Ok. Is this is a actual windows installation ISO you're talking about here or some third party no name futzy deal? You're only recourse (i.e. last ditch) is to at least try (if you haven't already) making an actual windows installation disk or flash. There should be a "repair-like" selection on the installation ISO that may, or may not work to repair your damaged system volume. At least try it. If it doesn't work all you have lost is a little time.

Word of caution going forward - once you get the system either restored or rebuilt to your spec, make a complete backup image of the thing and stow it somewhere safe.

 

I tried running the Microsoft media told from their website that I put on a flash drive I still couldn't get it to recover.

I swear I'm so fucked. I tried taking it apart and remove the HD but it appears the fucking dude must have stripped the screws out so so much for that idea

 

Last edited: May 2, 2025 at 3:32 AM

Not even close.


You said:

"my windows system drive is still screwed up. I have a flash drive and want to use Unetbootin to make a Linux bootable usb flash drive and recover any data I can, and then reinstall Windows"

ChatGPT said:

Got it — you're on the right track. Here's a quick and clear guide to using UNetbootin to create a bootable Linux USB, recover data, and prep for a Windows reinstall:

️ What You’ll Need:

• Another working computer to set up the USB.
  
  
• A USB flash drive (at least 4GB).
  
  
• UNetbootin: https://unetbootin.github.io/
  
  
• Linux ISO (I recommend Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Zorin OS Lite — user-friendly for recovery work).
  

✅ Step-by-Step: Make the Linux USB

1. Download a Linux ISO:
   
   • Go to Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Zorin OS Lite.
     
     
   • Save the .iso file.
     
2. Plug in your USB drive (backup anything on it, it’ll be erased).
   
   
3. Launch UNetbootin:
   
   • Choose "Diskimage", then browse for the Linux .iso.
     
     
   • Select the correct USB drive under "Drive" (e.g. E:\ or F:\).
     
     
   • Press OK and wait. It'll take a few minutes.
     
4. Boot from USB:
   
   • Plug it into your broken PC.
     
     
   • Power it on and enter the boot menu (usually F12, F2, ESC, or DEL depending on the brand).
     
     
   • Choose the USB drive to boot into Linux.
     

Recover Your Data:

• Once in Linux, open File Manager and look for your Windows drive (usually labeled something like “100 GB Volume”).
  
  
• Copy any critical files to:
  
  • An external hard drive,
    
    
  • Another USB flash drive, or
    
    
  • Cloud storage (if you have internet access).
    

Reinstall Windows (after recovery):

1. Use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool on a working PC to make a fresh Windows install USB:
   
   • https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10
     
     
   • Follow prompts to create install media.
     
2. Boot from the Windows USB, wipe the drive, and do a clean install.
   

Would you like help picking a specific Linux distro for this, or tips for recovering files like documents, photos, etc.?


You said:
suggest a Linux distro for total beginner to do this with

ChatGPT said:

For a total beginner, I strongly recommend:

✅ Linux Mint Cinnamon Edition
Why?

• Familiar Windows-like interface
  
  
• Lightweight and stable
  
  
• Great out-of-the-box hardware support
  
  
• Built-in file manager makes recovering files easy
  
  
• Doesn’t shove “try Linux” in your face—just works
  

Download here:
https://linuxmint.com/download.php
Choose “Cinnamon Edition”, 64-bit (assuming your computer isn’t ancient).

Alternative: Zorin OS 16 Core
Also beginner-friendly, very slick and designed to feel like Windows.
https://zorin.com/os/download/

But Mint is a little lighter and snappier, especially for older or slower systems.

Once you're in Linux Mint, recovering data is dead simple:
Open File Manager > Computer > [Your Windows drive], and copy-paste to a safe location.

 

I will have to try this way. I am not familiar with Linux. I do recall black and red hat but I was never familiar with UNIX so I haven't really entertained those options yet

 

I know, or you would have had that machine booted to it and back on the internet in about 30 minutes.

Nothing you need to accomplish will even need you to use CLI (command line interface).

And as soon as you take the USB flash drive back out of the machine, it will be like it was never even there. (aside from any recovery work you do, obviously).

None of those instructions are done looking at a black screen. Linux for Desktops today is nothing like the old Red Hat, SuSe, kinds of experiences you might remember.

 

Last edited: May 2, 2025 at 4:20 AM

I'll try but like I said I only remember people using Linux back in the day and you had to know UNIX to use it. Most hackers and crackers used it

 

See I was unaware, that's why I was so afraid to go that route because I wasn't familiar. It appears now that it's a stable operating system that anyone can use. Cinnamon looks just like windows. I may just run this operating system from now on, but it may be limited pertaining to some applications.

 

I feel like a dummy now seeing how simple this is.. lol I have to get another HDD tomorrow transfer my shit and I'm back in business

 

My error to use the word "processes".
I mean that I use it for just copying files / folders and not for copying running processes.
It's true I do not boot into a sperate disk for doing windows backups with TODO backup, but I have yet to run into a problem with that. I usually let it run when I am done for the night, and have it shut the computer down when complete.

Spoiler: Some musings on backup software

I consider 2018-2020 my valid testing years, as I got SSDs and due to the increased speed and new OS setups I was doing, I began using restores to correct any mistake I made (any program I decided against, or registry modifications I did not make myself, etc, etc.)
Even REVO uninstaller was not "complete" enough in my mind, as I wanted things EXACTLY as they were before my changes.
During that time I did a couple of (or even a few) hundred restores using TODO on 3 different machines (Win XP, Win7 & Win10) and had no failures except a bug with boot partition when doing dual boots.
I found that the restore would work perfectly if I put the drive in a laptop I had, restored it and then moved it to my desktop computer, but there were some restores that would not boot doing it directly. I say "bug" because most went fine.
Some failures with that I was able to copy over the boot partition only from another backup and it would boot fine.
I never did figure out why that would occur, and thought it might be sue to the dual booting and my particular hardware.

Well, At some point my OS drives got so full of software that restore times increased too much for my patience, and I knew I was burning up my SSDs (and at that time they were not so cheap) and got over my OCD about system cleanliness.
It works fine with all the file dust under the bed, and a full registry closet anyway.

Well, during that time my confidence in TODO backup was justified.
It may be Chinese, but it's pretty easy to use.
I bought it a few times for different computers (and upgrades) over the years since 2000 (used it for backing up 2 business & 2 personal computers and preferred it over Acronis which was my other main backup program it replaced.

I've used it on WinXP, Vista, 7,8,10 & now Win11.
I also have found some of their website help useful, with surprisingly clear explanations.

I've tried a couple of other backup programs in recent times ( Macrium Reflect and return to Acronis) but still find TODO less problematic and intrusive (just a context menu item to remove that should be available to disable in settings, but no big deal).
I see one I have not tried called "R-Drive Image" ...
But trying it is just for the GUI really.
I have no other reason to switch, as the price is now ...too cheap to mention , from a place i shall not mention.

 

Last edited: May 2, 2025 at 7:44 AM