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Please save me from a reinstall

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Last night, my main rig didn't shut down properly (it seemed to be stalled) so I forced a shut down, only to find this morning that I've got no BOOTMGR. Can I get it back?

Details so far:

OS : Vista 64
HDD: Intel Raid 0
BIOS shows the RAID is ok
RAID utility shows the Raid is ok
Windows recovery can browse the RAID
Windows recovery cannot find an OS, and cannot repair
Bootrec /scanos finds Vista on the correct drive (RAID)
Bootrec /rebuildbcd finds vista but gives error when adding installation, element not found
Bootrec /fixboot gives error, element not found
Bootrec / fixmbr says it worked just fine

Despite all of the attempts above, the rig will not boot on my RAID. WTF.
 
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try booting with one drive then the other, see if that helps .
 

brandonwh64

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eww! i hate to say it but i had this problem on my HTPC with NTLDR was missing and i tried EVERYTHING to fix but finally had to reinstall windows
 
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eww! i hate to say it but i had this problem on my HTPC with NTLDR was missing and i tried EVERYTHING to fix but finally had to reinstall windows

yea ive got that sinking feeling. Why Bill Gates, Why?
 

qubit

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Looks like you've tried everything, Bundy. As the Windows disc cannot find an OS, I'd say just byte the bullet and re-install (your data is already backed up of course... ;) ) If anything, I'd say that now is a good time to buy 7, if you haven't got it yet. A TechNet sub is fantastic value and is the way I recommend you buy it.
 
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Most of my data is backed up but I'll copy the remaining files off before I reinstall if I have to.
Thats the annoying bit, the drive is fine. Chkdsk gives it the all clear as well.

I'll have to go to bed soon, looks like Im doing a reinstall tomorrow night:ohwell:
 
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Im not sure what you mean. Split the RAID?

yes thats what i mean if it can be done, I have never had raid settup.
 
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I see you have tried the bootrec commands, but have you tried the first set of commands here, to completely rebuild the BCD -

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927392

Or if you have another drive you could install XP/Vista and then see if EasyBCD can repair the issue, see here -

http://neosmart.net/wiki/display/EBCD/Recovering+the+Vista+Bootloader+with+EasyBCD


Not sure if these will work, but worth a shot if you dont want to re install.


EDIT: Or here are some instructions for doing it with a Vista DVD.

http://neosmart.net/wiki/display/EBCD/Recovering+the+Vista+Bootloader+from+the+DVD
 
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Check your sata cables, unplug your HD's and plug them back in,
Make sure they are in there good, attached to the mobo and the drives.
Make sure your powered down. Good luck.
 
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Ok thanks for all the suggestions. Unfortunately none worked for me in the end.
There are some files I would like to recover from the RAID (they are not essential but I'm going to try anyway) so I had a go last night at getting to them with Knoppix. No joy there either.

Tonight, I'll install Vista on a separate new drive and then have a go at going into the RAID and copying out the files.
 

qubit

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Sorry to hear that, Bundy. Sometimes a system craps out and there's no shortcut to avoiding the pain.

How about this happening at the mere change of a graphics card on XP? I have several graphics cards and swapping one out caused the OS to destabilise and half work, spontaneously do controlled shutdowns at startup, blue screens, semi-catatonic, you name it, it was fkd. I was so pissed, I didn't give up for a week, but eventually, after much stress (and even more swearing) threw in the towel and did a clean install. :cry: Yup, I been there too, buddy. :toast:

What do you think about my suggestion earlier on for getting 7, though? It makes for a very nice, stable upgrade to Vista.

Let us know how your reinstall goes.
 
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grits teeth, I'm gunna get them back.

Qubit - I like your suggestion and had a look at the MS site. Right now, I'm not keen on spending that kinda money but can do so in a few weeks time. So for now, I'll use Vista.

I'll install it temporarily on my new 1.5 tb backup drive, copy the files over, then do another reinstall on to the RAID. That way I get my docs and IE favourites/cookies back.
 

qubit

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Guess what, I'm gonna join you in an OS install on my brand new WD Caviar Black 640GB (WD6402AAEX) HD: been running 7 64-bit since it came out. However, I've got into servers lately, what with my IT job and going on an Active Directory course, so I'm just about to install Windows Server 2008 R2. It's basically Windows 7 with knobs on. Will take all the same drivers, run all the same games, do all the same stuff and more...

And now just wait for my new thread tomorrow, where I'm tearing my hair out because something important just refuses to work! :laugh:
 

t_ski

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How about diskpart?
 
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Thanks for all the help guys, I'm back and working 100% now.

Had a delay of a day cos I had to fix my wifes sewing machine first:wtf:

I couldnt get the original build back so I installed Vista on a spare drive like I said I would. Copied all the wanted info off the old RAID and then did a second re install onto the RAID. All good!
 

qubit

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Hey, nice one. :toast:

Yeah, Windows craps out sometimes and you just gotta byte that bullet!
 

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I learnt my lesson not to save anything on the OS drive. It craps out regularly and when you least expect it. Now if I have any problem, I would not hesitate to reformat/reinstall Windows, I have everything I need tucked away :D
 
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one for the future

try swapping your sata cables

my machine gets damned awkward sometimes with port 0 no reason why :wtf:

the damned machine just refuses to see that port but only ocassionally
(i usually have to switch the power of at the wall to get it sorted i'e just switching of at the pcs power button makes no difference):eek:
 

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Thanks for all the help guys, I'm back and working 100% now.

Had a delay of a day cos I had to fix my wifes sewing machine first:wtf:

I couldnt get the original build back so I installed Vista on a spare drive like I said I would. Copied all the wanted info off the old RAID and then did a second re install onto the RAID. All good!

LOL ... You're a good guy Bundy :toast:
Glad you got it all straightened out.
 
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Total system crashes never seem as bad when you have moral support.:toast:

A question - Since I re installed, there have been LOTS of driver updates. Is this avoidable? i.e. Is there any software that can see RAID 0 and image it?
 

qubit

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Total system crashes never seem as bad when you have moral support.:toast:

A question - Since I re installed, there have been LOTS of driver updates. Is this avoidable? i.e. Is there any software that can see RAID 0 and image it?

Hard Disc Manager 2010 Professional is the one you want. I've been buying this product for the last three generations now and it's excellent.

www.paragon-software.com/home/hdm-professional/comparison.html
 
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