UEFI not recognising EFI partition: no booting options












0















I messed up the EFI partition and now when I boot my computer it opens the BIOS interface without any boot option, as if my disk has been erased.
However using a live USB (which is correctly recognised and booted) and using grub command line I've been able to boot my principal OS (Ubuntu).
However I don't know how to fix this problem.
I've tried running grub-install /dev/sda but it didn't changed anything.



The EFI partition seems completely fine: it has the correct flag (esp, boot) and there are all the correct files inside.



tree /boot/efi/
└── EFI
├── Boot
│ └── bootx64.efi
├── Microsoft
│ ├── Boot
│ .....
└── ubuntu
├── fbx64.efi
├── fw
├── fwupx64.efi
├── grub.cfg
├── grubx64.efi
├── mmx64.efi
└── shimx64.efi


What I should check? What I'm missing?



This is my partition table:



parted /dev/sda print
Model: ATA Crucial_CT525MX3 (scsi)
Disk /dev/sda: 525GB
Sector size (logical/physical): 512B/512B
Partition Table: gpt
Disk Flags:
Number Start End Size File system Name Flags
1 1049kB 1612MB 1611MB fat32 EFI System Partition boot, esp
2 1612MB 87.9GB 86.3GB ext4 Ubuntu
3 87.9GB 281GB 193GB ext4 Home
5 290GB 290GB 16.8MB Microsoft reserved partition msftres
6 290GB 405GB 115GB ntfs Basic data partition msftdata
8 405GB 500GB 94.4GB ntfs Data msftdata
9 500GB 525GB 25.3GB ext4 Backup OS









share|improve this question

























  • Can you post the output from parted /dev/sda print plz?

    – 0xSheepdog
    Apr 20 '17 at 22:12











  • @0xSheepdog I added it

    – skdys
    Apr 20 '17 at 22:17
















0















I messed up the EFI partition and now when I boot my computer it opens the BIOS interface without any boot option, as if my disk has been erased.
However using a live USB (which is correctly recognised and booted) and using grub command line I've been able to boot my principal OS (Ubuntu).
However I don't know how to fix this problem.
I've tried running grub-install /dev/sda but it didn't changed anything.



The EFI partition seems completely fine: it has the correct flag (esp, boot) and there are all the correct files inside.



tree /boot/efi/
└── EFI
├── Boot
│ └── bootx64.efi
├── Microsoft
│ ├── Boot
│ .....
└── ubuntu
├── fbx64.efi
├── fw
├── fwupx64.efi
├── grub.cfg
├── grubx64.efi
├── mmx64.efi
└── shimx64.efi


What I should check? What I'm missing?



This is my partition table:



parted /dev/sda print
Model: ATA Crucial_CT525MX3 (scsi)
Disk /dev/sda: 525GB
Sector size (logical/physical): 512B/512B
Partition Table: gpt
Disk Flags:
Number Start End Size File system Name Flags
1 1049kB 1612MB 1611MB fat32 EFI System Partition boot, esp
2 1612MB 87.9GB 86.3GB ext4 Ubuntu
3 87.9GB 281GB 193GB ext4 Home
5 290GB 290GB 16.8MB Microsoft reserved partition msftres
6 290GB 405GB 115GB ntfs Basic data partition msftdata
8 405GB 500GB 94.4GB ntfs Data msftdata
9 500GB 525GB 25.3GB ext4 Backup OS









share|improve this question

























  • Can you post the output from parted /dev/sda print plz?

    – 0xSheepdog
    Apr 20 '17 at 22:12











  • @0xSheepdog I added it

    – skdys
    Apr 20 '17 at 22:17














0












0








0








I messed up the EFI partition and now when I boot my computer it opens the BIOS interface without any boot option, as if my disk has been erased.
However using a live USB (which is correctly recognised and booted) and using grub command line I've been able to boot my principal OS (Ubuntu).
However I don't know how to fix this problem.
I've tried running grub-install /dev/sda but it didn't changed anything.



The EFI partition seems completely fine: it has the correct flag (esp, boot) and there are all the correct files inside.



tree /boot/efi/
└── EFI
├── Boot
│ └── bootx64.efi
├── Microsoft
│ ├── Boot
│ .....
└── ubuntu
├── fbx64.efi
├── fw
├── fwupx64.efi
├── grub.cfg
├── grubx64.efi
├── mmx64.efi
└── shimx64.efi


What I should check? What I'm missing?



