How To Fix “Active Partition Not Found” Error [5 Ways]

Encountering the “Active Partition Not Found” error message on your computer can be frustrating and disruptive, preventing you from accessing your operating system and data. This error typically occurs when the system is unable to locate the active partition containing essential boot files. However, there are several solutions available to address this issue and restore normal functionality to your computer. In this article, we’ll explore five effective methods to fix the “Active Partition Not Found” error and get your system up and running again.

1. Check BIOS Settings

The first step in resolving the “Active Partition Not Found” error is to ensure that the correct boot device is selected in the BIOS settings. To access the BIOS menu, restart your computer and press the designated key (usually F2, F10, or Del) during the startup process. Once in the BIOS menu, navigate to the Boot Options or Boot Priority section and verify that the hard drive containing the active partition is listed as the primary boot device. Make any necessary adjustments and save the changes before exiting the BIOS.

2. Reconnect Hard Drive Cables

Sometimes, the “Active Partition Not Found” error can occur due to loose or faulty connections between the hard drive and the motherboard. To address this issue, power off your computer and open the case to access the internal components. Check the SATA or IDE cables connecting the hard drive to the motherboard and ensure that they are securely plugged in. Additionally, inspect the power cable connecting the hard drive to the power supply and reseat it if necessary. Once the connections are secure, restart your computer and check if the error persists.

3. Run Startup Repair

Windows operating systems include a built-in Startup Repair tool that can help diagnose and fix common boot issues, including the “Active Partition Not Found” error. To access Startup Repair, insert your Windows installation disc or USB drive and boot from it. Select the “Repair your computer” option and navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. Follow the on-screen instructions to allow Startup Repair to scan your system for errors and attempt to fix any issues related to the active partition.

4. Rebuild Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store contains essential information about the operating system’s boot process, including the location of the active partition. If the BCD store becomes corrupted or misconfigured, it can result in the “Active Partition Not Found” error. To rebuild the BCD, you can use the Command Prompt in the Windows Recovery Environment. Boot your computer from the Windows installation disc or USB drive, select the Command Prompt option, and execute the following commands:

   – bootrec /scanos

   – bootrec /rebuildbcd

   – bootrec /fixmbr

   – bootrec /fixboot

5. Perform System Restore

If the “Active Partition Not Found” error occurred after recent changes or updates to your system, performing a System Restore to a previous point in time may help resolve the issue. To initiate a System Restore, boot your computer into the Windows Recovery Environment, select the System Restore option, and follow the prompts to choose a restore point before the error occurs. Once the restoration process is complete, restart your computer and check if the error has been resolved.

Encountering the “Active Partition Not Found” error can be a frustrating experience, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the issue and restore normal operation to your computer. By following the five solutions outlined in this article, you can address the underlying causes of the error and get your system back up and running without losing any valuable data. If you continue to experience issues after attempting these solutions, it may be advisable to seek further assistance from a professional computer technician.