The BCD Store file is usually located in the Boot folder of a Windows 7/8.1/10 OS's System Reserved partition; which in many cases will not even have a drive letter assigned to it. So if you really want to see where these system files are located, you'll first need to go into Disk Management and give that partition a drive letter. (Note: Some OS distributions, such as the 'Embedded Standard' editions, do not have a separate System Reserved partition.) Apart from possibly needing to add a drive letter, all system files are by default hidden from view, so you'll also need to change the Folder Settings to show hidden system files. But, since the BCD file is kept open by the OS, you wouldn't be able to open it to look at it anyway! However, you can use the BCDEDIT program to make a backup copy of the BCD file which you can then open with a hex editor (to see everything) or even NOTEPAD (to see all the readable characters). [Contents of a real BCD file are linked below.]
If you enter "bcdedit" at a simple Command Prompt window, you'll probably see:
The boot configuration data store could not be opened. Access is denied. |
Because you need Administrator privileges to access the BCD file with BCDEDIT. So, be sure to run the Command Prompt
using a RIGHT-CLICK and selecting:
("Run as administrator").
The following is what you would typically see when entering the command bcdedit all by itself:
C:\>bcdedit
Windows Boot Manager
--------------------
identifier {bootmgr}
device partition=\Device\HarddiskVolume1
description Windows Boot Manager
locale en-US
inherit {globalsettings}
default {current}
resumeobject {ad68f292-2870-11e3-9c80-856fbacd7f33}
displayorder {current}
toolsdisplayorder {memdiag}
timeout 30
Windows Boot Loader
-------------------
identifier {current}
device partition=C:
path \Windows\system32\winload.exe
description Windows 7
locale en-US
inherit {bootloadersettings}
recoverysequence {ad68f294-2870-11e3-9c80-856fbacd7f33}
recoveryenabled Yes
osdevice partition=C:
systemroot \Windows
resumeobject {ad68f292-2870-11e3-9c80-856fbacd7f33}
nx OptIn |
Note that the Boot Manager program (bootmgr) is often located in a volume without a drive letter, such as in this example, but it could have one. If there were only one partition on the drive, then it would appear in the C: partition.
The following is a dump of a Windows™ 7/8 (or Vista) Administrator console (Command Prompt window) after entering "help bcdedit" ("bcdedit /?" will give the same):
BCDEDIT - Boot Configuration Data Store Editor
The Bcdedit.exe command-line tool modifies the boot configuration data store.
The boot configuration data store contains boot configuration parameters and
controls how the operating system is booted. These parameters were previously
in the Boot.ini file (in BIOS-based operating systems) or in the nonvolatile
RAM entries (in Extensible Firmware Interface-based operating systems). You can
use Bcdedit.exe to add, delete, edit, and append entries in the boot
configuration data store.
For detailed command and option information, type bcdedit.exe /? <command>. For
example, to display detailed information about the /createstore command, type:
bcdedit.exe /? /createstore
For an alphabetical list of topics in this help file, run "bcdedit /? TOPICS".
Commands that operate on a store
================================
/createstore Creates a new and empty boot configuration data store.
/export Exports the contents of the system store to a file. This file
can be used later to restore the state of the system store.
/import Restores the state of the system store using a backup file
created with the /export command.
Commands that operate on entries in a store
===========================================
/copy Makes copies of entries in the store.
/create Creates new entries in the store.
/delete Deletes entries from the store.
Run bcdedit /? ID for information about identifiers used by these commands.
Commands that operate on entry options
======================================
/deletevalue Deletes entry options from the store.
/set Sets entry option values in the store.
Run bcdedit /? TYPES for a list of datatypes used by these commands.
Run bcdedit /? FORMATS for a list of valid data formats.
Commands that control output
============================
/enum Lists entries in the store.
/v Command-line option that displays entry identifiers in full,
rather than using names for well-known identifiers.
Use /v by itself as a command to display entry identifiers
in full for the ACTIVE type.
Running "bcdedit" by itself is equivalent to running "bcdedit /enum ACTIVE".
Commands that control the boot manager
======================================
/bootsequence Sets the one-time boot sequence for the boot manager.
/default Sets the default entry that the boot manager will use.
/displayorder Sets the order in which the boot manager displays the
multiboot menu.
/timeout Sets the boot manager time-out value.