This is my partition table:



parted /dev/sda print
Model: ATA Crucial_CT525MX3 (scsi)
Disk /dev/sda: 525GB
Sector size (logical/physical): 512B/512B
Partition Table: gpt
Disk Flags:
Number Start End Size File system Name Flags
1 1049kB 1612MB 1611MB fat32 EFI System Partition boot, esp
2 1612MB 87.9GB 86.3GB ext4 Ubuntu
3 87.9GB 281GB 193GB ext4 Home
5 290GB 290GB 16.8MB Microsoft reserved partition msftres
6 290GB 405GB 115GB ntfs Basic data partition msftdata
8 405GB 500GB 94.4GB ntfs Data msftdata
9 500GB 525GB 25.3GB ext4 Backup OS









share|improve this question
















I messed up the EFI partition and now when I boot my computer it opens the BIOS interface without any boot option, as if my disk has been erased.
However using a live USB (which is correctly recognised and booted) and using grub command line I've been able to boot my principal OS (Ubuntu).
However I don't know how to fix this problem.
I've tried running grub-install /dev/sda but it didn't changed anything.



The EFI partition seems completely fine: it has the correct flag (esp, boot) and there are all the correct files inside.



tree /boot/efi/
└── EFI
├── Boot
│ └── bootx64.efi
├── Microsoft
│ ├── Boot
│ .....
└── ubuntu
├── fbx64.efi
├── fw
├── fwupx64.efi
├── grub.cfg
├── grubx64.efi
├── mmx64.efi
└── shimx64.efi


What I should check? What I'm missing?



This is my partition table:



parted /dev/sda print
Model: ATA Crucial_CT525MX3 (scsi)
Disk /dev/sda: 525GB
Sector size (logical/physical): 512B/512B
Partition Table: gpt
Disk Flags:
Number Start End Size File system Name Flags
1 1049kB 1612MB 1611MB fat32 EFI System Partition boot, esp
2 1612MB 87.9GB 86.3GB ext4 Ubuntu
3 87.9GB 281GB 193GB ext4 Home
5 290GB 290GB 16.8MB Microsoft reserved partition msftres
6 290GB 405GB 115GB ntfs Basic data partition msftdata
8 405GB 500GB 94.4GB ntfs Data msftdata
9 500GB 525GB 25.3GB ext4 Backup OS






boot grub2 uefi






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share|improve this question








edited Apr 20 '17 at 22:16







skdys

















asked Apr 20 '17 at 21:20









skdysskdys

10114




10114













  • Can you post the output from parted /dev/sda print plz?

    – 0xSheepdog
    Apr 20 '17 at 22:12











  • @0xSheepdog I added it

    – skdys
    Apr 20 '17 at 22:17



















  • Can you post the output from parted /dev/sda print plz?

    – 0xSheepdog
    Apr 20 '17 at 22:12











  • @0xSheepdog I added it

    – skdys
    Apr 20 '17 at 22:17

















Can you post the output from parted /dev/sda print plz?

– 0xSheepdog
Apr 20 '17 at 22:12





Can you post the output from parted /dev/sda print plz?

– 0xSheepdog
Apr 20 '17 at 22:12













@0xSheepdog I added it

– skdys
Apr 20 '17 at 22:17





@0xSheepdog I added it

– skdys
Apr 20 '17 at 22:17










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes


















0














My guess is your EFI system variables aren't being set to point to the right bootloader. The program you want to check this is efibootmgr. This will show you all of the boot entries stored in NVRAM.



In theory, grub-install should handle this, but you may not be passing the right options. This sample command SHOULD work:



grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=ESP_MOUNT_PATH --bootloader-id=grub


Change ESP_MOUNT_PATH to the path of your EFI dir.



If this doesn't work, you can try using efibootmgr directly:



efibootmgr --create --disk /dev/sda --part 1 --loader /EFI/ubuntu/grubx64.efi --label "GRUB"


I think on some systems you may have to use /EFI/ubuntu/shimx64.efi. So try something like this and see what works.






share|improve this answer
























  • I've tried both the commands: they worked correctly (the second had created a new boot entry which i can display trough efibootmgr ) however when I turn on my pc I get to the BIOS screen with no boot options

    – skdys
    Apr 21 '17 at 9:46











  • Couple things: * it LOOKS ok, but can you print /dev/sda's partition table in gdisk, to make sure that has the correct partition type: EF00? * Also, check in your BIOS settings for things like 'Legacy Boot', or CSM (Compatability Support Module) - try disabling those, to force the BIOS to ONLY go for GPT/EFI boot, and totally skip its MBR booting logic - see if that helps. * Do you have any other hard drives, that may have another EFI system partition on them?

