What caused the partition issue? - Laptop starts directly into BIOS?
What caused the partition issue? - Laptop starts directly into BIOS?
Laptop:
Dell Inspiron 7559
/Windows 10
1. Some time back I made a copy of my C drive (using diskgenius, probably). Then I created a new partition on the secondary internal HDD and placed the clone there. I did this just to prepare for future cloning, but never actually carried it out.
2. A few days ago I needed to free up space and chose to delete that test partition. I received a warning saying if my OS wasn’t saved properly the computer wouldn’t run. I deleted the partition anyway because it was only a copy and restarted the machine, hoping everything would work again. Unfortunately, it didn’t.
3. The computer displayed a BSOD message indicating no operating system was found.
😡
I ran BIOS several times, adjusting the HDD/SDD order in the boot sequence, but it didn’t resolve the issue.
4. I switched from MBR to UEFI to check if that would help, but it didn’t.
5. I connected an old SSD via a USB enclosure and was able to boot Windows 11 from it externally. A quick check showed everything looks fine—files are intact, both Windows copies are present, so I’m not sure what was removed.
6. disk management -
https://ibb.co/M5kK12C2
. D: Is my main internal SSD, G: Is the old clone of D, C: Is the external SSD, H: Is the internal HDD?
I’m uncertain about further steps besides trying to clone Windows from my old SSD onto the internal one or HDD.
Any suggestions or assistance would be very much appreciated!
Windows first, then address any partitions you're concerned about. How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial For those seeking the Windows 11 Clean install guide, you'll find it here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here). If not, this is the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial. This guide aims to assist you through a clean installation of Windows... forums.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
It looks like you damaged the whole partition setup. Since you can access an OS GUI via another drive, share a screenshot of your Disk Management view. You should be able to boot into the OS GUI if Windows Boot Manager appears in BIOS while only the SSD is connected.
I’m not sure what else I can do besides attempting to clone Windows from your old SSD onto the internal one or HDD.
Based on my understanding, you might want to disconnect all drives except the one you plan to install the OS on.
Thank you for your prompt reply!
I plan to turn off the internal HDD to check if it prompts an OS reaction when loaded. If I struggle with properly rebuilding the partition or finding another fix, I’ll opt for the clone as a final option.
My troubleshooting is being cautious since the external SSD becomes overheated and stops working after a short time in the case.
Turning off the HDD didn't achieve the expected result, so I'm going to clear everything and start fresh.
My main objectives are to restore the internal SSD partitions, reinstall Windows 10 on the empty SSD, and see if it all works properly.
Windows first, then address any partitions you're concerned about. How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial For those seeking the Windows 11 Clean install guide, you'll find it here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here). If not, this is the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial. This guide aims to assist you through a clean installation of Windows... forums.
Thanks again for all the help, I got my computer back to working order.
I'm sure there were tons of smarter ways to fix the issue, but I ended up going with the simplest solution I could find under the circumstances:
1. (Using Windows 11 externally) Deleted all partitions inside the malfunctioning internal SSD using disk management.
2. Downloaded Win 10 iso, mounted iso with Daemon tools, created a 10gb partition inside the internal ssd then extracted all files from win 10 iso into said partition, used EasyBCD to create a Win 10 bootloader using the partition as the loader, reinstalled windows back into the SSD.
The only step I got stuck on was the very last one, as I was unable to install Windows in an "empty" partition which I had previosly created in disk management. Deleting the empty partition and creating a new partiton while inside the WIndows 10 installer menu then trying to install was the solution.
PS. Didn't see your post till after i was done usafret, but will keep it saved so I don't have to rely on random tech help vids incase this ever happens again
🤣