📎 AI Summary:
The thread revolves around a user's experience with a Kali Linux live USB, which unexpectedly caused their Windows system to become unbootable, despite the expectation that a live session wouldn’t modify the disk. The user seeks reassurance that using a live USB properly won't erase or damage Windows, and others advise that a true live session shouldn't alter the system unless an installer or write command is used. The main concern is recovering Windows after the boot manager error, with guidance provided on verifying partitions and repairing the bootloader. Overall, the discussion emphasizes that a correctly used live USB typically does not affect the existing Windows installation.
Prashant009

Prashant009

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Thread Author #1
SO I used Kali Linux live usb, and I thought live usb would not erase windows but it did. I need help and any solution by which I can use Kali Linux as a live usb and not getting Windows wiped out. Thanks!
 

Solution
Neemobeer
A live usb won't write anything to disk which is the point. If you ran the installer then yes would wipe out the boot loader and the rest of your windows install. You should be able to verify the windows partitions are intact or not from kali with blkid then mount and verify the windows filesystem still exists. You can also dump the MBR or GPT partition to see if it's been override with grub or not.

If the Windows partitions are intact and grub got installed you can boot into a Windows install usb/disc and from a command prompt run bootrec /fixboot and bootrec /rebuildbcd
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Neemobeer

Neemobeer

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#2
A live usb won't write anything to disk which is the point. If you ran the installer then yes would wipe out the boot loader and the rest of your windows install. You should be able to verify the windows partitions are intact or not from kali with blkid then mount and verify the windows filesystem still exists. You can also dump the MBR or GPT partition to see if it's been override with grub or not.

If the Windows partitions are intact and grub got installed you can boot into a Windows install usb/disc and from a command prompt run bootrec /fixboot and bootrec /rebuildbcd
 

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Prashant009

Prashant009

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Thread Author #3
I didn't install, I used "Live amd64". Then used kali for a little while and restarted without the usb. But then it said "Bootmgr is missing". And all my files from windows is safe.. Except the software itself.
 

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Neemobeer

Neemobeer

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#4
Then you'll need to do the latter part I mentioned to repair Windows.
 

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Prashant009

Prashant009

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Thread Author #5
Neemobeer said:
Then you'll need to do the latter part I mentioned to repair Windows.
Click to expand...

Okay, I'll do that. But if I carefully use the Live usb of Linux it won't mess up? Because I tried the right steps this time and it went wrong.
 

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Neemobeer

Neemobeer

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#6
Like I said a live distro won't do anything to the file system unless you run a command to do so
 

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