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Grub rescue, boot USB and BIOS impossible

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Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member -  
 WarloG -
Hello,
I had Windows 8 and Kali Linux in dual boot on my Samsung. I had already encountered a problem when trying to upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 10 because the grub was overwritten, but thanks to the live Kali Linux I had on USB, I was able to reinstall it.
However, now:
I wanted to delete Kali Linux and I deleted a partition (swap, I think). I'm left with a grub rescue, I can't boot Kali Linux live USB, the same goes for a superdisk2 USB key (even though it works on my second computer), and the BIOS is inaccessible at startup.

Do you have any idea, please?

10 answers

  1.
    Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
     
    MIRACLE => I tried to start without any hard drive, it powered on then off 2-3 times until a message appeared saying to insert a device and press any key or F4 for recovery
    So at that moment I put the HDD back and pressed F4.
    Then Windows 8.1 started.
    I still cannot access the BIOS at startup, but if I turn it off several times with the power button + keep pressing random keys between F8-F10, Delete, and Insert, then a diagnostic runs and I can access the famous blue screen with options to open the BIOS, command line, devices, reset, etc.

    So I haven't done anything for now: I'm waiting for your instructions.
    I read on several forums that I should reinstall the MBR 
    bootrec.exe /fixmbr
    Bootrec.exe /fixboot
    then delete the Linux partitions but you say that my partitions are GPT and not MBR (by the way, I don't really know what that is and there are 12 partitions, so what should I do please.

    Photo:
    http://pimg.imagesia.com/fichiers/145/20151221-050419_imagesia-com_14515.jpg
    Sorry, no Wi-Fi or Ethernet on the PC so no screenshot... problem to solve in the future.
    2
    1. jns55
       
      So it's a hardware issue...
      For restoring the Windows boot manager installed in UEFI mode, I can't help you because it's been a while since I've used Windows daily. I only know how to repair from the installation DVD. However, one thing I'm sure of is that the fixmbr command is for a PC installed in legacy mode on an MBR disk, whereas you have a UEFI installation on a GPT disk.
      I suggest you ask the question in the Windows section of the forum.

      Your PC has a lot of problems, doesn't it?
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    2. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      That's what happens when you think you're a computer scientist and install any distribution on it
      Before, he didn't have (such big) problems
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    3. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      Small mistake on my part. Pressing f10, delete, etc. is useless; it’s actually the act of restarting the laptop 3-4 times with the power button that triggers an automatic repair, then diagnostics and repair options...

      PS: a big thank you to all of you who have taken the time to address my issue. I’ve opened a discussion in the Windows forum. Thanks again and happy holidays!
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    4. udweki
       
      @jns55

      The responses to your message are here:

      http://ikewdu.free.fr/quelques-depannages-significatifs/#ccm

      I'm doing very well, don't worry. Have a joyful holiday season.
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  2. dinnozap Posted messages 31 Status Member 6
     
    The BIOS should be accessible by starting your PC and pressing F2. It should work.
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    1. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      No, I specified that it was inaccessible. The key is indeed F2 (it's even indicated at startup) but it goes directly to grub...
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      1. WarloG > Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member
         
        Good evening

        dinnozap is right, you definitely have access to the BIOS, you're just not quick enough, that's all, you need to tap on the key for the setup well before the logo, meaning right after pressing the power button, it happens to me too, don't worry about missing the BIOS when I'm thinking about something else :D.
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    2. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      No, but thanks... don't you think I tried 30,000 times before signing up for this forum? ;)
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    3. WarloG
       
      If you can't access the BIOS after multiple attempts, it's a hardware issue. Was your F2 key functional while using Windows and Kali? For example, a keyboard shortcut... But it's still surprising to have an inaccessible BIOS; I've never seen that. Aside from a hardware problem or a password, I can't think of anything else.
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    4. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      It was working very well before and I haven't been hard on the PC since, so I doubt it's a physical problem.
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  3. BMMWW Posted messages 1503 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   247
     
    You need to restore the BIOS... so you need to reset it, how? You have to go online to the manufacturer's website for your computer. Mainly the website of the brand of your motherboard, and you will find out how to do it.
    Let me explain the most common way to proceed: You will need to download two or three small files, put them on a USB stick, then start your PC and press a series of keys that will be indicated to you. This will restore your BIOS and you will then be able to do what was advised to you above.
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    1. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      I'm trying to follow this tutorial:
      https://www.bios-mods.com/bios-recovery/phoenix-bios-recovery/
      The problem is that when I launch wincrisis (with compatibility mode resolved), I can't select a USB drive other than "Removable disk 3607.0Mb" even though my drive is 8GB. Also, in "project path," the button remains light gray, appearing inactive, so after hitting start, everything crashes.

