Hello,

HELP


I just built my first PC, and I've already messed it up.

I was installing Win7, I had two ssd drives installed, a 256GB for the OS and a 120GB photoshop scratch disk.

When I installed Win7 the 120 was the first on the on list, highlighted the larger of the two.
So now I have the MBR on disk zero (120GB disk) and the OS on disk one (256GB disk)

I really don't want reinstall all of this as I've spent over a week putting it all together, is there a way to fix it?

Its been a very long time since I last logged on here.

 

@ Mr Moose

Can you post a Screenshot of Disk Management so we can see the partitions? I think it is fixable.

OK I think I have screen shot figured out

---

Brain,

There is a file on that drive, just over a GB the rest is just unallocated space.
In the small window you can see 4 files, only the one on the top contains anything

Bill,

I'm sure we can fix it. A few more questions...

Boot from your BIBM CD. In Partition work, Which drive is...

Drive 0
Drive 1
Drive 2
Drive 3 

Windows Disk Management can swap around the BIOS drives.

Just let you know, I had replaced the 120GB disk  with a different disk as I couldn't format it.
When I tried reboot, I couldn't, when I put the old disk back in, then I could boot again.

That's OK. The BIOS boot order in BIBM will be a big help.

Brian wrote on May 16^th, 2014 at 11:20pm:

Bill, I'm sure we can fix it. A few more questions... Boot from your BIBM CD. In Partition work, Which drive is... Drive 0 Drive 1 Drive 2 Drive 3  Windows Disk Management can swap around the BIOS drives.

Hi Brain,

I didn't see your reply.

To be honest, I'm not sure where that BiBM CD is, its been a long time.
How do I make another?

Here is your download site....

https://terabyteunlimited.com/product-download.php

Login and download BIBM ver 1.26

unzip
double click makedisk.exe, next
dot in BootIt Bare Metal, next
dot in I accept the agreement, next
select Image for DOS (GUI) and also
select Scripting Support, next
dot in Mouse Support Enabled, next
dot in VESA Video, next
dot in Video Mode 1024*768 - 64K Colors, next
dot in Normal, next
don't choose any Device Options, next
tick in Enable USB 1.1 (UHCI), next
tick in Align partitions on 2048 Sectors, next
ignore Additional bootitbm.ini Options, next
enter Name and Product Key, Next
select your CD burner drive letter (you can use a CD-RW or a CD-R disc)
Finish

Yes, I remember seeing that.
This project will have to wait until morning as its just about midnight.
I know your in Australia, what time do you check this site?
I'll try to have answers for you.
If there are any other instructions for me to work on before your back on line, let me know.
Thanks Brain. 

Bill,

It's 1454 here, Local Time. Just post the info when you have it.

Once I know your BIOS boot drives we can sort out copying the booting files from the 120 GB SSD to the 256 GB SSD. When you installed Win7 I think the 120 GB SSD was HD0. The booting files get installed to the active partition on HD0.

Bill, one thing I'd like you to do after you get BIBM working. On the BIBM desktop, click Disk Imaging. (for safety, let's backup the 256 GB SSD). If you already have an image backup, don't bother with this.

Backup
Full Backup
BIOS
Hard Drive 1 (or whatever number is your 256 GB SSD, make sure it is the correct drive by the partition in the next screen)
select Entire Drive
Single File Set
File (Direct)
BIOS
select the HD to write the image
select partition to write the image
select folder and accept the default name. (you might have to do some double clicking to select a folder for the image). If you don't have a folder just create the image from the partition screen.

In Options, put ticks in
Omit Page File Data (should be already ticked)
Omit Hibernation Data (should be already ticked)
Log Results to File (should be already ticked)

Compression       Enhanced Speed - A   (second last compression option in the drop down list)
File Size Max

Next, Start

It might take a while. Do you have a second computer where you can let us know what is happening?

Its been a busy day setting up my file storage plan for my new PC. This was necessary to free up a HD for Ghost 15 Backup Which is giving me problems.
Is it OK to ask Questions about Ghost 15 here?
I have the BMIBT disk made, I'm working on backing up my OS before proceeding.
I need to step out I'll check back for any reply's in less than a hour 

Sure, any Ghost questions you like.

The plan is to work out which is BIOS HD0.

Copy the booting files from X: to C:

Move the 256 GB SSD to the BIOS HD0 position and temporarily disconnect the 120 GB SSD.

Use BIBM for a BCD Edit and then boot Win7.

Reconnect the 120 GB SSD. Delete and recreate a partition on that drive.

I'm having trouble setting up Ghost 15
Here's a screen shot with the error message, I can't by the error. Drive L is the backup designation.

---

Brian
I named Drive L "Ghost Backup" after I finished formatting it, then I renamed it "My Backups" Not sure why I still see "Ghost Backup"

Bill,

Ghost can certainly be confusing. Ignore that wizard for the time being and do a Ghost One Time Backup. It's the easiest way to use Ghost.

