[Fixed] Unable to Reset Your PC. A Required Drive Partition Is Missing

On this page, we will discuss the reasons behind Windows' inability to reset your computer and guide you on how to resolve this issue without losing any data, ultimately enabling you to successfully reset your PC.

Follow the effective solutions here to fix the "Cannot reset PC" error and unlock the drive to reset your computer without losing any data:

Applies to: Solution to fix "Unable to Reset Your PC" error on Windows 10/8.1/8/7, etc., without data loss.

Error: Unable to Reset Your PC

"I'm attempting to reset my PC, but when I use a USB drive created with the media creation tool, I encounter an error: Unable to Reset PC. A required drive partition is missing."

Don't panic if you encounter this issue while attempting to reset your PC in Windows 10, 8, or 7. In this article, we will explain the possible causes and provide corresponding solutions for each one, ensuring that you can successfully reset your PC without any data loss.

Causes of "Unable to Reset Your PC. A Required Drive Partition Is Missing" Error

Aside from the missing drive partition error, there's another similar and common issue that prevents you from resetting your PC, which is "the drive where Windows is installed is locked".

What do these errors imply, and how do they occur? The message "A required drive partition is missing" typically appears when attempting to perform a system reset or install a new copy of Windows 10/8/7. This error might occur due to:

• The MBR (Master Boot Record) or BCD (Boot Configuration Data) is corrupted
• There is an issue with your computer's disks
• Your system files are either missing or corrupted
• As the error message suggests, a required drive partition is absent

The solutions differ based on the specific causes. The corresponding remedy for each cause is outlined below.

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Part 1. Recover Data from Missing Partition and Backup Important Files

Applies to: Protect your data from being removed or deleted when resetting your PC.

If you want to reset PC despite the 'A required drive partition is missing' error, ensure that you've completed the two preparatory tasks outlined in this section.

#1. Recover Data from a Missing Partition

To prevent further data loss when unable to reset Windows 10/8/7, data recovery experts recommend identifying the missing partition on your PC and using a dependable tool like Data Recovery Wizard to restore lost files first.

Here, you can try using the tool Data Recovery Wizard - your reliable choice for partition data recovery. It will thoroughly scan the missing partition and locate all lost data in both Quick Scan and Deep Scan modes.

Moreover, it allows all Windows users to recover lost files from the missing partition in just 3 steps:

Step 1. Select and scan the lost partition

Launch the Data Recovery Wizard, select "Lost Partition", and click "Scan" to search for all lost data. If there are numerous lost partitions, you can identify them by their partition size.

Note: Since the Windows system does not support the Linux file system, the Ext2 or Ext3 partition will be recognized as a lost partition without a drive letter in the software. If you wish to recover data from an Ext2/Ext3 partition, please follow these steps.

Step 2. Filter the scanned results

Since there'll be many scanned files, you can choose a file category for quick filtering, like Pictures, Videos, Documents, Audio, and Others. Or, if you recall the file's name, simply look it up in the search box in the top right corner.

Step 3. Preview and recover data from the lost partition In this step, you will be able to preview the data found on the lost partition and proceed with the recovery process. 1. After the scanning is complete, a list of files and folders from the lost partition will be displayed in the software interface. 2. You can now preview the content of individual files by selecting them. This feature is particularly useful for confirming the integrity and relevance of the files before recovery. 3. Select the files or folders you wish to recover by checking the corresponding checkboxes. You may choose to recover all files or only specific ones based on your needs. 4. Choose a location to save the recovered files. It's highly recommended to save them on a different drive or external storage device to avoid overwriting any existing data. 5. Click on the "Recover" button to initiate the recovery process. The software will then retrieve the selected files and save them to the designated location. 6. Once the recovery is finished, verify the contents of the recovered files to ensure they are intact and functional. Remember that not all data may be recoverable, especially if it has been overwritten or damaged. However, using a reliable data recovery tool like tools Partition Master increases the chances of successfully restoring your lost files.

Before recovery, you can preview the file to ensure it's the data you need. Select all the required files and click "Recover" to restore them.

