Bootloader Disappeared

[Yarnation]

I run Debian 8 exclusively with no WIndows even as a side partition. When testing a live version of Windows 7 on USB for work, I noticed it was running "Automatic Repair" but didn't think much of it until after I reset the BIOS to boot back by HD and received DIsk Boot Failure. My hard drive is ok and is recognized if I were to do a hypothetical back-up, but my laptop no longer recognizes the Debian loader anymore.

I'm not entirely sure what happened and how I can fix it without worries of me deleting all my previous files and settings.

Help? Thank you in advance.

[Head_on_a_Stick]

Are you booting in UEFI mode? If so then check if Secure Boot is disabled, Debian cannot boot otherwise.

You could try using the Debian ISO image to repair the bootloader:

https://www.debian.org/releases/stretch ... 07.html.en

[Yarnation]

Are you booting in UEFI mode? If so then check if Secure Boot is disabled, Debian cannot boot otherwise.

You could try using the Debian ISO image to repair the bootloader:

https://www.debian.org/releases/stretch ... 07.html.en

Yes, it is on EUFI, with secure boot disabled. I'll try the ISO image and see how it goes from there. Thank you!

[Head_on_a_Stick]

For a UEFI system it may be that Windows has changed the NVRAM entries, you can view these from the "live" environment (or the installer rescue shell, I think) by using

Code: Select all

efibootmgr

The `-o` flag can be used to change the boot order, check the man page for details.

[Segfault]

Software which makes changes to your computer without your consent is generally regarded as malware. In future, if you must, run them in confined space, like a virtual machine.

[Debian_purist]

^
Nice advice

[kevinthefixer]

Unfortunately, for many Windows is necessary, usually to run proprietary software for work. Most businesses use Windows-based money-management software, for instance. I myself found it necessary to boot into Windows about six months ago in order to program a new mouse to stay lit a steady green. The software to do that runs under WINE but, like most such proprietary hardware configuration tools, won't communicate with the hardware! My plan is to update Win7 one final time then disable its internet connection permanently and turn off updates. I'm already avoiding hardware that requires Windows support, the little mouse crawled through the cracks.

[Debian_purist]

^

[GarryRicketson]

Well, when you put mal ware on a USB stick, then plug the usb stick into the PC, the mal ware can and will start doing things, seems to me like good practice would be to not plug usb sticks containing mal ware into the PC.
If one must use mal ware, like all ready mentioned, in a isolated virtual environment, would be best.

Software which makes changes to your computer without your consent is generally regarded as malware. In future, if you must, run them in confined space, like a virtual machine.

Like wise, some people may not realize this, but using a usb stick that has mal ware on it plugged into a PC , is not wise, the mal ware can infect the usb stick, and later infect a clean system when plugged into another PC.

[Debian_purist]

confined space

LOL ,

[millpond]

What I would try in this situation is to use a Live Stretch dvd, chroot into the drive and either reinstall, repair,or update grub.

I guess that Winbooger took out the grub MBR.

[Head_on_a_Stick]

use a Live Stretch dvd, chroot into the drive and either reinstall, repair,or update grub

No need for the chroot, the Debian ISO images have a recovery option in the boot menu:

https://www.debian.org/releases/stretch ... 07.html.en