HDD problem or software problem

[Dufrane]

Everytime I try and load windows xp pro, my computer gets a blue screen that says unbootable_boot_volume. I try and boot in safe mode with no success. Is this a hdd failure or a software problem???

 

[JimPhelpsMI]

Hi, Did you setup the BIOS SETUP to boot the CD first. If you did then the CD reader is not working. Unformatted HD trying to boot first is probably the error you are getting. Check jumpering and cables. It should open the tray with only the power connector on.

 

[Lord Evermore]

If he's getting a blue screen, then the CDROM shouldn't be an issue, since it's already reached the point of Windows trying to boot.

Does it say "unbootable" or "unmountable boot volume"? Never heard of "unbootable" in the message.

This could be due to a corrupted hard drive, or a failed drive, or a lot of other things. You can boot to the XP install CD and run chkdsk from the Recovery Console.

Here is Microsoft's page on that error.

 

[Dufrane]

It did say unmountable boot volume