#2. Backup Important Files Before Resetting Your PC

Regarding resetting your PC, which will remove your files, settings, and apps, except for those that came pre-installed with your computer, it is highly recommended that you back up all essential data on your computer to an external storage device.

There are two methods you can attempt to backup your computer data:

1. Manually copy and paste files to an external hard drive. (Time-consuming)

2. Backup all data to an external hard drive in one go using reliable file backup software. (Fast & Efficient)

To save your time and effort, we recommend using file backup software like AOMEI Todo Backup. It efficiently backs up your data and occupies less space on your external hard drive.

Part 2. Fix "Unable to reset your PC. A required drive partition is missing" Error

Applies to: Fix the "Unable to reset your PC. A required drive partition is missing" error in Windows 10/8/7, Windows 10 reset failure, etc.

In this section, we've gathered practical solutions to assist you in resolving the "Unable to reset PC" error based on the causes listed at the beginning of this page:

• #1. Run the Bootrec Command to Rebuild BCD
• #2. Repair the Corrupted MBR
• #3. Run SFC (System File Checker)
• #4. Set the System Partition as Active
• #5. Run CHKDSK (Check Disk Utility)
• #6. Perform a System Restore

If you're unsure about the reasons behind the error, you can attempt the solutions below in sequence.

Method 1: Run Bootrec.exe

Bootrec, also known as bootrec.exe, is a utility tool provided by Microsoft within the Windows Recovery Environment. This tool is utilized to repair issues with the Master Boot Record (MBR), Boot Sector, Boot Configuration Data (BCD), and the boot.ini file.

If the "Reset PC failed" issue is caused by a corrupted MBR or BCD, the solution is to repair the MBR or BCD record using the bootrec tool.

Incidentally, running the bootrec.exe tool can also be helpful in resolving the "Windows is loading files" loop issue. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Insert the Windows installation disc (DVD) or a bootable USB drive into your computer.

Step 2. Restart your PC and press the "F2/F12/Del" key to access the boot menu.

Step 3. Select either the DVD or the USB disk from the boot menu.

Wait for the computer to boot into the Windows Installation or Recovery DVD.

Step 4. On the screen that appears, choose "Install Windows" and then select "Repair" your computer.

Step 5. From the repair menu, select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > "Command Prompt".

Step 6. In the command prompt that opens, type the following commands one by one:

Method 2: Rebuild MBR (Master Boot Record)

When the Master Boot Record (MBR) is corrupted on a specific partition, Windows might prevent you from resetting the computer. To rectify this issue, you'll need a robust computer management tool to reconstruct the damaged MBR.

Here, a reliable partition manager software - tools Partition Master with its "Rebuild MBR" feature can help.

Step 1. Create a WinPE bootable disk

1. Launch tools Partition Master, and click "Bootable Media" on the toolbar. Then choose "Create Bootable Media". 2. Click "Next" to complete the process.

Step 2. Boot the System using Partition Master Bootable USB

Connect the bootable USB or CD/DVD to your PC. Press F2 or Del when you restart the computer to enter the BIOS screen. Set and boot your computer from "Removable Devices" or "CD-ROM Drive". Then, the Partition Master tool will run automatically.

Step 3. Rebuild MBR

Click "Toolkit" and select "Rebuild MBR".

Select the disk and the type of MBR, then click "Rebuild".

Then, you will see "MBR has been successfully rebuilt on Disk X".

Method 3: Run System File Checker (SFC)

The error "Unable to Reset PC. A required drive partition is missing." may also occur due to missing or corrupted system files.

To your relief, the Windows System File Checker tool is capable of repairing missing or corrupted system files for you.