      What should I do, please?
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      1. takefive Posted messages 1032 Status Member 81 > Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member
         
        Hi,
        Did you empty the trash of your key?
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    2. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      formatted in fat32 yes
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  4. BMMWW Posted messages 1503 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   247
     
    It's a program that resets the BIOS in most cases... but not always! It's better to go to the manufacturer's website and download the specific program for your computer; that way, success is guaranteed.
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    1. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      Unless I'm mistaken, there's nothing on Samsung's website... not even in the manuals.
      If anyone knows where to find it, it's a Samsung NP270E5G.
      0
    2. WarloG
       
      Hi

      Is this your PC?

      http://org.downloadcenter.samsung.com/downloadfile/ContentsFile.aspx?CDSite=US&CttFileID=5813472&CDCttType=UM&ModelType=C&ModelName=NP270E5G-K04US&VPath=UM/201408/20140829142725817/Win8_Manual_ENG.pdf
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    3. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      In the photo, it's the same but it's written NP207E5G-K03CH (so the last 4 characters differ from the model name in your link).
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    4. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      But I believe it doesn't matter at all.*
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  6. WarloG
     
    Hello

    Yeah, it's not easy, maybe that damn w8 has hibernated too long :D (yes, we think we've shut it down when that's not the case)
    Try making a bootable win8 USB drive to at least restore the Windows boot.
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    1. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      Re,
      I don't think it can work... USB with Kali doesn't work, ISB with Superdisk2 neither, while on my other PC it does. I can't boot from a USB stick.
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    2. WarloG
       
      Hello

      I think you've done it already, but did you tap F6 to access the 
      boot-menu
      and then select your USB key?

      Have you also tried changing USB ports?

      Otherwise, is your other PC (the one where your USB keys work) set to UEFI with 
      secureboot
      enabled?
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    3. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      No, the other one doesn't have secure boot enabled and since it also has Linux, I had to set it to UEFI + the other one

      Changing USB ports has already been done (also the drive). No button works at startup. In fact, when I press F2 at startup, I briefly see the screen "samsung
      F2 bios F4 the other"
      And as I'm tapping F2, that line disappears to be replaced by a "Please wait" as if I were going to access the BIOS, but then it goes to grub rescue...
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    4. WarloG
       
      Even the most recalcitrant motherboard allows access to the BIOS, like mine (an Asus), if I tap it just three unfortunate times slowly, it doesn't work, but if I tap quickly constantly, miracle! I don’t know what to tell you… If your PC is still under warranty, send it back. If not, remove the battery, discharge the circuits by pressing the power button for 30 seconds, then restart. As a last resort, remove and then reinstall the CMOS battery (wait a little while before reassembling), but this involves a Phillips screwdriver :D
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    5. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      Hi, thanks for responding.
      It’s clear that it has nothing to do with the way I tap/hold. It even gives me the "please wait" like before when the BIOS opened.
      So I tried unplugging, removing the battery, holding it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in without the battery. Still nothing.
      I tried windows+B, same.
      So I opened it up and here it is:
      http://pimg.imagesia.com/fichiers/141/snapchat-184898647595075309_imagesia-com_141s6.jpg
      I understood that you can either connect two elements or remove and reinstall the CMOS battery. But I don't know what to connect and I can't see the battery.
      Help please
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  7. WarloG
     
    Good evening

    Yes, you can try to connect the HDD to your other Win8, but you won't be able to boot from it. You will need to create a bootable USB stick with boot-repair, but you should avoid using Kali for troubleshooting, it's not meant for that.

    https://doc.ubuntu-fr.org/boot-repair
    You should run the recommended repair
    You will also do a boot-info that you will host on any pastebin.

    Before any manipulations, if you have an external hard drive, make a backup of your files just in case by booting into a live Ubuntu, Knoppix, or Fedora.

