The disk partition containing hardware-specific files that Windows requires to boot successfully is termed as System partition. This partition must always be set as active. A Windows Vista running computer requires a valid system partition to boot. By valid it means, the partition that contains all required system files. If any of these files goes missing or gets corrupt, a computer may start on-disk Win RE (Windows Recovery Environment) instead of Windows Vista. Such fail-overs cause inescapable situations of repairing Windows installation or using the latest backup as Windows loses the capability to boot. However, if all the measures fail, you can safely use a Windows Data Recovery product to recover the lost data.

As an example, you can consider a scenario when you try to start a Windows Vista-based computer. The system may fail to boot and get forced to start in Windows Recovery Environment. You attempt to repair by using Startup Repair option, but this too fails with an error as below:

“The partition table does not have a valid System Partition.”

Cause

The error suggests that the system partition that is listed in disk partition table does not contain the system files that Windows Vista requires.

The Startup Repair typically fails to repair when the error root from malfunctioning hardware, logon issues, malicious software or Windows upgrades.

Solution

To solve this issue, you should apply the fixes like:

You should try to replace the missing or corrupt system files with a backup copy. You can boot the computer manually by using Windows installation CD and run the Startup Repair. You can also use System Restore option that rolls the system state back to last working If it still displays the aforementioned partition error, you need to reformat and reinstall Windows. Restore the lost data from the last backup.

For full data restoration, backup must be complete and clean. If not, you can use a Windows <a href=http://www.stellarinfo.com/partition-recovery.htm>Partition Recovery </a>tool. These disk-scanning utilities can salvage the lost data back in original condition quickly and easily. However, you are recommended to apply these Windows Data Recovery applications before reformatting the disk.

Stellar Phoenix Windows <a href=http://www.stellarinfo.com/>Data Recovery software</A>is a reliable and efficient solution for partitions created with Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2003 and 2000. The comprehensive Windows Partition Recovery utility uses intensive scanning algorithms. The tool is available with a graphically-rich interface that provides hassle-free recovery. It features options like Disk Cloning, Disk Imaging, Drive Status etc.