EDIT: So after all that, I was able to reinstall windows and download Macrium reflect + my backup. First time I tried to recover it, it failed for some reason, but the second time around I was able to restore it successfully. I’m now back where I started, thank you everyone!

I’m not done with Linux yet, but I think I’m going to try and run it in a good VM for the time being. When I’m done with classes, or when I get a separate device, I will give it another go.

Post 1: https://lemmy.ca/post/3709382

Post 2: https://lemmy.ca/post/3863438

Yesterday I could at least change the order in the BIOS to boot windows. Now I can’t even do that.

I think when reinstalling, I must have overwritten something (the EFI?). I saw some other people that had a very similar experience, and the advice was to reinstall Windows. I’m currently downloading Windows installation media on another computer and I’m going to try and reinstall windows now.

This just keeps getting worse and worse, and thank you for the help while I struggle through this.

If anyone has other tips, I’d appreciate it :)

  • Otter@lemmy.caOPEnglish
    82·
    1 year ago

    If I can get back Windows, I think I’m going to cut my loses and just use Linux in a VM or through WSL. Maybe someday when I get a new separate device, I can try learning again.

    At least I have a week before classes start again to get this sorted out :')

    • giloronfoo@beehaw.org
      7·
      1 year ago

      Is the windows partition is still there? You may be able to use one of the repair options from the install media to re-add windows to EFI instead of a full reinstall.

      • Otter@lemmy.caOPEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        Yes the partition was still there, and I tried all the different repair options just now, but they all refused unfortunately.

        I’m mentally prepared for a full wipe, even assuming my macrium reflect backup didn’t work. Most of my important stuff is saved to google drive, and I can reinstall my games and download my movies / tv again.

        Anything else probably wasn’t important enough :(