    – ceezy
    Apr 21 '17 at 22:06





















0














I resolved the problem simply formatting the partition (FAT32 with boot flag as obviously), mounting it and running grub-install. Then I had only to update the UUID in /etc/fstab. For Windows I had to use a USB with the installer and use the utility bcdboot to rewrite the EFI.






share|improve this answer































    0














    There is another issue that can cause this, which I have recently hit.



    To detect this issue, boot from a Linux live and run gdisk /dev/sd[whatever-your-disk-is] , usually /dev/sda or /dev/sdb or /dev/sdc .



    Give the p command to ensure you see the right list of partitions (if not, this might not be your disk).



    Then give the v command. And it might respond with this:



    Warning: The 0xEE protective partition in the MBR is marked as active. This is
    technically a violation of the GPT specification, and can cause some EFIs to
    ignore the disk, but it is required to boot from a GPT disk on some BIOS-based
    computers. You can clear this flag by creating a fresh protective MBR using
    the 'n' option on the experts' menu.


    If this is the response, use the commands: e, n, w. Then reboot and you might have your EFI back!






    share|improve this answer























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      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

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      3 Answers
      3






      active

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      active

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      0














      My guess is your EFI system variables aren't being set to point to the right bootloader. The program you want to check this is efibootmgr. This will show you all of the boot entries stored in NVRAM.



      In theory, grub-install should handle this, but you may not be passing the right options. This sample command SHOULD work:



      grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=ESP_MOUNT_PATH --bootloader-id=grub


      Change ESP_MOUNT_PATH to the path of your EFI dir.



      If this doesn't work, you can try using efibootmgr directly:



      efibootmgr --create --disk /dev/sda --part 1 --loader /EFI/ubuntu/grubx64.efi --label "GRUB"


      I think on some systems you may have to use /EFI/ubuntu/shimx64.efi. So try something like this and see what works.






      share|improve this answer
























      • I've tried both the commands: they worked correctly (the second had created a new boot entry which i can display trough efibootmgr ) however when I turn on my pc I get to the BIOS screen with no boot options

        – skdys
        Apr 21 '17 at 9:46











      • Couple things: * it LOOKS ok, but can you print /dev/sda's partition table in gdisk, to make sure that has the correct partition type: EF00? * Also, check in your BIOS settings for things like 'Legacy Boot', or CSM (Compatability Support Module) - try disabling those, to force the BIOS to ONLY go for GPT/EFI boot, and totally skip its MBR booting logic - see if that helps. * Do you have any other hard drives, that may have another EFI system partition on them?

        – ceezy
        Apr 21 '17 at 22:06


















      0














      My guess is your EFI system variables aren't being set to point to the right bootloader. The program you want to check this is efibootmgr. This will show you all of the boot entries stored in NVRAM.



      In theory, grub-install should handle this, but you may not be passing the right options. This sample command SHOULD work:



      grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=ESP_MOUNT_PATH --bootloader-id=grub


      Change ESP_MOUNT_PATH to the path of your EFI dir.



      If this doesn't work, you can try using efibootmgr directly:



      efibootmgr --create --disk /dev/sda --part 1 --loader /EFI/ubuntu/grubx64.efi --label "GRUB"


      I think on some systems you may have to use /EFI/ubuntu/shimx64.efi. So try something like this and see what works.






      share|improve this answer
























      • I've tried both the commands: they worked correctly (the second had created a new boot entry which i can display trough efibootmgr ) however when I turn on my pc I get to the BIOS screen with no boot options

        – skdys
        Apr 21 '17 at 9:46











      • Couple things: * it LOOKS ok, but can you print /dev/sda's partition table in gdisk, to make sure that has the correct partition type: EF00? * Also, check in your BIOS settings for things like 'Legacy Boot', or CSM (Compatability Support Module) - try disabling those, to force the BIOS to ONLY go for GPT/EFI boot, and totally skip its MBR booting logic - see if that helps. * Do you have any other hard drives, that may have another EFI system partition on them?

