Pc won't boot, won't recover, trying to format in command prompt, by claims c drive does not exist! Help!

[Louibelou]

So it just dead n refused to boot, won't repair / recover error log says can't open it, won't boot from disc. In command prompt won't format as I don't have n c drive apparently!! nor any copy of Windows! Help!

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Welcome to the TH community, Louibelou!

Can you please share more details about your system's configuration? Unfortunately, it's possible that you might be dealing with a faulty hard drive. If you have any important data on it, you should definitely consult a professional data recovery company for assistance with the retrieving of your files.
I'd suggest you check how the HDD boots if you plug it in a different SATA port on your motherboard and using a different SATA cable.
As for Windows, the operating system is tied to the motherboard, so you shouldn't face any issues with the clean install, if you need to replace the HDD. You can easily download the same OS version from the MS website and create a bootable flash drive with the installation.

Hope this helps. Best of luck & keep me posted!
SuperSoph_WD

 

[Louibelou]

Welcome to the TH community, Louibelou!

Can you please share more details about your system's configuration? Unfortunately, it's possible that you might be dealing with a faulty hard drive. If you have any important data on it, you should definitely consult a professional data recovery company for assistance with the retrieving of your files.
I'd suggest you check how the HDD boots if you plug it in a different SATA port on your motherboard and using a different SATA cable.
As for Windows, the operating system is tied to the motherboard, so you shouldn't face any issues with the clean install, if you need to replace the HDD. You can easily download the same OS version from the MS website and create a bootable flash drive with the installation.

Hope this helps. Best of luck & keep me posted!
SuperSoph_WD

 

[Louibelou]

Not quite sure what you mean about configuration, It's using window 7, Tis about 5 years old so don't think it would be worth paying someone to replacing the hard drive, I don't need to recover files, they are all backed up, hence trying to format it!
Might try getting in the machine tho as you suggested, thanks

 

[SuperSoph_WD]

Not quite sure what you mean about configuration, It's using window 7, Tis about 5 years old so don't think it would be worth paying someone to replacing the hard drive, I don't need to recover files, they are all backed up, hence trying to format it!
Might try getting in the machine tho as you suggested, thanks

Give it a try and let me know it goes! As for the system configuration, I meant the kind of hardware you have inside your PC. Can you share your PC specs? Do you have one or more storage drives (HDDs) inside?
You won't be able to format the HDD if it contains the operating system. You could try clean installing Windows on your system, during the installation process you will be given the option to format and re-partition the OS drive, which would erase all the files on it.

If nothing works, I'd advise you to use the HDD manufacturer's brand-specific diagnostic tool (preferably a DOS version that would allow you to test the drive without booting into Windows). It will help you determine the health and SMART status of the drive. Another way to troubleshoot it would be to plug it in another system (PC) and see how it will get recognized there. You could also run the Windows versions of those diagnostic utilities from there.

Good luck!
SuperSoph_WD

 

[Louibelou]

not sure it has c and d drives tho won't acknowledge or wipe either in commond prompt, tried to reinstall Windows from disc n via system repair they all failed too, will try at weekend as I have exam tomorrow! Thanks