But before you start, could you answer Reply #4 as I might have to go out shortly?


Edit ... a One Time Backup should be:

Tasks
One Time Backup

I figured out why Ghost didn't work, my external drive needed to be connected via USB, I was using eSATA.
I attempted to save a image, but in the end it failed, not sure why.
So I went ahead with the BIBM disk, my key, or name was a error.   I made a new disk, that also had a error with the name or key.
BIBM said it could work with limited function, so I went ahead, here is what I found out.

0  BIOS  HD SATA  238.47 GB
1  BIOS  HD SATA  2.73 TB
2  BIOS  HD SATA  111.79 GB
3  BIOS  HD SATA  111.79 GB
4  BIOS  HD  USB   931.51 GB

I couldn't use BIBM image utility as my name/ key doesn't wortk
I will be here psased midnight, I'll watch for any reply's
ITS been a long frustrating day

Bill,

Back from my activities and I see I had a less stressful day than you. But surprisingly your BIOS HD 0 is the 256 GB SSD so we won't need to do any cable swapping.

I'd really like you to backup the Win7 partition before we start moving the booting files. Your BIBM Name and Key will be in your downloads page. On the same line. I copy/paste them into the BIBM wizard. Make sure you don't have a space before the Name or Key after you have pasted them. The BIBM serial has this format XXXX-XXXX-XXXX. It is a different serial from your IFD/IFL serial which has the same format. Some people have mistakenly used their Order Number.

If BIBM still doesn't work you could download and make an IFD GUI CD. The same Disk Imaging instructions apply as it is the same IFD as in BIBM.

IFD GUI
double click makedisk.exe
dot in I accept the agreement, next
no tick in Select the optional components
dot in Mouse Support Enabled, next
dot in VESA Video, next
dot in Video Mode 1024*768 - 64K Colors, next
tick in USB 1.1 (UHCI), next
tick in Align Partitions on 2048 Sectors, next
ignore Miscellaneous Global Options, next
ignore Additional IFD.INI Options, next
IFD Key, next
select your CD burner drive letter (you can use a CD-RW or a CD-R disc).
Finish


Do an image backup for the 120 GB SSD too.

If it doesn't work contact TeraByte Support at
support@terabyteunlimited.com
Let them know we are working together.

After you have the backup you can copy the booting files. We can regard your 120 GB SSD partition as an SRP . See....

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/kb/article.php?id=409

You only need to do Part 1. Omit Parts 2 and 3.

In Part 1.... (do all steps except)

Omit Step 2 as your partition has a drive letter.
Omit Step 7
Step 9 will be        robocopy  x:\  c:\  bootmgr
Step 10 will be      robocopy  x:\Boot  C:\Boot  /s
In Step 14 you will remove the X: drive letter and set Win7 Active.

That should be it. Win7 should boot without a BCD Edit.

In the Command Line steps, Copy/Paste the code to the Admin Command Window with your mouse. You are likely to make errors if you type the code. Ctrl-V doesn't work.

There will be a few extra minor steps after Win7 is booting.

Any questions?

If a BCD Edit is needed to get Win7 to boot.....

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/kb/article.php?id=492

Hi Brian,

I was able to backup both drives individually to two different partitions with Ghost 15
That's all the further I will get today as I have a family gathering to attend.
I can't thank you enough for your help.
I will be back online tomorrow night. 

Bill,

Good news. See you tomorrow.

Hi Brian,

I've looked over your instructions I have the CP up and logged on as Admin.
Could you expand a little on the copy/paste.
I just copied and pasted the command below, is that what you meant when you said with the mouse?
To be honest, I never use the command prompt, so I'm totally running on instruments with it.    

robocopy  x:\  c:\  bootmgr


What is BitLocker




In Part 1.... (do all steps except)

Omit Step 2 as your partition has a drive letter.
Omit Step 7
Step 9 will be        robocopy  x:\  c:\  bootmgr
Step 10 will be      robocopy  x:\Boot  C:\Boot  /s
In Step 14 you will remove the X: drive letter and set Win7 Active.

That should be it. Win7 should boot without a BCD Edit.

In the Command Line steps, Copy/Paste the code to theAdm in Command Window with your mouse. You are likely to make errors if you type the code. Ctrl-V doesn't work.

There will be a few extra minor steps after Win7 is booting.

Any questions?

OK, I did some testing with the command prompt, I can high lite with the mouse and paste it into the command prompt.

What about step 8?

So step  9 and then step 10, just high lite, then paste, then hit enter?

Bill,

You don't have BitLocker turned on. It's an encryption component in Win7 which has to be turned on.

Start button, All Programs, Accessories, Command Prompt. But don't left click the Command Prompt. Right click it and left click Run as administrator. Click Yes on the UAC message.


Quote:

robocopy  x:\  c:\  bootmgr

That's right. With the Command Window you must do it with the mouse and not Ctrl-V for the paste.

