UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME error 1

[amberlynn]

Hello,
I have an XP Pro PC that comes up with an UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME error every time I try to start it up.
Same in safe mode.
I read the Microsoft instructions on this, and tried to run a chkdsk /r - but after 34%, got the UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME error again.
Is there anything else anyone can suggest I try before ordering a new UDMA cable?
Thanks!
Amber

 

[BadBigBen]

I gather that from the mention of UDMA cable, that it is an IDE drive, I experienced this behavior more with SATA drives than IDE, reason is that XP does not have SATA drivers built in and thus can not communicate with the drive...

now if it is IDE, make sure that the drive is getting good power, unplug and replug the molex connector (corrosion) or use another one... replace the IDE cable as it could be that is what is causing the failure, worst case would be that the IDE controller is malfunctioning and you would need a cheap PCI IDE solution... hook the drive up to another PC, as slave and run diag software on the drive, e.g. Seagate SeaTools, just to make sure that the drive is functioning as it should...

if it is a SATA drive, then I think you may be heading towards a repair install with the F6 option to load drivers...



Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[amberlynn]

I've opened up the box, and it is a SATA drive (Maxtor DiamondMax 8S).

What do you mean by repair install with the F6 option?

Cheers,
Amber

 

[BadBigBen]

before you get started, look in the BIOS for the SATA settings, check if they are set to AHCI, RAID or LEGACY (sometimes also called COMPATIBLE or similar), if you have these settings, then set the SATA MODE to LEGACY/COMPATIBLE, then EXIT & SAVE... it will reboot, if windows will then load, do not continue with the below statements about a repair install as you should not need it now...

if by chance you do not have this setting at all or you do not know where to find it, then tell us about the mainboard, e.g. manufacturer and model number, other info can't hurt either (SATA drive used etc.)...

PS: did this just happen out of the blue, or did someone fiddle with the PC?

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

when you boot from the CD it will ask you pretty early "To load third party drivers hit F6", at the bottom of the blue page... This is where you would hit F6, it will continue as if nothing has happened, later in the SETUP it will ask for you to insert a Floppy with the said drivers...

these drivers are usually found on the CD that came with the motherboard/PC, for just this purpose... you would need to create a floppy with these drivers as per instruction on the CD, alternatively you can DL a driver floppy creator from the mainboard/PC manufacturers website...




Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[linney]

The drive manufacturer (web site) will have free diagnostic software that will be self bootable and will thoroughly check the condition of your hard drive to see if there are problems with it.