows 8 installation DVD/USB
- press SHIFT-F10 to bring up console

diskpart
select disk 0
list partition
select partition # (EFI system partition)
(format fs=fat32 label="System")
assign letter="Z"
exit

bcdboot C:\windows /s Z: /f uefi

Z: = EFI system partition volume letter

BCDboot Command-Line Options
 
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  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3230M
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, standard user account
    Other Info
    UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8 product key.
Do you mean /dev/sda3? I have never changed it. It simply contains a folder called System Volume Information, inside of which is a folder called EfaData, inside of which is a file called SYMEFA.db.
Yes, SDA3 needs to be a specific type and you show it as being changed. Do you have access to a Windows Command prompt by booting to install or recovery media?

What do you mean by check the bios during boot? The only bios option I am aware of on my computer is to press f12 to choose the device to boot from (hard drive, usb, cd, network). Strangely enough, this does not work when I have the repair disk inserted - it seems to completely freeze the computer.
What repair disk are you referring to?

The bios is where you set up the primary boot device. You should be able to get there and make sure the the Windows boot Manager is set as first priority. This is assuming you even show a Windows Boot Manager, and if you do not, did you change the bios in such a way as to not see the UEFI boot options?

You might also check the bios and turn off any fast boot options until you get this sorted.

I think I misunderstand you here. Do you mean from a Windows command prompt? I still have the issue of actually booting into a repair disk - which, because everything on the C:\ drive as well as recovery oriented is still intact, should make reinstalling Windows easy (I have backups of all my data, so I don't care about wiping the hard drive). What are my options here? Later today, I am going to try to make a Windows Install disk by going into Windows upgrade assistant on my desktop and selecting install from media. Apparently, this will allow me to create Windows install disks and I can simply reinstall.
Some of the things you need to check, like the status of the MSR, will need to use Diskpart from a Command Prompt window. Having the actual install media is great, a recovery drive will also work. You should be able to boot from the recovery drive by selecting the UEFI version in the Boot Device Menu.

I have attached a GParted picture of my system so you can compare.
 

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System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown
    CPU
    i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 -v Pro, Z87-Expert
    Memory
    16 G
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 680 Classified (2)
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SSD 240 GB
What do you mean by check the bios during boot? The only bios option I am aware of on my computer is to press f12 to choose the device to boot from (hard drive, usb, cd, network). Strangely enough, this does not work when I have the repair disk inserted

F12 should show a Windows Boot Manager.

Windows 8 Downgrade-006 SB.PNG
I am going to try to make a Windows Install disk by going into Windows upgrade assistant on my desktop and selecting install from media. Apparently, this will allow me to create Windows install disks

What Windows 8 version upgrade?

What Windows 8 version is on the Notebook?
 

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    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
Some of the things you need to check, like the status of the MSR, will need to use Diskpart from a Command Prompt window. Having the actual install media is great, a recovery drive will also work. You should be able to boot from the recovery drive by selecting the UEFI version in the Boot Device Menu.
The problem is that I cannot get my recovery drive to boot. I have tried the procedure exactly as it is laid out here. I tested the flash drive on my desktop and it works. However, when I put it into my laptop, the computer just shows the Toshiba splash image and freezes. I have tried in both UEFI and legacy boot modes.

As for the Boot Device Menu, I get a similar menu when I press F12, except it only shows Hard drive, Optical disk drive, USB drive, and Boot over network, as well as enter setup, which brings me to my Bios menu.
 

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As for the Boot Device Menu, I get a similar menu when I press F12, except it only shows Hard drive, Optical disk drive, USB drive, and Boot over network, as well as enter setup, which brings me to my Bios menu.

Check CSM for the Boot Mode. (should be UEFI)

Toshiba-003-2.PNG
 

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    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
Well, now I am starting to really worry. I followed the procedure described here Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 ISO - Download or Create to get an iso then used Rufus as described here UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows to create a bootable flash drive. However, I now realize it does not boot because my desktop is 32 bit, and this gave me a 32 bit iso, apparently not compatible. I suppose I will try again now with a 64 bit iso.
Edit: How can I get the upgrade tool to download a 64 bit iso?
 

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I am going to try to make a Windows Install disk by going into Windows upgrade assistant on my desktop and selecting install from media. Apparently, this will allow me to create Windows install disks

What Windows 8 version upgrade?

What Windows 8 version is on the Notebook?

information   Information
If you need to download 32bit Windows 8, download from a 32bit PC.
If you need to download 64bit Windows 8, download from a 64bit PC.



http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html
 

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System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
I am going to try to make a Windows Install disk by going into Windows upgrade assistant on my desktop and selecting install from media. Apparently, this will allow me to create Windows install disks

What Windows 8 version upgrade?

What Windows 8 version is on the Notebook?

information   Information
If you need to download 32bit Windows 8, download from a 32bit PC.
If you need to download 64bit Windows 8, download from a 64bit PC.



Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 ISO - Download or Create

I have this laptop (64-bit) and the desktop (32 bit). I have no currently accessible 64 bit Windows.
 

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