How to Fix the “Unmountable Boot Volume” Blue Screen of Death in Windows

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The “Unmountable Boot Volume” Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error in Windows typically indicates a problem with the system’s boot volume, which is crucial for loading the operating system. This issue can be caused by file system corruption, hardware failures, or improper shutdowns. Here’s a comprehensive guide to resolving this error.
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1. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary issues that might be causing the BSOD.

  • Restart Your PC:
    • Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select "Restart" from the options menu.

2. Boot into Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode can help you troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue by loading only essential drivers and services.

  • Access Advanced Startup Options:
    • Restart your computer and press F8 or Shift + F8 before Windows starts loading. If these keys don’t work, you may need to interrupt the boot process three times (turn the computer off during the Windows loading screen) to access the Advanced Startup Options.
  • Select Safe Mode:
    • In the Advanced Startup Options menu, select "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," and choose "Startup Settings."
    • Click "Restart," and then select "Safe Mode" or "Safe Mode with Networking."

3. Check for Hardware Issues

Faulty hardware, such as a failing hard drive or loose cables, can cause the “Unmountable Boot Volume” error.

  • Check Hard Drive Connections:
    • Ensure that the hard drive cables are securely connected. If you’re comfortable working inside your computer, open the case and check the connections.
  • Run Hardware Diagnostics:
    • Use built-in diagnostic tools or third-party software to check the health of your hard drive. Many manufacturers provide diagnostic tools for their hardware.

4. Use Automatic Repair

Windows Automatic Repair tool can attempt to fix issues with your system that might be causing the BSOD.

  • Access Automatic Repair:
    • Boot from a Windows installation media (USB or DVD). If you don’t have installation media, you can create one using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool.
    • Select your language preferences and click "Next."
    • Click "Repair your computer" and choose "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options."
  • Run Automatic Repair:
    • Select "Startup Repair" and follow the on-screen instructions. The tool will attempt to fix any issues preventing Windows from starting correctly.

5. Run CHKDSK to Repair Disk Errors

The CHKDSK tool can check and repair file system errors and bad sectors on your hard drive.

  • Open Command Prompt from Advanced Options:
    • Boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu as described earlier.
    • Choose "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," and select "Command Prompt."
  • Run CHKDSK:
    • In Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
      chkdsk /f /r C:
    • Replace C: with the drive letter where Windows is installed if it’s different. The /f flag tells CHKDSK to fix errors, and the /r flag tells it to locate bad sectors and recover readable information.
    • You might be asked to schedule the scan on the next restart. Type Y and press Enter.

6. Use System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools

Corrupted system files can also cause the BSOD. Running SFC and DISM tools can help repair these files.

  • Open Command Prompt from Advanced Options:
    • Follow the same steps to access Command Prompt as mentioned earlier.
  • Run SFC Scan:
    • Type the following command and press Enter:
      sfc /scannow
    • Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions provided.
  • Run DISM Tool:
    • After SFC completes, run the following command:
      DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    • Wait for the process to complete, then restart your computer.

7. Check and Repair the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

Corruption in the Boot Configuration Data can cause boot issues.

  • Open Command Prompt from Advanced Options:
    • Access Command Prompt as described earlier.
  • Run BCD Repair Commands:
    • Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
      bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

8. Perform a System Restore

If the problem started recently, performing a System Restore can revert your system to a previous state before the error occurred.

  • Access System Restore from Advanced Options:
    • Boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
    • Choose "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced options," and select "System Restore."
  • Choose a Restore Point:
    • Follow the prompts to select a restore point from before the issue began and restore your system.

9. Reinstall Windows

If none of the above solutions work, you might need to reinstall Windows. This will replace all system files but can be done while keeping your personal files intact.

  • Create Installation Media:
  • Reinstall Windows:
    • Boot from the installation media and select your language preferences.
    • Choose "Install now" and follow the prompts to perform a fresh installation of Windows.

10. Consult Professional Help

If you’re still experiencing issues after trying these solutions, it might be a sign of more serious hardware problems or other complex issues. Consider seeking help from a professional technician or contacting Microsoft Support for further assistance.

Conclusion

The “Unmountable Boot Volume” BSOD error can be resolved by addressing potential file system corruption, hardware issues, or boot configuration problems. By following the steps outlined above, you can troubleshoot and fix the error, allowing your system to boot and operate normally again. Regular system maintenance and backups can help prevent such issues from occurring in the future.

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