    Your situation is really not simple :O
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  8. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
     
    But in the end, putting my hard drive on another PC won't solve the BIOS problem, right? Since the BIOS is stored on the motherboard and not on the hard drive?
    Edit: I think I've understood; it's Windows that needs to be repaired from my other PC with which USB boot is possible, then put the hard drive back on the original PC, start Windows, and repair the BIOS.
    Is that it? Sorry, I'm a beginner.
    0
    1. WarloG
       
      Try to use boot-repair anyway (you won't risk anything for your data). If you can, do a boot info to see the state of things.
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  9. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
     
    https://pastebin.com/wcSXf5VM
    There it is. However, I had to bend the metal bits that are used to fix the hard drive, but it's not a big deal. The hard drive wouldn't fit in the computer because of that.
    So now what do I do?
    Do I repair with repair repair boot?
    Sorry for the writing, but it's a QWERTY keyboard.
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    1. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      Well, I uninstalled kali-linux using the OS uninstall option in boot repair.
      Then I made a "backup" of some files. It gave me a message saying that it had been saved somewhere.
      After that, I used the recommended repair, and when it was finished, I was asked to restart the computer. Except that...
      Drama:
      http://pimg.imagesia.com/fichiers/142/20151220-015257_imagesia-com_142sf.jpg

      (This is the report I got before the restart.
      http://paste.ubuntu.com/14109026/)

      Whether I boot with or without the USB key, the same problem occurs. I remind you that we are on my second computer with the hard drive from the computer whose BIOS is inaccessible + grub rescue.
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    2. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      Well, I'm back. In the end, the USB boot works again on the 2nd PC with the hard drive from the 1st PC, but the boot repair doesn’t work.
      I also tried putting the 2nd hard drive on my 1st PC, whose BIOS is inaccessible, and miracle of miracles, I can boot into Kali and Windows 7. Problem: I don’t know how to reinstall the BIOS from Kali Linux (when I boot into Windows 7, I have no Wi-Fi or Ethernet...).
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    3. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      Is it possible to reinstall the BIOS or update it without having to boot from USB (since it's not possible on the first PC...)
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    4. jns55 > Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member
       
      Is it possible to reinstall the BIOS or update it without booting from USB?

      You need to boot at least in msdos or freedos mode from media such as a CD, for example... And be careful, don't get the wrong version of the BIOS because there is no second chance: it either works or it's straight to the trash!

      As for the origin of your problem, deleting the swap partition cannot be the cause of a grub rescue screen. Either you selected the wrong partition and deleted the root partition of Kali, which contains the essential configuration files for grub in /boot, or you damaged the partition table during the process, which seems unlikely, or indeed your BIOS is corrupted and can no longer detect your hard drive. It might also simply be a failure on the motherboard.
      What is the error message from your grub rescue? No such partition?
      If you managed to boot from this hard drive using another PC, what does the command 
      parted -l
      (letter L) typed as root in the terminal give?
      That will already confirm that everything is okay on the hard drive side (which is likely if you managed to boot from it).
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    5. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      So it was either the swap or the largest partition that contained Linux, yet I still have access to Kali.
      Yes, the message is grub rescue no such... and when I type ls I have several partitions listed, and when I type example: ls (hd0,gpt1) up to gpt9 I get a message saying that the file type is unknown or something like that.
      I’ll post a photo of parted -l in 2 minutes.
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  10. WarloG
     
    Good evening

    I hope you backed up your important files on an external drive before diving in?
    This really is a mess with your disk...
    But well, the main partitions are there..., especially don't touch the Windows partitions and win recovery.

    For pity's sake, do not use Kali, it will give you more headaches than anything else.
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    1. Dynesys Posted messages 82 Status Member 2
       
      Good evening,
      I don't have an external hard drive... just USB drives. I have one 16GB, one 4GB, and two 8GB. The problem is that only the small one is detected...

      Well, I installed Ubuntu 15.04, using the second PC on the first hard drive, everything is fine but if I put the hard drive back on the initial PC 
      Grub rescue: unknown file system.

      I did: 
      sudo update-grub
      sudo grub-install /dev/sda

      From the second PC
      And back to the first with the grub rescue: 
      ls (hd0,gpt12) -> file system is ext2

      So I do 
      Set root=(hd0,gpt12)
      set prefix=(hd0,gpt12)/boot/grub
      insmod normal
      normal

      And then: 
      Error: file '/boot/grub/x86_64-efi/normal.mod' not found.

      What should I do?
      Are there really risks for my files even if I don't touch the >400GB partition?
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  11. WarloG
     
    Hello

    If you still haven't found the solution for the BIOS, you can try this, it's a Fuji PC, but well, it's for the principle. You have nothing to lose.

    https://forum.ts.fujitsu.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=46101

    See you soon
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