Solved Cannot Boot From Recovery CD

[newenglandmom2]

I did make a good Linux DVD (by burning it correctly this time). The DVD worked, and File explorer opened when I inserted an external drive. But alas, I still cannot see my files--Under OS, message says "Failed to mount OS". Error mounting /dev/sda3 etc. So close, and yet so far.

 

[newenglandmom2]

I do think Windows 7 is still operating...chkdsk /f found no problems. I think I just made a mistake with the disk partition command, and need to change it so that Windows is visible, or mounts.

 

[SIW2]

You could use 7zip to extract iso files.

http://www.7-zip.org/

 

[newenglandmom2]

SIW2, I downloaded the ISO file, and the 7-Zip, but I cannot figure out how to get the ISO into the Zip program. Excuse my ignorance, but I could use some instructions.

 

[Megahertz07]

7 zip is a powerful program to open / extract compressed files like *.zip ,*.rar and *.iso.
It can open and extract *.iso files.
Once you install 7 zip, right click on the iso file and open.

 

[newenglandmom2]

Also, I loaded the drivers from the Windows Recovery disk, and saw that C is labeled Recovery. Is there anything I can do in diskpart commands to make Windows visible again, with these alternate ISOs, so that I could recover my data?

Thanks

 

[newenglandmom2]

The ISO file is not in the same place as the zip program, and I don't know how to get it there. When I right click on the ISO file, no zip program is an option for opening it.

 

[Megahertz07]

Have you installed 7zip?

 

[SIW2]

Rt click on 7zfm.exe and browse to the iso file.



click on all the folders inside the iso to highlght them, then click Extract




It asks where you want to copy (extract) them to. Browse to your usb drive leter ( in my case it is Z:\ ). Then click ok.

 

[newenglandmom2]

When I right-click on 7zfm (there is no 7zfm.exe), there is no browse option. If I click Run as Administrator, it takes me to tthe 7 Zip program, with no chance to copy the ISO files.

 

[SIW2]

You can't see .exe because you don't have file extensions showing. That is not important.

Browse like this:

 

[newenglandmom2]

I browsed in 7-Zip to the ISO file (which was in users/downloads). extracted to USB, inserted USB into problem computer, but when I tried to boot to USB from Windows Recovery disk, says Operating System missing. I wonder if I'm doing something wrong with the ISO file...shoulld it be somewhere besides download file?

 

[newenglandmom2]

Tried again, sure looked like files were extracted and sent to USB drive, but when USB inserted and booted to that, still says Operating System Missing. Files on USB drive are:
3 folders (boot, efi, sources) and 2 files (bootmgr and bootmgr.efi

 

[SIW2]

Fix the mbr and PBR with bootice.

View attachment BootIce.zip

1) Install NT6 MBR to usb drive:

 

[SIW2]

2) Install PBR code that loads bootmgr to your usb drive:

View attachment BootIce.zip

 

[newenglandmom2]

Okay, a big thanks for all your work. It seems advanced for my skills (or lack of), so I will tackle in a.m., when I have more time. But before I do, should I run or save Bootice? And if save, where should that be on this confusing Windows 10 computer? I have trouble finding what I've downloaded...so I fear I may not install it properly.

 

[SIW2]

It doesn't need to be installed. Just download it, extract it from the .zip file it is in, then run it. It should automatically show any usb drives you have plugged in.

You should be able tell your internet browser where you want to download things to.

If you are using edge:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4026331/windows-change-the-downloads-folder-location-in-microsoft-edge

 

[newenglandmom2]

SIW2, I downloaded bootice, followed your directions carefully. Seemed to work fine, but there are no files on USB drive. TI made sure it said destination was USB. Tried it twice. What am I doing wrong?

 

[newenglandmom2]

Oops, hold on. I put the ISO files back on the USB drive (had deleted them, thinking they might confuse the issue, duh) Tried Bootice again, plugged USB into dead computer, and Windows came up! Will let you know if I can find files I need. Thanks again!

 

[newenglandmom2]

Well, shoot. Under Computer, Hard Disk Drives, there is "Recovery (C. Just all the functional stuff, no documents or files. But that's 8 GB free of 15GB, so I know that's my real C, I just can't get to it. I think there is a partition problem,.

Also under Hard Drives is a local Disk E, but when I clicked on that, it froze the computer. Time circle still going. I hate to shut down again for fear I will never get back this far. Advice?