View original (French)

Disque de démarrage inaccessible

Solved
Turnedblack -  
Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   -
Hello everyone,

As I attempted to shut down my computer last night, I noticed that it was unable to "shut down" and kept returning to the Windows 10 desktop.
Instead of turning it off, I decided to try a restart.

Since then, Windows starts in a loop, showing me a blue screen indicating "inaccessible boot device" (with no error code). I can attempt to repair it, but the problem is that nothing works.

The automatic repair by Windows itself does not work.

I tried to use the Windows 10 installation CD, rebooting from the CD drive, not to reinstall but to repair in case it was a faulty boot file.
I can successfully access "Repair Your Computer", I select "System Restart Tool", which should fix the problems preventing Windows from loading. A diagnosis takes place, then I'm told that the repair could not be completed, with no further details on the type of error. I can only attempt to perform the same actions as when I don't use the CD, which means going through a system image or a restore point, changing the UEFI firmware settings (?), changing the restart settings (which doesn't change anything since I continually return to the blue screen), or using the command prompt.

I attempted this last step, when I type "chkdsk", it just tells me that my disk is in NTFS format, and that the rest is inaccessible. By using the Windows 10 installation CD, still in the command prompt, I typed "bootrec /fixboot", which indicated that the operation was successful, but it still won't boot and keeps returning to the same blue screen...

Thus, my double question is: what do you think the problem could be, and how can it be fixed?

Thank you in advance for your feedback!

10 answers

  1. Turnedblack
     
    Good evening and thank you very much for your help.

    I tried both suggestions, neither seems to work. When I am in the command prompt and type the first line (reg load or dism), the command prompt points to an error, saying that I do not have access to the file in question?

    But maybe I am doing it wrong. What do you mean by recovery mode? By going through the repair on the Windows 10 CD? Or simply by selecting troubleshooting on the blue screen that is offered when it restarts in a loop?
    2
    1. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712
       
      Do you know if your processor is AMD?
      0
    2. Turnedblack
       
      The processor is an Intel Core i5-6500 (3.2 GHz)
      0
    3. romain7254 Posted messages 1071 Status Member 297
       
      By selecting troubleshooting on the blue screen offered. If you use a Windows 10 installation CD, you will not have the available commands.
      0
    4. Turnedblack
       
      I went through the blue screen troubleshooting.

      The command prompt starts like this:
      X:\windows\system32>
      Which I assume is normal, except that my C:\ is replaced by X:\

      Then, I first typed
      reg load HKLM\temp c:\windows\system32\config\software"
      the response: "The system cannot find the specified registry key or value"

      I retyped the command changing c: to x:
      The complete command was therefore:
      X:\windows\system32>reg load HKLM\temp X:\windows\system32\config\software

      The error response: "the process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process".
      0
    5. Turnedblack
       
      In the same logic with DISM: I replaced the C in the formula with the X, the response is as follows:
      error: 87
      The specified /Image option points to a running Windows installation. To service the running operating system, use the /online option. For more information, refer to the help by running DISM.exe /Online /?.
      0
  2. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712
     
    Reinstall Windows 10 from an installation media.

    Reinstall Windows 10 without formatting:

    Follow this tutorial that explains how to install Windows 10: how to install Windows 10.
    All the steps are provided from A to Z with tips at the end to secure Windows 10.

    The steps are roughly:

    - Download the Windows 10 installation ISO: https://www.microsoft.com/fr-fr/software-download/windows10 (other download methods: https://www.malekal.com/telecharger-iso-windows/).
    - Create the installation media with Media Creation Tool
    - Boot from it by changing the boot sequence and indicating the USB key or DVD: How to boot from USB key
    If the USB doesn't work, try making another one with Rufus: how to download Rufus - see this tutorial for details: how to create a Windows installation USB key
    - Follow the prompts to install Windows 10.
    - Choose custom (not upgrade)
    - During the partition phase, select the main partition and click next.
    - The installer will inform you that Windows is already present and offer to move it.
    - Follow the Windows installation procedure using the tutorial above.

    Just don’t format.

    Your user data will be copied into a subfolder of https://www.malekal.com/le-dossier-windows-old/.

    Once Windows is installed, I recommend following these tips to properly configure and use Windows: Tips after reinstalling Windows.

    Please press any key to continue the disinfection...
    1
    1. Turnedblack
       
      Good evening, I downloaded Media Creation Tool and I'm currently downloading the Windows 10 ISO and putting it on a USB stick.
      The only downside is that I've already tried twice and it crashes when it should be transferring to the USB stick. I'm attempting the operation again from another PC that should be more stable.

