Inaccessible Boot Device

[GrantCarelse_777]

Hi,

I had a BSOD system crash after applying Windows Update for Windows 8.1 Pro on my HP ProBook 4520s laptop.

My system is totally inaccessible, so unable to create a dump of it.

Long story short, I've read most of (your) the stuff for Windows Recovery (Environment) but it doesn't apply to me since my Windows Install Partition is NOT of file system type NTFS but during the system crash was converted somehow to the a RAW file system type, so I cannot get any information regarding booting, partition table information etc. etc.

I have been able to boot a Win7PE install on the crashed system and I am able to run Startup Repair executable in this environment, where the diagnosis and repair log says:

Number of Root Causes = 1

Root cause found:
No OS files found on disk

Repair action: Partition table repair
Result: Failed. Error code = 0x41d
Time Taken = 12949 ms

I think the take home message that I'm try to get across to you is that the Windows partition is in file system type RAW.
So, is there a way to repair my Window partition (e.g. convert it back to NTFS, without losing data...somehow get to the partition table) so that I can save my data and applications? Or is the only option a reinstallation of Win 8.1?

I have run a system diagnostic to check the viability of the HDD and was fine.

Hope you get the gist!

Regards
Grant Carelse

 

[GrantCarelse_777]

Hi,

Just one more thing...I would like to use a free data recovery tool as opposed to buying a 3rd party data recovery tool like M3 Data Recovery. If at all possible?

Is there a bootable data recovery tool with an ISO like M3 Data Recovery that is free and usable for Windows, that you know of? $100 to purchase M3 Data Recovery is steep.

Regards
Grant Carelse

 

[Slavic]

Apparently your problem is due to a lost partition or damaged partition table. There is a number of partition recovery software, some of them are free. For example, TestDisk or Partition Find & Mount. Such programs usually scan the entire drive, show the found partitions and then allow to rewrite the partition table. You can also find free trial versions of commercial software, but they may have the limitations like max. drive size.

It would be a good idea before any operation, which modifies the drive structure, create a full backup. It's possible to create a backup of non-bootable OS for archive or forensic purposes. I prefer Macrium Reflect (free version is enough), it allows to boot from flash drive and create a backup on external HDD. However, many backup software can do the same, it's a matter of personal choice.

P.S. Your problem is not directly linked to BSOD, which is a specific part of the forum. Admins may relocate this thread.

 

[ChristianMorris]

If your partition has turned RAW and you want to convert it back to NTFS while preserving your data, there are a few methods you can try. First of all, avoid touching the disk or attempting to write anything to it — this will only make things worse.

There’s a program called DiskGenius, which has a free version that allows you to search for lost partitions. You can boot into your Win7PE environment, open DiskGenius, and use its partition recovery feature. It will scan the disk and might find the missing NTFS partition. If you’re lucky, you can restore the partition table and regain access to your files. If restoring the partition isn’t possible, you can use the same program to copy files from the RAW disk to another storage device.

If the issue lies in a damaged MFT (Master File Table), try using DMDE. This is another free program that can detect such damage and attempt to repair it. Admittedly, it’s a bit more complicated to use than DiskGenius, but the results can be worth it — you may recover both your files and the disk structure.

Another option is to use Linux. For example, download Ubuntu, create a bootable USB drive, and check through a Live USB session to see what Linux detects. Sometimes, Linux can "see" RAW disks better than Windows. If the data is accessible, simply copy everything you need to another drive.

Before attempting anything, I recommend creating a disk image. If something goes wrong, you’ll have a backup to work with. Programs like Macrium Reflect or ddrescue can help with this. Always work with a copy to avoid further damaging the original data.