How To Make A Rescue USB For Windows 10 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

How To Make A Rescue USB For Windows 10

It used to be a pain, but not anymore!

90
How To Make A Rescue USB For Windows 10
Peter Mulroe

Just yesterday I was playing around with my hard drive partitions, trying to delete an old Ubuntu dual-boot. Past Pete was silly and didn't properly label said partitions so current Pete deleted the Windows master boot record.

Basically, I had two operating systems on my computer and while trying to delete one I accidentally deleted the critical instructions Windows needs to turn on and shut down.

Oops.

Not to worry, a quick lucky Google search led to one brief instruction article. It was very clear:

  1. Download the Windows 10 64 bit .iso recovery file.
  2. Download the Windows Upgrader / Media Maker program.

Assuming at that point the program would simply accept my downloaded .iso file, I let the separate 4.2GB file finish. The tool never asked for my file, but proceeded to get a new copy all on its own.

Here I am 45 minutes of downloading later chuckling to myself, thinking someone might as well learn from my mistakes.

A bootable USB or CD can often save the day, but keep in mind that making it is the easy part. It only takes a few clicks and 15 minutes.

Do it before some huge problem happens in the middle of your 12 page thesis due tomorrow that you didn't save yet, please.

Here's how it works:

Your computer has basic startup instructions, allowing the hardware to power up and start running the operating system. That's when you would enter a password and log in. In Windows this is referred to as the master boot record or MBR. Sometimes it can be corrupted, maybe by malware or being a huge dingus.

#Guilty

Anyway, I think it's easier to use a blank USB versus a CD so we'll do that. Skip downloading the individual .iso file, just install that program and let it make its own copy. Plug in a totally blank 8GB or greater flash drive to install the recovery files. It's super easy.

Pro Tip: Right-click your USB in the file explorer and select "Format" to ensure it's ready.

When the USB is ready, plug it in and restart the computer. Enter your computer's BIOS, usually by pressing F2 or DEL during early startup. Look closely, it should display the key required when you're able to press it.

From here you can change the boot order so your PC first runs from that USB instead of the broken instructions it had on the hard drive. Restart the computer. Leave a comment if you need help with this step!

Next just select your language and specify you're repairing instead of installing a fresh system. First try the auto-repair options. These will generally get you back on track for basic issues.

In my case, I had to enter some terminal commands and reconstruct the whole MBR. Because I deleted it. Like a dingus.

But it wasn't so scary.

Those steps can be found in a great article by Tim Fisher at Lifewire.

Also in my case, after those commands I was still seeing "Bootmgr missing". After some grumbling, I actually ran the auto-repair one more time and it booted right back to my desktop. Presto!

All things considered, this was a pretty painless process. Hopefully I've helped you all.


Leave a comment or seek me out on social media (@pjmulroe) to keep the conversation going!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

552
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

368
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments