How To Fix “Volume Corrupt” Error on Ubuntu Dual Boot with Windows

When dual-booting Ubuntu with Windows, you may encounter a “Volume Corrupt” error. This error indicates a problem with the EFI partition, which is essential for booting your operating system. This issue can occur due to various reasons, such as a Windows update or system changes. This article will guide you through several methods to resolve this issue, including using the Boot Repair tool, manually rebuilding the EFI partition, and reinstalling Ubuntu.

Back Up Your Data

Before proceeding with any of the solutions, it is crucial to back up any important files from both your Ubuntu and Windows systems to an external hard drive. This step is necessary to prevent data loss in case anything goes wrong during the repair process.

Method 1: Using Boot Repair

Boot Repair is a simple tool to repair frequent boot issues you may encounter in Ubuntu, such as when you can’t boot Ubuntu after installing Windows or another Linux distribution. Here’s how to use it:

1. Boot your computer using a Ubuntu Live DVD/USB.
2. Open a terminal window. You can do this by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
3. Run the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:yannubuntu/boot-repair -y && sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install boot-repair -y && sudo boot-repair

This command does the following:

• sudo add-apt-repository ppa:yannubuntu/boot-repair -y adds the Boot Repair repository to your system.
• sudo apt-get update updates your system’s package list.
• sudo apt-get install boot-repair -y installs Boot Repair.
• sudo boot-repair launches Boot Repair.

4. Follow the recommended options provided by Boot Repair to repair the EFI partition.
5. Restart your computer and select the Ubuntu boot option.

Method 2: Manually Rebuilding the EFI Partition

If the Boot Repair tool didn’t fix the issue, you could try manually rebuilding the EFI partition. This process requires advanced knowledge and should be done with caution.

1. Boot your computer using a Ubuntu Live DVD/USB.
2. Open a terminal window.
3. Identify the EFI partition using the sudo fdisk -l command. This command lists all partitions on your system. The EFI partition is usually a FAT partition.
4. Run the following command:

sudo fsck.fat -a /dev/XXXX

Replace XXXX with the appropriate partition name. The -a option automatically repairs the filesystem.

5. If the above command does not fix the issue, you may need to manually rebuild the EFI partition. This process can be complex and requires advanced knowledge. It is recommended to seek assistance from a knowledgeable person or consult official documentation.

Method 3: Reinstalling Ubuntu

If the above solutions do not work, you can consider reinstalling Ubuntu.

1. Boot your computer using a Ubuntu Live DVD/USB.
2. Follow the installation process and choose the option to reinstall Ubuntu.
3. During the installation, make sure to select the existing Ubuntu partition without formatting it.
4. Complete the installation and restart your computer.

Conclusion

The “Volume Corrupt” error on Ubuntu dual boot with Windows can be a daunting issue to face, but with the right tools and steps, you can resolve it. Remember to back up your data before attempting any fixes and consult official documentation or seek professional assistance if you’re unsure about any steps.