        – ceezy
        Apr 21 '17 at 22:06
















      0












      0








      0







      My guess is your EFI system variables aren't being set to point to the right bootloader. The program you want to check this is efibootmgr. This will show you all of the boot entries stored in NVRAM.



      In theory, grub-install should handle this, but you may not be passing the right options. This sample command SHOULD work:



      grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=ESP_MOUNT_PATH --bootloader-id=grub


      Change ESP_MOUNT_PATH to the path of your EFI dir.



      If this doesn't work, you can try using efibootmgr directly:



      efibootmgr --create --disk /dev/sda --part 1 --loader /EFI/ubuntu/grubx64.efi --label "GRUB"


      I think on some systems you may have to use /EFI/ubuntu/shimx64.efi. So try something like this and see what works.






      share|improve this answer













      My guess is your EFI system variables aren't being set to point to the right bootloader. The program you want to check this is efibootmgr. This will show you all of the boot entries stored in NVRAM.



      In theory, grub-install should handle this, but you may not be passing the right options. This sample command SHOULD work:



      grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=ESP_MOUNT_PATH --bootloader-id=grub


      Change ESP_MOUNT_PATH to the path of your EFI dir.



      If this doesn't work, you can try using efibootmgr directly:



      efibootmgr --create --disk /dev/sda --part 1 --loader /EFI/ubuntu/grubx64.efi --label "GRUB"


      I think on some systems you may have to use /EFI/ubuntu/shimx64.efi. So try something like this and see what works.







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Apr 20 '17 at 23:08









      ceezyceezy

      5112




      5112













      • I've tried both the commands: they worked correctly (the second had created a new boot entry which i can display trough efibootmgr ) however when I turn on my pc I get to the BIOS screen with no boot options

        – skdys
        Apr 21 '17 at 9:46











      • Couple things: * it LOOKS ok, but can you print /dev/sda's partition table in gdisk, to make sure that has the correct partition type: EF00? * Also, check in your BIOS settings for things like 'Legacy Boot', or CSM (Compatability Support Module) - try disabling those, to force the BIOS to ONLY go for GPT/EFI boot, and totally skip its MBR booting logic - see if that helps. * Do you have any other hard drives, that may have another EFI system partition on them?

        – ceezy
        Apr 21 '17 at 22:06





















      • I've tried both the commands: they worked correctly (the second had created a new boot entry which i can display trough efibootmgr ) however when I turn on my pc I get to the BIOS screen with no boot options

        – skdys
        Apr 21 '17 at 9:46











      • Couple things: * it LOOKS ok, but can you print /dev/sda's partition table in gdisk, to make sure that has the correct partition type: EF00? * Also, check in your BIOS settings for things like 'Legacy Boot', or CSM (Compatability Support Module) - try disabling those, to force the BIOS to ONLY go for GPT/EFI boot, and totally skip its MBR booting logic - see if that helps. * Do you have any other hard drives, that may have another EFI system partition on them?

        – ceezy
        Apr 21 '17 at 22:06



















      I've tried both the commands: they worked correctly (the second had created a new boot entry which i can display trough efibootmgr ) however when I turn on my pc I get to the BIOS screen with no boot options

      – skdys
      Apr 21 '17 at 9:46





      I've tried both the commands: they worked correctly (the second had created a new boot entry which i can display trough efibootmgr ) however when I turn on my pc I get to the BIOS screen with no boot options

      – skdys
      Apr 21 '17 at 9:46













      Couple things: * it LOOKS ok, but can you print /dev/sda's partition table in gdisk, to make sure that has the correct partition type: EF00? * Also, check in your BIOS settings for things like 'Legacy Boot', or CSM (Compatability Support Module) - try disabling those, to force the BIOS to ONLY go for GPT/EFI boot, and totally skip its MBR booting logic - see if that helps. * Do you have any other hard drives, that may have another EFI system partition on them?

      – ceezy
      Apr 21 '17 at 22:06







      Couple things: * it LOOKS ok, but can you print /dev/sda's partition table in gdisk, to make sure that has the correct partition type: EF00? * Also, check in your BIOS settings for things like 'Legacy Boot', or CSM (Compatability Support Module) - try disabling those, to force the BIOS to ONLY go for GPT/EFI boot, and totally skip its MBR booting logic - see if that helps. * Do you have any other hard drives, that may have another EFI system partition on them?

