Unmountable_Boot_Volume error message with blue screen of death....
 

I did a microsoft suggested patch this afternoon and it requested a normal restart. Blue screen of death, Unmountable_Boot_Volume .... searches on Geek sites show some issues and comments with no real resolutions.

I've done the re-installation disk, F8 and F12 routine. Run repair, even tied to fixboot to re-partion the boot sector. Nothing works.

I HATE having to reload to OS and then all my custom software....YES I have a back up but you still need to re configure.

My laptop has a full in force warranty but Dell tells me I'm on my own in this case....anybody BTDT?

Windows version?

Check the simple stuff first.

1. Make sure the drive is properly seated / plugged in.
2. Check the BIOS to make sure the correct UDMA mode is set.
3. Report back.

If you have a windows disk, boot from it & try repair.

XP and I've been trying to repair....I guess I'll just try to transfer to another disk and then reload the OS....

Hang on, have you dropped to the Recovery file and ran chkdsk ???

Yup...

Bad hard drive.

If you are comfortable, download DFT - drive fitness test from this site. You can create a bootable floppy or CD. Make sure you download the right one ;).

http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm

I just scanned a computer this evening with the same error.

FYI:

It is always better to test the hard drive first when the Unmountable_Boot_Volume error is encountered. If the HD is bad, running Windows repair or chkdsk CAN screw up the partition or you can lose data. If the drive is OK, then proceed to the other options.