Here are the steps to run the tool: 1. Ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for running the tool. This typically includes having the correct operating system, sufficient processing power, and adequate memory. 2. Download the tool from a reliable source. You can usually find it on the official website or through a trusted software repository. Save the installation file to a convenient location on your computer. 3. Once the download is complete, locate the installation file and double-click on it to initiate the setup process. If prompted, choose your preferred language and agree to any terms and conditions. 4. Follow the on-screen instructions during the installation wizard. This may involve selecting the installation location, choosing additional components to install, or creating desktop shortcuts. 5. When the installation is finished, you might need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. If not, you can proceed directly to running the tool. 6. Locate the tool's icon on your desktop or in the Start menu, and click on it to launch the application. Alternatively, you can search for it using the search function provided by your operating system. 7. Depending on the tool, you may be presented with a user interface or a command-line prompt. Follow the prompts or instructions provided to start using the tool. This might involve entering specific commands, configuring settings, or loading data. 8. If the tool requires any permissions or additional software dependencies, you will be prompted to grant them or install the necessary components. 9. Once the tool is running, you can perform the intended tasks or operations according to its functionality. Be sure to refer to the tool's documentation or online help resources for guidance if needed. 10. When you're done using the tool, you can exit or close it by clicking on the appropriate option in the menu or using the standard closing methods for your operating system. Remember, these steps are general guidelines and may vary depending on the specific tool you are using. Always consult the tool's documentation or support resources for detailed instructions.

Step 1. Press the Windows + X keys, click on Search, and type cmd in the search bar.

Step 2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select "Run as Administrator".

Step 3. Type the sfc command to repair the missing or corrupted system files causing the "Unable to reset PC" error and press Enter: sfc /scannow

Run the SFC (System File Checker) command to fix the error unable to reset PC.

Method 4: Set the System Partition as Active

Only one partition can be marked as "Active," and it should be your system partition. If you incorrectly assign the active partition, your PC won't start, and you might encounter an error message stating, "Unable to reset your PC. A required drive partition is missing."

To activate your system partition, you'll first need to boot your PC from a Windows installation disc, then access the Command Prompt and use specific commands to mark the system partition as active. Follow these steps: 1. Insert the Windows installation disc into your computer's DVD drive and restart your PC. Make sure your BIOS or UEFI settings are configured to boot from the CD/DVD drive first. 2. When the Windows Setup screen appears, select your preferred language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout, then click "Next." 3. Click on "Repair your computer" located at the bottom left corner of the screen. 4. In the "Choose an option" screen, select "Troubleshoot" and then "Advanced options." 5. From the advanced options, click on "Command Prompt." 6. You will be prompted for an account to continue. Choose the "Administrator" account if available, or use the account with administrative privileges. 7. Once Command Prompt is open, type the following command and press Enter: ``` diskpart ``` 8. A new prompt will appear within Command Prompt, now type: ``` list disk ``` This will display all the disks connected to your system. 9. Identify the disk that contains your system partition (usually Disk 0). Then, type: ``` select disk ``` Replace `` with the number of the disk that has your system partition. 10. Now, type the following command to list all partitions on the selected disk: ``` list partition ``` 11. Identify the system partition (typically Partition 1 or Partition 3, depending on your setup). Type the following command, replacing `` with the number of your system partition: ``` select partition ``` 12. Finally, activate the selected partition with this command: ``` active ``` 13. Close Command Prompt by typing: ``` exit ``` 14. Restart your PC, and it should now boot from the activated system partition. If you don't have a Windows installation disc, you can create a bootable USB drive using the Media Creation Tool provided by Microsoft.

Step 1. Insert the Windows installation disc (DVD) into your PC and restart your computer.

Step 2. Press the "F2/F12/Delete" key to enter the BIOS boot menu.

Step 3. From the boot menu, select the Windows installation USB or DVD as the boot drive.

Step 4. Reboot your PC and wait for it to boot into the Windows Installation or Recovery DVD.

Step 5. When the "Install Windows" screen appears, select "Repair" your computer.

Step 6. From the repair menu, select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > "Command Prompt".

Step 7. Type the following command lines one by one and press Enter after each line to fix the "Unable to Reset PC" error:

Method 5: Run CHKDSK

Disk errors can also lead to the issue "Unable to Reset PC. A required drive partition is missing." Thankfully, CHKDSK can be utilized to check and rectify disk errors such as file system issues or bad sectors.

According to some users, running CHKDSK to fix a corrupted file system may result in some file loss. Don't worry if you've encountered the same issue; the tool Data Recovery Wizard can assist you.

