Dual Boot Issues (Inaccesible Boot Device/Inability to Mount Partition)

[Jerky1312]

Not sure exactly what caused the problem, but I'll explain what lead to where I am today. I had Windows 2000 installed on my system, decided to try out Ubuntu via the wubi installer method. I eventually got both OSs dual booting and both ran well.

I eventually ran into some problems while running my Win 2k system. It shut down on me a few times. I thought it was my processor overheating, so I decide to dust out the fan, which usually solved similar issues prior. Anyway, upon trying to run the system again, I came across a stop error, which is for an "Inaccesible_Boot_Device." I tried Windows Repair, but that didn't get rid of the problem. I decided to try and boot into Ubuntu, but I got an error message for that as well. That one read "could not mount the partition" It stated it could be due an improper shutdown and I should enter Windows and shut down properly. That wasn't an option. Also, at the end of the error message, it reads "(filesystem = ntfs, error code = 15).

Regardless of which OS I tried to boot in with, I had no luck. This should have been enough information for me to realize it was not the OSs at fault, but the boot processing, but I decided to try a new hard drive and attempt fresh installs of Windows XP and Ubuntu and both failed once again. So there is without a doubt an issue with the booting process. I looked around for some people with similar issues and I saw someone mention "Super Grub Disk" helped them boot into their OS of choice. I make myself a Super Grub Disk (.9660), but I tried a number of options on it, but I'm still not having any luck booting into any of the operating systems. My mobo is Soyo's SY-P4I865PE Plus DRAGON 2 v1.0 model.

Are their any other methods of correcting the boot device/process? If it is due to a virus, which the stop error for Windows states is a possibility, how would I know if that is the case and how would I get rid of it? What are my options? Thanks.

 

[Big Lar]

First thing I would do is check bios settings for boot. Then I would check the HDD cables and then I would try a different port for the drive/s.

Could also be a corrupt bios.

Larry

 

[MichaelD]

This is interesting. I decided to try Ubuntu (8.11 x64 edition) too; the only diff is that I didn't care what happened to the Windows install on my machine.

I booted from the CD and chose "Install." It went thru the motions but when I got to the desktop I saw "Live CD User" in the upper right hand corner. On the desktop there's an "Install" icon. It even says "Makes your Ubuntu install permanent" when you hover over it. OK, I clicked that. It went thru the motions, rebooted and it STILL showed LiveCD User.

What I found was that I had to use Win98 bootdisk and run FDISK to erase all the partitions before Ubuntu would install.

This happened on Saturday, so it's a very recent occurance. I had Windows Media Center edition on that HD, BTW.

I realize that you may have lost data; an unfortunate lesson for you. Never mess with a dual-boot/live CD (especially Linux) without backing up your data first.

Side note: I don't remember which location I downloaded the .iso from, but I ran a virus scan on it before I burned the CD and it came up negative.

Here's something else. I forgot the password I set on the Linux box o) so I had to reload it. Now I can't get Ubuntu to load no matter what I do. :frown: I even ran FDISK again. I may format it with NTFS and reload Ubuntu.

Hope this helps somewhat.

 

[lxskllr]

I think Big Lar's on the right track with hardware. You tried 2 drives with the same outcome, so that would lead me to believe it doesn't have anything to do with Windows or Linux.

MichaelD... I don't think you can install Linus to NTFS. I'd use EXT3

 

[MichaelD]

lxskllr: Yep, I know I can't install Linux to NTFS. I was thinking of formatting the HD w/NTFS so that the Linux installer would see that it needs to do something with the HD instead of ignoring it like it's doing now.

Not trying to hijack thread: I forgot my password. I went to reinstall and it wouldn't; it just keeps loading "Live CD User." So I wiped the partitions with FDISK and it still won't install.

I missed the part where the OP said he tried two diff HDs. My bad.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: Jerky1312
Are their any other methods of correcting the boot device/process? If it is due to a virus, which the stop error for Windows states is a possibility, how would I know if that is the case and how would I get rid of it? What are my options? Thanks.

I've read a LOT of great things about Utimate Boot CD.

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/

I've never used it personally - but I stored it in the back of my noodle for future consideration, in case I ever run across a situation like you have.

Supposedly, it will boot [like] 99% of the (broken) OSs out there - you name it - Ultimate Boot CD will boot it.

Anyway, that's what I would try.

If you decide to give it a whirl, please come back and update this thread. I'm curious to see how it works for you...

 

[Jerky1312]

Well, I have good news and mainly more bad news. Good news, I have replicated the same problem on completely new hardware, which has led me to deduce some of the causes. The bad news, I have replicated the same problem on completely new hardware.

I actually went out and purchased a brand new motherboard, ram, video card and processor chip, essentially a new system. I thought the old motherboard was at fault with the boot errors. Anyway, I installed Windows 2000 again and a WDC 500gb hard drive. It booted fine and everything was looking great, except the system only recognized 128gb, instead of the full 500gb. I looked up some methods to fix this and I came across one stating to try Ubunto LiveCD, which would partition the complete drive, keeping windows installation safe, as long as I didn't complete the Ubuntu installation. I decided to give it a try and lo and behold, I have come across the same "inaccesible_boot_device" stop error/blue screen of death. I am completely at square one again.

This is really turning me off ever trying to dual boot Ubuntu on a Windows system, but that is besides the point right now. How can I fix this error. I have tried Super Grub Disk to no avail and most recently, System Restore CD, but I haven't had luck with that either. I need step by step instructions. Maybe these are the tools I need, but I don't know how to utilize them. This is very frustrating. Please help.