Questions?

Mr Moose wrote on May 19^th, 2014 at 8:56pm:

What about step 8?

Any steps I haven't mentioned you must do. Copy/paste.

In step 11

"If the bootmgr file and the Boot folder show up in the list, the procedure was successful."

But keep going.

OK,

Start with step 8
reg  unload  HKLM\BCD00000000 hit enter

After step 10 do I just exit?

You have to do steps 8 to 14.

Well, It must have worked. I just rebooted, there isn't a Drive X anymore, C:/ now says active.
Is there any other test I should, or could do to make sure everything is OK?

Bill, excellent. Your Win7 is now "self contained". Stand by.

In Win 7 Disk Management, select the partition that used to be X: drive. Delete it. Create a NTFS partition and  change the drive letter to X: if you like.

I do have one question about SSD drives. What about formatting? Wouldn't that be better than deleting, or is this a difference between a SSD and a mechanical hard drive   

Brian There are problems, I just tried to reboot and it failed

What error do you see?

The windows boot configuration Data file is missing required information

Weird. It worked once. Try...

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/kb/article.php?id=492

You non serial BIBM CD will work.

Is the 256 GB SSD still Drive 0 in BIBM?

Yes, its in the same place as the other night.
I still have the image I made with Ghost 15, will that be needed?

I'm going to start fresh on this tomorrow after work.

Bill, did you try the BIBM BCD Edit?

I started to read the link you gave me, but its getting late here.
I'll give another go after work tomorrow, and earlier start on it than I did today.

Thanks for the help.

I think it is fixable and you won't have to use your images.


Mr Moose wrote on May 19^th, 2014 at 9:38pm:

I do have one question about SSD drives. What about formatting? Wouldn't that be better than deleting, or is this a difference between a SSD and a mechanical hard drive

No difference, really. Except you want 2048 sector aligned partitions on a SSD. I always delete and recreate but format if you like.

Bill,

Your issue is weird. Win7 booted once and then no longer.

Try the BIBM BCD Edit first and if you are not successful...

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/kb/article.php?id=411

I know it's for a different error but just do steps 1 to 12. Don't do anything in Technical Notes.

Brian,

I work for the University of Wisconsin. This allows me to purchase software at a discount.
The Win7 pro disk that I purchased is whats called a "Upgrade to Win7"
This is not the ideal means to install Win7 as you have to install it twice. The first time you do a custom install, then you go back and do the upgrade install.
It works, but its not ideal, it has something to do with the agreement the school has with Microsoft.
I don't think the disk would have repair included.

I will try "Reply 36" when I get home.

After thinking this over, I guess it wouldn't hurt to try the "Upgrade disk" maybe there is a repair partition on it?    

Bill,

You can make a Win7 Repair CD on any Win7 computer and it will work on your computer. If your Win7 is 32-bit you must make the CD on a 32-bit system and the "same" goes for 64-bit Win7. (also, the versions must match eg Pro for Pro) You can use a CD rather than a DVD as only a few hundred MB is burned.


Click on Start -> All Programs -> Maintenance.
Click on the Create a System Repair Disc shortcut.
Choose your optical disc drive from the Drive: drop-down box.
Insert a blank disc in your optical drive.
Click the Create disc button.

Or, you could borrow a friend's full Win7 disk. It works for a repair.
Or, your disk will probably work.

I have my old computer is Win7 64 ultimate, but my new PC win7 64 pro
I guess counts out making a repair disk here. Is there any other way?
But if I could at least get my pc to boot, then I could make one.
I still have the image
I just noticed that you mentioned my disk might work, I guess the question is, why wouldn't it?

Hi Brian,

Well, I went ahead with my upgrade disk, it does have repair on it, and the best thing, is the fact that I'm posting  this from my new computer. The repair disk seems to have fixed the problem.
Is there any definitive test I can do? I still don't believe it.

Bill,

That is great news and I was concerned as I can't understand why you could boot the first time and not the second.

If the Win7 partition is System, Boot, Active in Disk Management then you are done. But it showed that after the first boot.

I used the Windows repair that's on my instillation disk. (The windows repair CD)
Everything was backed up, so I booted to my windows cd and chose Repair. It said there were problems, would I like to fix them? I checked yes, it did irs thing and shut down.
I rebooted and windows worked.
I've replaced the old X drive 120GB SSD with the 256GB
So yes, it works.
Thanks Brian

Mr Moose wrote on May 20^th, 2014 at 9:42pm:

I've replaced the old X drive 120GB SSD with the 256GB

I'm not sure I understand what you mean.

disregard that, it just a change I made after I was able to boot the PC.
You convinced me try my instalation disk is what worked

OK. All is well.

In general, always install an OS to BIOS HD0. Create the NTFS partition before booting the Windows disk. Set the partition Active. Then boot from the Windows disk and install the OS. This prevents the booting files going to another partition.