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HDD malfunction prevents starting from an SSD (dual boot setup)

HDD malfunction prevents starting from an SSD (dual boot setup)

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ZauniKun
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07-20-2016, 08:42 AM
#1
I’ve been running my PC with both an HDD and an SSD, using Windows 7 on the HDD and Windows 10 on the SSD. Until recently, everything worked smoothly. Last night evening I heard unusual noises from my PC, likely indicating the HDD was failing (it’s from 2011). After turning it off and back on, I received a boot prompt asking me to select a proper boot device or insert a boot media. I attempted several solutions but none resolved the issue. It seems the boot software for my HDD might have stopped working, leaving no valid boot option on the SSD. Could there be a way to boot from a USB drive instead? Also, can a thumb drive be converted into a bootable device?
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Z
ZauniKun
07-20-2016, 08:42 AM #1

I’ve been running my PC with both an HDD and an SSD, using Windows 7 on the HDD and Windows 10 on the SSD. Until recently, everything worked smoothly. Last night evening I heard unusual noises from my PC, likely indicating the HDD was failing (it’s from 2011). After turning it off and back on, I received a boot prompt asking me to select a proper boot device or insert a boot media. I attempted several solutions but none resolved the issue. It seems the boot software for my HDD might have stopped working, leaving no valid boot option on the SSD. Could there be a way to boot from a USB drive instead? Also, can a thumb drive be converted into a bootable device?

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nbp05123
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07-20-2016, 03:47 PM
#2
You can install a Linux distribution such as Ubuntu directly from the USB drive using the installer. This could be the easiest method to restore your data. Are your disks not protected by BitLocker?
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nbp05123
07-20-2016, 03:47 PM #2

You can install a Linux distribution such as Ubuntu directly from the USB drive using the installer. This could be the easiest method to restore your data. Are your disks not protected by BitLocker?

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A
alan0621
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07-20-2016, 09:59 PM
#3
They don’t use encryption. It’s unclear why my PC isn’t starting from the SSD even though I have Windows 10 installed, because normally it should boot through BIOS or dual boot without issues.
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alan0621
07-20-2016, 09:59 PM #3

They don’t use encryption. It’s unclear why my PC isn’t starting from the SSD even though I have Windows 10 installed, because normally it should boot through BIOS or dual boot without issues.

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K
Kuji
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07-23-2016, 12:26 AM
#4
It seems Windows 10 installed its boot loader onto the HDD even though you chose the SSD, which is also common in dual-drive configurations. My usual fix has been disconnecting all drives except the one I'm installing to during setup. This won't solve the issue or fix it, but keep it in mind when reinstalling Windows if you do that. You'll probably need to repair the boot manager—search online or ask someone more experienced on Windows for guidance. @GoodBytes might be able to assist a bit here.
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K
Kuji
07-23-2016, 12:26 AM #4

It seems Windows 10 installed its boot loader onto the HDD even though you chose the SSD, which is also common in dual-drive configurations. My usual fix has been disconnecting all drives except the one I'm installing to during setup. This won't solve the issue or fix it, but keep it in mind when reinstalling Windows if you do that. You'll probably need to repair the boot manager—search online or ask someone more experienced on Windows for guidance. @GoodBytes might be able to assist a bit here.

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maxiionita
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07-23-2016, 12:53 AM
#5
I plan to make a bootable Windows 7 USB using Rufus to check the situation on my HDD. I just need the PC running until Christmas so I can rebuild it later. Also, I’ll get a new IPS monitor next week and will test it for a week before deciding whether to keep it.
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maxiionita
07-23-2016, 12:53 AM #5

I plan to make a bootable Windows 7 USB using Rufus to check the situation on my HDD. I just need the PC running until Christmas so I can rebuild it later. Also, I’ll get a new IPS monitor next week and will test it for a week before deciding whether to keep it.

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C
CiscoMiner
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07-29-2016, 12:27 AM
#6
Start the Windows 10 installation using only an SSD connected, then attempt to repair the boot process. You can choose automatic repair (select fixing problems with boot) or use the command line (press Shift+F10; many guides exist online for fixing boot issues and installing a bootloader). I believe the automatic method should suffice. Even if the installer indicates it cannot fix the problem after a few seconds, try booting again.
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CiscoMiner
07-29-2016, 12:27 AM #6

Start the Windows 10 installation using only an SSD connected, then attempt to repair the boot process. You can choose automatic repair (select fixing problems with boot) or use the command line (press Shift+F10; many guides exist online for fixing boot issues and installing a bootloader). I believe the automatic method should suffice. Even if the installer indicates it cannot fix the problem after a few seconds, try booting again.

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JJSteeples
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07-29-2016, 06:06 AM
#7
I’ll give it another shot soon. I was attempting to use wintousb for portable windows on a thumb drive, and it’s been installing devices for six hours. The process is at 75%, so I don’t want to stop now. I’ll try your approach right away.
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JJSteeples
07-29-2016, 06:06 AM #7

I’ll give it another shot soon. I was attempting to use wintousb for portable windows on a thumb drive, and it’s been installing devices for six hours. The process is at 75%, so I don’t want to stop now. I’ll try your approach right away.

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