Inaccessible boot device

Question

Hey so I recently ordered an acre aspire 5 labtop from Amazon that was renewed and when I got it the security seal was ripped. Didn’t think much from it until I opened it and started using it for a little bit. I started to notice that the computer was really out of date and it was in need of a lot of updates. I soon the. Realized that the touchpad was t working and the speakers were crackling and piping when I was listing to something on it. As I was doing some updates my computer shut down and went to INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE. I looked up a bunch of YouTube videos on how to fix it but couldn’t figure it out. This happened right after I tried to update something from “WinZip”.I paid for this lab top my self so I really need some assistance of any kind, it would help a lot, thanks. If you end up helping me out with this situation, email me at ******@gmail.com

Answer 1

Hi Cole. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, specializing in Installation, Performance, Troubleshooting and Activation, here to help you.

I'll give you the repairs to get into WIndows. If you can start it without needing to Reset or (better yet) do a Clean install, then once you get in I would run a Repair Install which reinstalls Windows while saving your files and apps in place, brings it up to the latest version by the most stable method, takes about an hour and resolves most problems, as detailed here: https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/fix-windows...

Use whichever method works in this link to get into Repair Mode so you can do the necessary repairs or do a Reset:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

Easiest is to force shutdown by holding in the power button. Do this twice. The third time you power on it should start into Repair Mode. Once in the Repair Mode try the numbered steps below.

It may be necessary to create bootable media on another PC to access Advanced Startup Options to try repairs, a Reset or do the Clean install. The bootable media has it's own set of files so that repairs or Reset might work better, doesn't require a password, and you'll have it to if necessary do the vastly superior Clean Install.

To create Windows 10 Installation Media on another PC install Media Creation Tool and follow the directions here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/software-downlo...

Insert media, boot it by powering up PC while pressing the BIOS Boot Menu Key given here: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutor...

If the media won't boot you may need to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup (pressing key given in chart in link above) to turn off Fast Boot or Fast Startup first.

Choose the boot device as a UEFI device if offered, on second screen choose Repair Your Computer, then Advanced Troubleshoot Options, then:

1. Try a System Restore, working backward.
2. If that fails try Uninstall Updates as far back as necessary to see if this was caused by an Update. If Steps 1 or 2 get it started then immediately check Windows Update for Updates and hide them using this tool: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8280-hide-s...
3. Open the Command Prompt to:

a) run System File Checker: https://www.wintips.org/how-to-run-sfc-offline-...

and DISM: https://www.ubackup.com/windows-10/dism-offline...

b) run a full Disk Check: https://www.windowsdigitals.com/how-to-run-chkd...

c) trigger Safe Mode with Networking (for internet) or Safe Mode following Option 3 here: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf... to roll back Updates & Drivers in Windows Update History, update your drivers from the PC/Motherboard manufacturer's website and diagnose further with these steps: https://www.howtogeek.com/164876/how-to-use-saf...

d) From the Command Prompt try to create a new Local Admin Account to replace your account: https://www.isumsoft.com/windows-10/3-ways-to-c..., sign in to test it, move files over, when ready delete the old account and if desired change the new one to your MS Account.

You can also try to Repair the old account from the new one by doing a Repair Install: https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/fix-windows...

4. If those fail then go back to Troubleshoot Options to do a Reset.
5. If that fails choose Install Now, then Custom Install, then at the drive selection screen delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, click Next to let it create needed partitions and start install - this makes it foolproof. Everything needed to Clean Install is here: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...
6. If you have files that aren't backed up you can use the same bootable media to try to rescue your files using these methods: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Your files should be backed up at all times if you value them at all. In the Clean Install tutorial in Step 5 I give the best methods to back up.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

Thank you for all of this information. I appreciate you Greg!