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Very odd and disturbing startup error

Discussion in 'Techno-Magic' started by Bahir the Red, Dec 13, 2006.

  1. Bahir the Red Gems: 18/31
    Latest gem: Horn Coral


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    For a couple of days now, I haven't been able to use my computer. Every time I start it, I get a message that looks something like this:

    "An error has occurred and Windows has been shut off to prevent problems with your computer

    UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME

    (some text about what you could do to try to solve it)


    *** STOP: 0x000000ED (0x8676B510, 0xC0000006, 0x00000000, 0x00000000)


    What the hell is wrong with my computer? I've tried starting it in failsafe mode, last working configuration and virtually everything else on that list, but none of them work, I get the same message every time. Could it be a virus?

    Does someone have a clue as to why this is happening or how to solve the problem?
     
  2. Blackthorne TA

    Blackthorne TA Master in his Own Mind Staff Member ★ SPS Account Holder Adored Veteran Pillars of Eternity SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!)

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    It sounds like your hard disk has failed, or at least the boot sector has been corrupted so you cannot boot from it.

    What does the text say about solving it, and have you tried what it says?

    If you have everything backed up, you could try repartitioning and reformatting the drive to see if that fixes things.

    If you don't have everything backed up that you need, then I'm not sure what you should do.
     
  3. Taza

    Taza Weird Modmaker Veteran

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    You need to boot from xp/windows 2000 installation disc and enter recovery console (hit f10 when it asks if you want to repair, install or cancel).

    Run chkdsk /p, and maybe fixboot/fixmbr.

    Also, you might want to try Knoppix to recover the data from your hard drive.

    But the chances are your hard drive has been fried.
     
  4. Disciple of The Watch

    Disciple of The Watch Preparing The Coming of The New Order Veteran

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    Huh. I echo what's been said, this is either a fried hard drive or a corrupted MBR. The corrupted MBR can be fixed, but if your drive's fried... time to go shopping.
     
  5. Bahir the Red Gems: 18/31
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    Oh crap...
     
  6. Erod Gems: 14/31
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    Fixboot should take care of this (or possibly one of the other commands), as Taza said. I've had the same problem a couple times myself. Re-partitioning the drive might also be necessary to get working again, I doubt that it would be a physical failure.
     
  7. Bahir the Red Gems: 18/31
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    Well, tried everything you said, and then some. Nothing worked, so I guess it's a physical error. I'll receive a new hard drive from dell soon (don't mock me for buying a dell computer *waves fist threateningly at you*)
     
  8. Disciple of The Watch

    Disciple of The Watch Preparing The Coming of The New Order Veteran

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    *shrugs* a computer's a computer, though I prefer building my own.... since I'm not stuck with M$.

    BTW, what brand and model was your busted HD?
     
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