Here are the steps in American English: 1. Identify the text to translate. 2. Determine the source language (e.g., Chinese) and target language (e.g., English). 3. Use a reliable translation tool or software, like Google Translate or DeepL. 4. Input the text into the translation tool. 5. Review the translated text for accuracy and context. 6. If necessary, make manual adjustments for proper grammar, sentence structure, and cultural nuances. 7. Proofread the final translation for any errors or inconsistencies. 8. Optionally, have a native speaker check the translation for authenticity. Example of translating a short sentence: Chinese (Source Language): 我喜欢吃苹果。 English (Target Language): I like eating apples.

Step 1. Follow Steps 1 through 6 (as demonstrated in Method 1 or Method 4) to boot your PC from the installation media.

Step 2. Choose to repair your computer.

Step 4. Click "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > Select "Command Prompt".

Step 5. Type the command chkdsk c: /f and press Enter.

If that doesn't work, type chkdsk C: /f /x /r and press Enter. (Replace "c" with the drive letter of the volume you want to check).

Method 6: Perform a System Restore

If the above five methods all fail to fix the error "Unable to Reset PC. A required drive partition is missing," your last option is to restore your system to an earlier point.

To achieve this, you'll still need the assistance of a Windows installation USB or DVD:

Step 1. Insert the Windows installation USB and restart your PC.

Step 2. Enter BIOS and set your PC to boot from the Windows installation media USB.

Step 3. On the Windows Install window, select "Repair your computer".

Step 4. Select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > "System Restore".

Step 5. Select a previous working state (data) to restore on your computer.

Step 6. Wait for Windows to restore your system. Then restart your computer.

After this, your computer is now running on a previous healthy version of Windows, and everything should function normally, just as it did before the "Reset PC" operation.

Part 3. How to Reset Your PC After Fixing the "Unable to Reset PC" Error

If you still wish to reset your computer after resolving the "Unable to reset your PC. A required partition is missing" error, kindly follow these steps sequentially, and you will be able to successfully reset your computer independently:

Here's how to easily reset your Laptop/PC in Windows 10/8/7: 1. **Windows 10/8:** - Click the Start button. - Select "Settings" (the gear icon). - In Settings, choose "Update & Security." - From the left side, click "Recovery." - Under "Reset this PC," hit "Get started." - Choose if you wanna keep your personal files or nuke everything. - Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the reset. 2. **Windows 7:** - Click the Start button. - Go to "Control Panel." - Choose "System and Security." - Click "Backup and Restore." - In the left panel, select "恢复系统设置或您的计算机." - Hit "Next." - For a fresh start, choose "删除所有内容" (Remove all files and clean drive), or pick "仅删除我的文件" (Keep my files) to keep personal stuff. - Follow the prompts to complete the reset. Remember, resetting deletes data, so back up any important files first, okay?

Step 1. Right-click the Start or Windows icon, and select "Settings > Update & security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get started."

Step 2. Choose either "Keep my files" or "Remove everything".

If you didn't back up any data, select "Keep my files" to keep your data files intact.

In either case, all your settings will revert to default, and apps will be uninstalled.

Step 3. If you selected "Remove everything" in the previous step, choose either "Just the drive where Windows is installed" or "All drives."

Step 4. If you're selling the computer, choose "Remove files and clean the drive." This ensures that the next user won't be able to recover your deleted files.

If you'll continue using the computer, choose "Just remove my files."

Step 5. Click "Reset" when prompted.

Windows will then restart and take 20 minutes or more to reset itself.

Wait patiently for the entire process to complete and for your computer to restart successfully. If your computer is functioning normally, you can then restore the backed-up data to a data drive to utilize them again.

Bottom line.

Occasionally, you might need to reset your PC when encountering severe issues on your computer. If you encounter the error "Unable to Reset PC. A required drive partition is missing" during the process, don't worry. To resolve this problem, we recommend using data recovery software tools to restore lost data from the missing partition.

Then, you can try the 6 practical methods above to fix the issue successfully without losing any data. After resolving the error, you can proceed with resetting your computer, getting it back to normal operation. Remember to backup your valuable files using free backup software before performing any operation.