SFS partition and Windows 7 key?

[freshmeat20]

So my windows 7 partition converted to SFS when I installed Ubuntu. I have no way of using Windows on another machine so Im wondering If I can recover it using a usb drive made IN Ubuntu and how would I do this? I tried using unetbootin to make the flashdrive from the recovery ISO but I just get a unetbootin bootloader with a single default selection that loops back to the same menu when I try it. Or is there a way how i can get my key back from the converted partition to reinstall? (I physically lost it)

 

[gregrocker]

Convert the partition back from basic to Dynamic using Partition Wizard version 4.2, or buy the newest version in which Dyamic conversion is a paid feature. If Win7 won't start when converted mark its partition Active using PW then from the Disk tab Rebuild MBR.

If Win7 doesn't start up then, boot the Win7 Repair CD (written to flash stick if necessary using Win2Flash) to mark it Active and run Startup Repair until it starts. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105541-startup-repair-run-3-separate-times.html

Then audit the Win7 and all other Product Keys from the HD using Belarc Advisor - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

 

[freshmeat20]

is there a way I can boot PW with a usb? I have no access to Windows and can't run partition wizard in ubuntu. any suggestions?

 

[freshmeat20]

bump.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello mate, welcome to Seven Forums!



Partition Wizard Bootable Flash Drive

 

[freshmeat20]

Thanks but that isn't Linux supported? Anything like that I can run in Linux?

 

[gregrocker]

Booting from BIOS is not OS dependent, so Linux won't affect booting PW or Win7 repair CD or flash stick.

**We need to sort another issue now before going forward with PW boot CD for converting Dynamic to Basic: a User last week reported buying version 5.2 but the free boot disk doesn't have conversion on it any longer. I suggested he call PW Customer service which is included with paid version, but never heard back. We need to hear how this resolved. Suggest you call them before considering buying paid version**

 

[SIW2]

PW Pro 5.2 has dynamic to basic conversion in the windows app.

PW free 5.2 does not.

As far as I know, it is no longer on the boot disc.

Can't remember if it is on the 4.2 boot disc - I expect so.

But 4.2 doesn't recognize Linux partitions.

The other possibility is Paragon - but you would have to buy it.

http://www.paragon-software.com/business/pm-professional/

 

[gregrocker]

He needs to be able to run Conversion from Linux, or from bootable version on flash stick.

What is non-destructive alternative now for startup failure where Dynamic needs to be converted back to Basic without PW Boot Disk?

 

[SIW2]

You could try it with a hex editor - it's not for the faint hearted.

Try booting this: New folder - Windows Live


It won't recognize the Linux partitions , - but you should still be able to use it on the dynamic disk

 

[freshmeat20]

Thanks for you guys' help! I appreciate it alot. Can I boot this ISO from USB somehow? Tried Unetbootin but only looped the boot loader with a single "default" selection when I tried it. I would just burn a cd but no cd-drive . Also just tried the ISO itself. Gave me a boot screen that needed a kernel to go.

 

[gregrocker]

That is the older PW version 4.2 bootable CD which still has Dynamic conversion on it.

You'll need to burn it to CD or DVD to boot it.

You can try using Win2Flash which will write the Win7 Repair CD to flash stick, so it might work for this: YouTube - How to install Windows 7 from USB (WinToFlash)