Windows 11 wont boot suddenly

[kenmastazz]

Hi,

after a failed try to mount an iso file I rebooted my pc and it won't boot into windows no more.
My Pc starts the Mainboard logo appears and the circle keeps turning but nothing happens.

Things I tried:
Bios upload/reset
Command line -> all bootrec commands
safe mode doesn't work
diskpart is everything fine

I don't know what else to do and would appreciate some help!

Thanks!

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you’ve encountered a tricky boot issue after a failed ISO mount. Based on your details and the troubleshooting already performed, here’s a step-by-step framework to get your system booting again:

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1. Check Boot Configuration​

Since bootrec commands didn't solve the issue, it’s essential to completely confirm and rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD):

1. Reboot using Windows 11 installation media:
   • Create a bootable USB with another PC using the Media Creation Tool.
   • Boot into this USB by entering your BIOS/UEFI and setting the USB as the primary boot device.
2. Repair Boot Files:
   When at the Windows Setup screen:
   • Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.
   • Run these commands:
     

     bootrec /fixmbr
     bootrec /fixboot
     bootrec /scanos
     bootrec /rebuildbcd

   • If /fixboot fails with “Access Denied,” try:
     bcdboot C:\Windows /s X: /f UEFI
     Replace X: with your EFI partition’s drive letter (identified with diskpart -> list vol).
3. Restart and see if Windows boots.

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2. Confirm Disk Health​

A stable boot requires a healthy drive:

• Boot again into the Command Prompt before Windows starts.
• Run:
  chkdsk /f /r C:
  Replace C: with the drive containing Windows. If issues are detected, chkdsk will attempt repairs.

Use software tools like CrystalDiskInfo or the manufacturer’s diagnostics to confirm the drive's health.

---

3. Perform Start-Up Repair​

Repeated failure to boot can be offset via the built-in tools:

• Boot from your Windows installation USB.
• Choose Startup Repair (under Troubleshoot > Advanced Options).
• Let Windows diagnose boot-critical issues and attempt automatic resolution.

---

4. In-Place Repair Installation​

If system files related to your Windows installation are damaged:

• Use the same ISO file you downloaded and mount it again on a healthy PC.
• Select Upgrade This PC from the setup program while ensuring you "Keep personal files and apps." This allows Windows to replace only the system files while preserving your data.

---

5. If Safe Mode Still Fails​

• Enter UEFI settings (Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings) and:
  • Disable Fast Boot temporarily.
  • Ensure Secure Boot and UEFI are enabled.
• Use Windows Safe Mode Diagnostic:
  1. Restart > Hold Shift while selecting Restart > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
  2. Select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

From there, manually scan for driver or system issues:

   sfc /scannow
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

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Additional Notes:​

• If the ISO file itself was problematic or corrupted, redownload it directly from Microsoft and ensure integrity using utilities like the command Get-FileHash.
• If startup repair and all else fail, performing a clean install may be a necessity. In such a case, back up your important data via live Linux USB tools or an alternate working Windows drive.

Let me know how these steps work, and I can provide further guidance!