      With this "new" version of Windows, will the repair not work? Does Windows have to be completely reset?

      When the installer offers to move the existing Windows, should I accept?

      If the partition that had Windows was rather full, will I be able to reinstall Windows on it without losing data (i.e., if the data to keep is too large, will Windows suggest copying it to another partition/drive)?
      0
      1. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712 > Turnedblack
         
        Yes, do not format to avoid losing data, as explained.
        0
    2. Turnedblack
       
      Well, I have a new issue: when I select the partition where Windows was previously installed, I get an error message that says:
      "Windows cannot be installed on this disk. The selected disk has an MBR partition table. On EFI systems, Windows can only be installed on GPT disks."

      What should I understand? Is there a way to bypass/solve this?
      0
  3. romain7254 Posted messages 1071 Status Member 297
     
    Hello,

    This issue can stem from several different things, let’s start with the most obvious.
    I invite you to boot your computer in recovery mode.

    1- Click on Troubleshoot then Command Prompt.

    2- Then type the following commands: 
    reg load HKLM\temp c:\windows\system32\config\software

    reg delete "HKLM\temp\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\SessionsPending"/v Exclusive

    reg unload HKLM\temp


    3- Next, we'll list the packages that are in pending installation and could be the source of your problem: 
    dism /image:C:\ /get-packages


    4- A list of packages will appear, we are concerned with the packages for which the state is Install Pending. Note their names (package identity field).

    5- Then, create a temporary folder: 
    MKDIR C:\temp\packages


    6- For each package name retrieved earlier, type the following command replacing PACKAGE-IDENTITY-NAME with the name of the package that is in "Install Pending" (point 4). 
    dism /image:c:\ /remove-package /packagename:PACKAGE-IDENTITY-NAME /scratchdir:c:\temp\packages


    Then restart the computer. If this is indeed the source of the problem, the computer will boot up again.
    Otherwise, we will explore other possibilities.

    Sincerely, Romain.
    0
    1. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712
       
      source : https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/ramazancan/cumulative-update-for-october-inaccessible-boot-device


      This is related to the October 2017 update KB4041691
      So it's getting old, I'm not sure it's the problem.

      For the last part, uninstalling updates, it's explained in more detail on this page: https://www.malekal.com/desinstaller-mise-a-jour-windows-invite-de-commandes/


      Please press a key to continue the disinfection...
      0
  4. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712
     
    On this page, I've concatenated most of the sources that can lead to the error: Inaccessible boot device
    https://www.malekal.com/erreur-inaccessible-boot-device-demarrage-windows-10/

    Do you remember if any updates were installed before the error occurred?

    In the command prompt, if you type: 
    c:
    dir

    Do you see the Windows folder?

    Do you have the list of folders?

    Run a checkdisk: 
    chkdsk c: /R /F


    Does it complete successfully?

    --
    Please press a key to continue the disinfection...
    0
    1. Turnedblack
       
      Good evening,

      I don't remember there being an update just before or the day before, but I know there was one recently (a few days after the announcement of the vulnerability in the processors).
      Similarly, I updated a software (ultracopier) which had been starting up as usual, but wasn't functioning (the copies would start and close immediately). Not having had the time to look into it, I just closed the application, but maybe that has something to do with it?

      When I run a checkdisk, it seems to go all the way through: there are 5 stages, then the following phrase: "Windows has scanned the file system and found no problems. No further action is required."
      Then a series of data, followed by this message
      "Failed to transfer journal messages to the event log with status 50."

      And when I typed
      C:
      dir
      I got:
      The file system type is NTFS.
      Cannot lock the current drive.
      Chkdsk could not run because the volume is in use by another process. Chkdsk can run after this volume is dismounted.
      OPEN DESCRIPTORS ON THIS VOLUME WILL NO LONGER BE VALID.
      Do you want to force the dismount of this volume? (Y/N)

      I chose "N", and it offered to check the volume at the next startup, which couldn't happen since the blue screen appears before the volume check can be initiated.

      I will check your link.
      0
    2. Turnedblack
       
      If I go over the suggestions on the page regarding the origin of the bug I have:
      - I have removed all external hard drives and USB keys; only my sound system, Wi-Fi, keyboard/mouse, and empty DVD drive are connected.
      - I do not have an AHCI mode in the BIOS, at least I did not find it in "Advanced" or anywhere else.
      - The hard drive should not be damaged *a priori*, see my previous message where the check should have gone all the way without error?
      - The startup repair does not work.

