Cannot Boot! Created duplicate EFI partitions by mistake,

CyberHart

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I can not boot my Toshiba laptop Windows 8.1 computer after I was attempting to resize partitions.
I got in over my head. Now I'm stuck and cannot boot.

I believe the problem is I somehow created a second copy of my EFI partition. Now I have two "system" partitions of the same size.

Cannot boot, but got a command prompt. Ran "bcdedit" and got:

"The boot configuration data store could not be opened.
The requested system device cannot be identified due to multiple indistinguishable devices potentially matching the identification criteria."

Other things I uncovered:

Diskpart> list partition

Partition 1 System
Partition 2 System

Partition 3 Reserved
Partition 4 Primary
Partition 5 Recovery
Partition 6 Recovery

(note both partitons 1 & 2 say "System" for type.)

Diskpart> Select Partition 1
detail partition
* Volume 2 System NTFS Partition 352 MB Healthy Hidden

Diskpart> Select Partition 2
detail partition
* Volume 3 FAT32 Partition 352 MB Healthy Hidden

I conclude that Partition 1 equates to Volume 2, Partition 2 to Volume 3. However there is no longer a "System" label on Part 2/Vol 3 once drilled down to details. Also its FAT32.

I am hoping/praying that I could "delete" one of the duplicate partitions. But scared to make any such move. And not sure which one would be advised.

Not sure where to go from here. Any and all help appreciated.

Merry Christmas All.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba S855-S5165
What you have stated about partition layout is OK. Partition 1 is the old Windows 8 Repair tools partition, Partition 5 is new Windows 8.1 Repair tools partition.

Did you use Partiton Software that is signed by Microsoft for with Windows 8.1.
If NO, the partition types have been changed, therefore will NOT BOOT.

Have you made 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. (Windows 8 only)
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 (Windows 8 only)




I would recommend you making the OEM manufacturer's Recovery DVD's or USB drive.
How to make Toshiba Recovery disks.

Toshiba How-To: Create System Recovery Media DVDs on a Windows 8 Laptop - YouTube
Toshiba How-To: Understanding Windows 8 system recovery options - YouTube
Creating Recovery Media for Windows 8 - TOSHIBA FORUMS

http://cdgenp01.csd.toshiba.com/con.../detailed_specs/Satellite_Pro_C640-SP4015.pdf
Toshiba How-To: Create System Recovery Media on a USB Flash Drive - YouTube
or
You can order the Microsoft official OEM Recovery disks from the OEM manufacturer's website.
Toshiba Service Portal - Laptop Recovery Media Services - Toshiba
 

My Computer

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
Theog, Thanks for the response!

I used "Partition Wizard" by MiniTool. I'm guessing 'not signed' for Windows 8.1. :sick: (but I'm checking)

I have made the OEM recovery disks (the one thing I did right), however they are located about 2 1/2 hours away from here. Had not planned on seeing them for a couple of weeks.

Thanks for the links!!! :) I think my next step is to read up on them. Then maybe there is a way to back up the critical partitions before I do anything else.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba S855-S5165
Theog or anyone, ... Would deleting Partition 1 make a difference? Since its appears to be a duplicate of Partition 2.

I would think Partition 2 would be the one to keep since the original EFI was also FAT32.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba S855-S5165
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