Booting up into Windows XP you may get an error that reads “Unmountable Boot Volume”.

If you see the above error message when you start up your Windows XP PC this is probably because your boot.ini file is damaged.

This type of error is usually caused by corrupted files from Spyware, Malware, or Viruses, so when you can get to the Windows Desktop and back online, go to the various download sites and install Windows Defender, AdAware SE, Spybot Search & Destroy and a decent anti-virus program or, just download them from my software reviews page.

Often this infestation comes from an iffy music site, or when you are downloading free stuff, like programs and other goodies. But this is also a corruption problem that can occur on all brands and models of computers now and again. Fortunately it is usually fixable.

If you have a full version of Windows XP (i.e. not a Manufacturers Recovery Disc) try the following:

Boot to the Windows CD and when you see the WELCOME screen, press the letter R, which will give you a DOS prompt. At the prompt, type chkdsk /p . When that action has completed, type: fixboot then Y when you get the prompt.

Now type exit .

Your computer should now be able to boot into Windows.

If these steps havn’t fixed the problem try rebooting to the Windows CD once more. When you get to the Welcome page press the letter R. When you get to the prompt type: Chkdsk /r . When done, type: exit .

Your PC should now boot back into Windows XP.

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