      – ceezy
      Apr 21 '17 at 22:06















      0














      I resolved the problem simply formatting the partition (FAT32 with boot flag as obviously), mounting it and running grub-install. Then I had only to update the UUID in /etc/fstab. For Windows I had to use a USB with the installer and use the utility bcdboot to rewrite the EFI.






      share|improve this answer




























        0














        I resolved the problem simply formatting the partition (FAT32 with boot flag as obviously), mounting it and running grub-install. Then I had only to update the UUID in /etc/fstab. For Windows I had to use a USB with the installer and use the utility bcdboot to rewrite the EFI.






        share|improve this answer


























          0












          0








          0







          I resolved the problem simply formatting the partition (FAT32 with boot flag as obviously), mounting it and running grub-install. Then I had only to update the UUID in /etc/fstab. For Windows I had to use a USB with the installer and use the utility bcdboot to rewrite the EFI.






          share|improve this answer













          I resolved the problem simply formatting the partition (FAT32 with boot flag as obviously), mounting it and running grub-install. Then I had only to update the UUID in /etc/fstab. For Windows I had to use a USB with the installer and use the utility bcdboot to rewrite the EFI.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered Apr 22 '17 at 8:36









          skdysskdys

          10114




          10114























              0














              There is another issue that can cause this, which I have recently hit.



              To detect this issue, boot from a Linux live and run gdisk /dev/sd[whatever-your-disk-is] , usually /dev/sda or /dev/sdb or /dev/sdc .



              Give the p command to ensure you see the right list of partitions (if not, this might not be your disk).



              Then give the v command. And it might respond with this:



              Warning: The 0xEE protective partition in the MBR is marked as active. This is
              technically a violation of the GPT specification, and can cause some EFIs to
              ignore the disk, but it is required to boot from a GPT disk on some BIOS-based
              computers. You can clear this flag by creating a fresh protective MBR using
              the 'n' option on the experts' menu.


              If this is the response, use the commands: e, n, w. Then reboot and you might have your EFI back!






              share|improve this answer




























                0














                There is another issue that can cause this, which I have recently hit.



                To detect this issue, boot from a Linux live and run gdisk /dev/sd[whatever-your-disk-is] , usually /dev/sda or /dev/sdb or /dev/sdc .



                Give the p command to ensure you see the right list of partitions (if not, this might not be your disk).



                Then give the v command. And it might respond with this:



                Warning: The 0xEE protective partition in the MBR is marked as active. This is
                technically a violation of the GPT specification, and can cause some EFIs to
                ignore the disk, but it is required to boot from a GPT disk on some BIOS-based
                computers. You can clear this flag by creating a fresh protective MBR using
                the 'n' option on the experts' menu.


                If this is the response, use the commands: e, n, w. Then reboot and you might have your EFI back!






                share|improve this answer


























                  0












                  0








                  0







                  There is another issue that can cause this, which I have recently hit.



                  To detect this issue, boot from a Linux live and run gdisk /dev/sd[whatever-your-disk-is] , usually /dev/sda or /dev/sdb or /dev/sdc .



                  Give the p command to ensure you see the right list of partitions (if not, this might not be your disk).



                  Then give the v command. And it might respond with this:



                  Warning: The 0xEE protective partition in the MBR is marked as active. This is
                  technically a violation of the GPT specification, and can cause some EFIs to
                  ignore the disk, but it is required to boot from a GPT disk on some BIOS-based
                  computers. You can clear this flag by creating a fresh protective MBR using
                  the 'n' option on the experts' menu.


                  If this is the response, use the commands: e, n, w. Then reboot and you might have your EFI back!






                  share|improve this answer













                  There is another issue that can cause this, which I have recently hit.



                  To detect this issue, boot from a Linux live and run gdisk /dev/sd[whatever-your-disk-is] , usually /dev/sda or /dev/sdb or /dev/sdc .



                  Give the p command to ensure you see the right list of partitions (if not, this might not be your disk).



                  Then give the v command. And it might respond with this:



                  Warning: The 0xEE protective partition in the MBR is marked as active. This is
                  technically a violation of the GPT specification, and can cause some EFIs to
                  ignore the disk, but it is required to boot from a GPT disk on some BIOS-based
                  computers. You can clear this flag by creating a fresh protective MBR using
                  the 'n' option on the experts' menu.


                  If this is the response, use the commands: e, n, w. Then reboot and you might have your EFI back!







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered 23 mins ago









                  Mikhail RamendikMikhail Ramendik

                  19610




                  19610






























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