      So it must be a problem with the update or the BIOS update? For the latter, does the PC not need to start?
      0
    3. Turnedblack
       
      To check for Windows updates, I typed:
      x:\Windows\System32>dism /image:C:\ /get-packages
      The response:
      Deployment Image Servicing and Management Tool
      Version: 10.0.16299.15

      Error: 2

      Unable to access the image.
      Ensure that the path and Windows directory of the image exist and that you have read permissions on the folder.

      The DISM log file is located at X:\windows\Logs\DISM\dism.log


      I don't know if this clarifies anything for you?
      0
      1. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712 > Turnedblack
         
        Can you say yes to the chkdsk so that it runs at startup to check?
        0
    4. Turnedblack
       
      I had scheduled the chkdsk to run at startup last night: the PC restarts but the blue screen appears before the chkdsk can run.
      0
  6. Turnedblack
     
    Well, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

    So I put Windows 10 on a USB stick, restarted the PC from it by switching in the BIOS, and the installation started.
    After the issue with the partitions (I just had to reset the values to default in the BIOS - which surprises me because I had already done that the day before), Windows installed successfully, and I have one or even several Windows.old files; I've pretty much recovered everything normally.

    All I have left is to reinstall the software (which was installed on another partition).

    I will follow the link you provided me for after the reinstallation. I have already noted that my Spybot was not useful, I will only keep Malwarebytes.

    A BIG THANK YOU for all the advice you have given me!

    I have one last question though: I use Firefox, which was installed on another partition. It starts up fine, but as if it had just been installed, without any saved links. Is it possible to recover the various bookmarks etc.?
    0
  7. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712
     
    Great =)

    Once you have reinstalled everything and everything is working,

    I invite you to create a system image now that you have a stable Windows.
    => How to create a Windows system image
    This system image can be restored at any time, including Windows, updates, and installed programs.
    Very handy for easily getting Windows back when everything is crashing.

    So if you need to reinstall Windows, you can restore your image, avoiding the tedious updates and reinstalling software and applications.

    --
    Please press any key to continue the disinfection...
    0
  8. Turnedblack
     
    I'm back.

    As I was finishing the installations to get back on track, and without of course having had the time to create a system image, the same bug occurred during a reboot.

    I didn't restart after each software installation, but regularly nonetheless, without any issues.
    The last installations were for GeForce Experience (but I don't think there was any specific update recently?) and the drivers for the printer.

    Do you think this could be the cause?

    Should I seriously start considering a virus?
    0
  9. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712
     
    Forget the virus.
    I think you can reinstall Windows.
    As soon as it's installed:

    First, check the hard drive: How to check the health of the hard drive
    For example, with CrystalDiskInfo.

    --
    Please press any key to continue the disinfection...
    0
    1. Turnedblack
       
      I reinstalled Windows and then CrystalDiskInfo; apparently the state of the disk is fine, everything is blue. Everything seems okay?

      I'm considering doing my reinstalls and restarting each time to try to pinpoint what's causing the issues, hoping that either it doesn't come back or I'll quickly find the culprit...
      0
    2. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712 > Turnedblack
       
      It might be the Geforce driver.
      Either it's software, or it's hardware with your graphics card.
      0
    3. Turnedblack
       
      Well, I reinstalled and updated GeForce Experience and the GeForce drivers, then restarted, no problem so far.
      I will continue the reinstallation...
      0
    4. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712 > Turnedblack
       
      it's really weird.
      0
    5. Turnedblack
       
      I think so too, indeed!
      I believe I’ve roughly reinstalled everything that was there before; I haven't had any bugs so far.
      Could it have been a bug with an outdated software?

      I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it holds up, but at the same time, not knowing what happened leaves the risk of it happening again at any time...
      0
  11. Turnedblack
     
    Curious, indeed.

    At my place it seems to hold. I finished reinstalling last night, restarting after each installed software to test, no errors.

    There haven't been any Windows updates since then.

    I am currently creating a system image.
    0
    1. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712
       
      ok =)
      0
    2. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712
       
      Could you provide the model of your CPU?
      Press Windows key + R
      type msinfo32.exe and hit OK.
      It's in the system summary.

      And for the graphics card, check Components > Display.
      0
    3. Turnedblack
       


      Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-6500 CPU @ 3.20GHz, 3192MHz, 4 cores, 4 logical processors

      and

      GeForce GTX 1060 6GB, NVIDIA compatible
      0
      1. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712 > Turnedblack
         
        ok on another subject, it's an intel but not the same, also Gforce card.
        0