I have a Toshiba Encore, which I updated. When I start it up it has the message 'Preparing Automatic repair', then a black screen and a Windows windows flashes up for a split second. I then get the message 'Diagnosing your PC', the 'Attempting Repairs'. I then get a blue screen with the title 'Automatic Repair' with the message: Automatic Repair couldnt repair your PC...... Log file C:\windows\system32\logfiles\srt\srttrail.txt There are two options 'Shutdown' and 'Asdvanced options'. 'Advanced options' gives: Continue'- exit to windows 8.1 'Use a device' 'Troubleshoot' 'Turn off your PC' Troubleshoot gives: 'Refresh your PC' 'Reset your PC' 'Toshiba maintenece' 'Advanced Options' Advanced Options gives: 'System restore'- ive tried this but there are no restore points 'System image recovery' 'Start up repair'- Tried this, just goes to 'Preparing automatic repair' 'Command prompt'- This works 'UEFI Firmware Settings' 'Start-up Settings'- Tried this, just goes to 'Preparing automatic repair' So apart from refreshing and resetting which i havent tried yet, I can get into a Command prompt. The command prompt starts in X:\. When I open Notepad and browse the file system i notice that X:\ is called 'Boot'. Im wondering whether the 8.1 update has put something on my PC that makes it try to boot from X:\ instead of C:\. Is there any way I can check what drive the PC is trying to boot from? The log file states Root cause found: Boot manager failed to find OS loader Repair action: File repair Result:failed. Error code 0xa Repair action: Boot configuratio data store repair Result:failed. Error code 0x490
Definitely a clean install is the best way to go. I find that people spend more time trying to fix stuff than it takes to do a clean install.
well all fine and dandy, however if OP has data he needs to retrieve, he will indeed try and repair before any fresh install
A lesson for next time: Partition the HD into a C: and D: drive. Put Windows and programs on the C: drive and data on the D: drive. Then, when (not if) you need to reinstall Windows again in the future, your data on D: will be there.
If possible, install a 2nd HD/SSD for files. I was able to do this with my HP lappie, and of course on desktop.
One more thought, backup data that you wouldn't want to loose to an external HD. They are inexpensive and easy to use; jut plug the cable in to a USB port. No power brick or batteries required.
I didn't use any HDD partitioned in 2 or more partition, except the 1. HDD with Windows or Recovery Partition! Harddisk dead, simply means the whole HDD is gone, include ALL Partitions! That 2 HDD's gone dead at the same time is very very rare and mainly only because of electrical (high) power problems!
Seems the OP opened the CMD in RE the first time . The Recovery Environment afaiks runs off a RAM drive using X: to not interfer with actual partitions. Did you check the correct boot order in BIOS/UEFI? Refresh/Reset might be an option to test ... at least start from scratch as already mentioned several times. BTW: The only borked thing here is the Windows Install.
What's in the Toshiba Maintenance section? That sounds like the factory recovery options. Companies are allowed to change the icon and labels of the OS recovery stuff but I haven't seen them enough to offer further advice.