How to Recover Data after 'Unmountable Boot Volume' Error

Windows users are facing dreaded computer problems and error messages related to hard drive, computer software, virus attack etc. Some errors are complex and crucial to fix even after trying very hard and putting all efforts onto it. One such error is 'Unmountable boot volume' occurs in XP, Vista, 7 and prevents access to important files.  At last, to fix this issue you have to format the hard drive while knowing that it will permanently erase the existing hard drive data. When booting up to Win XP you may get a error that reads "Unmountable Boot Volume". Ref â€" Microsoft KBWhy we are getting this error?Several factors are responsible for this and if you are a hardware geek, it's most probably that you can fix it on your own. So, before heading to solution, let's look at some key factors which may cause this:Damaged or unknown file system: Any hard drive can have 2 or more partition, labeled with any specific file systems like FAT or NTFS. These file system are responsible for normal read/write operation and performing functions. when file system become damaged or corrupted due to missing important files, virus attack, removed booting files from boot volume or any other, your computer become unable to start and you could lose access to your whole important data. BAD Hard Drive: Hard Drive may become faulty due to various factors like bad equipments e.g. platters, heads, spindle motor etc. which makes hard drive data unreadable. There are two major types of hard drive failure: Physical and logical; both can results complete system inaccessibility or 'Unmountable boot volume' error. Missing boot.ini Files: The booting partition (partition into which the Windows is installed for e.g.; C:/ Drive) contains some important files like boot.ini, which is used to determine the existing as well as previous Windows installed. In case, if the boot.ini file is missing, modified or deleted, the system will become unbootable. Though, the simple solution to fix boot.ini problem is by replacing it using Windows installation Disc. However, if you don't know how to do this, Tim Fisher from about.com has explained well about replacing the boot.ini file in Windows XP. How can we fix 'Unmountable boot volume' Error?In some cases, this error stays very short and automatically removes after restarting the system. So, if you are facing this problem, try to start your system again and see if it occurs again. Otherwise, reading the following explained points will helps you to fix it manually:Restore your BIOS settings to default or load system in 'Fail-safe' Mode. Sometime, the modified BIOS settings throw this error but can be restored using restore button. If that didn't help proceed to step secondGet your windows installation disc and insert it into CD ROM. After which, Follow the below steps:a) Press 'R' to enter recovery console, when 'Welcome to Setup' screen appearsb) Choose the existing Windows installation and enter administrator password when asked. If the password is blank, press enter.c) Type chkdsk /r when command prompt window appearsd) Type 'exit'. This will restart your system and most probably, your problem can now be fixed. To fix any missing or deleted bootable files, follow steps of 2, 2 (a) and then perform the below operations:a) Enter chkdsk /p and hit enter. This will check errors and bad sectors on your hard drive.b) When the process completes, type fixboot and hit enter. Doing so will repair and replace any damaged or corrupted boot files. Note: Type Y when asked to say 'yes' or 'no'.c) Type exit and hit enter. In some cases, this error keeps coming due to seriously damaged hard drive and the only possible solution is to replace it with new hard drive. But, you can't get the data stored on the drive. Though, there is some recovery software available to recover data from unbootable system or damaged hard drive. So, you could give a try to any standard recovery software for getting back all your inaccessible files and folders. Note: If recovery software doesn’t show unmounted drive in drive list, data recovery not possible in that case with the help of software, you need to send your drive to any data recovery company for recovery.