/toolsdisplayorder Sets the order in which the boot manager displays
the tools menu.
Commands that control Emergency Management Services for a boot application
==========================================================================
/bootems Enables or disables Emergency Management Services
for a boot application.
/ems Enables or disables Emergency Management Services for an
operating system entry.
/emssettings Sets the global Emergency Management Services parameters.
Command that control debugging
==============================
/bootdebug Enables or disables boot debugging for a boot application.
/dbgsettings Sets the global debugger parameters.
/debug Enables or disables kernel debugging for an operating system
entry. |
Note: What you see above is exactly how a Vista/Win7/8 display appears; and, yes, the word "Command" in the last heading was spelled wrong by Microsoft, it should be plural (Commands) just like all the others. And if there really was only one, then the word "control" should have had an 's' after it! This was still true for a Windows 7 SP1 install we examined, and even Windows 8.1. Is this a case of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"? Apparently, the cost of qualifying a revised program outweighs this grammatical error.
And even though Windows™ 10 added six new commands (shown in white below), they doubled the same grammatical error (shown in red). Now it's incorrect for both of the last two command types:
Finding a specific Keith Jarrett "Shenandoah" PDF usually involves looking for transcriptions of his famous encore from the 1996 album The Melody at Night, With You.
Since Jarrett’s performance is largely improvisational and based on a traditional folk song, you will find a few different types of content: Top Resources for Sheet Music
Official Transcriptions: Jarrett’s official publisher, Schott Music, occasionally releases authorized transcriptions. It is worth checking their official catalog to see if "Shenandoah" is included in a collected volume of his arrangements.
Musescore (Community Transcriptions): This is the most common place to find high-quality user-generated PDFs. Search for "Keith Jarrett Shenandoah" on Musescore.com to find versions that capture his specific voicings and rubato style.
Jazz Transcription Sites: Websites like Transcriptions.com or individual jazz blogs often host PDFs of Jarrett’s solo piano works. These are typically created by ear by professional pianists. Learning the Keith Jarrett Style
If you are looking to play it like he does, the "content" you need goes beyond the notes on the page:
Harmonic Analysis: Jarrett's version is famous for its triadic gospel-inflected harmonies and "inner voice" movement. Instead of standard jazz 7th chords, he uses many "add2" and "sus" chords.
The 1996 Recording: The definitive version is on The Melody at Night, With You. Listening to the phrasing—especially how he delays the melody—is more important than the PDF itself.
YouTube Tutorials: Search for "Keith Jarrett Shenandoah piano tutorial." Several pianists break down the specific fingerings and the "rolling" left-hand technique he uses to keep the song flowing without a strict tempo. Quick Tip on Searching
When searching for the PDF, use terms like "Keith Jarrett Shenandoah transcription" rather than just "PDF" to find more academic and accurate musical scores.
Keith Jarrett ’s solo piano version of the American folk song " Shenandoah " is primarily known from his 1999 album The Melody at Night, With You
. The performance is celebrated for its stripped-down, hymn-like quality, recorded during Jarrett’s recovery from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). ECM Records Performance Characteristics
Jarrett abandons his typical virtuosity for a "melodic essence," resulting in a simple, stately, and emotional interpretation. Tempo & Phrasing: The piece is marked "Slowly with Feeling" and features significant Subtle and intimate, ranging from (pianissimo) to (mezzo-forte). Atmosphere:
It has been described as having a "starry night" or lullaby-like feel, influenced by the arid sound of his home studio. Keith Jarrett.org Available Sheet Music & PDFs
There are several ways to access transcriptions of this specific performance: Shenandoah (trad. Folk Song) - KeithJarrett.org
For those seeking the sheet music for Keith Jarrett's famous solo piano rendition of the traditional folk song "Shenandoah", several high-quality resources are available online. 📄 Primary PDF Sheet Music
KeithJarrett.org (Official/Archived Transcription): A standard 3-page PDF transcription by Douglas Gould
, widely cited in piano communities, is available directly from the KeithJarrett.org archives.
Ryuji Kunimatsu Arrangement: An alternative arrangement for solo piano by Ryuji Kunimatsu can be found at RyujiKunimatsu.com.
Scribd Collection: A 5-page version of the Douglas Gould transcription is hosted on Scribd, which includes helpful page-by-page previews. 💡 Helpful Features for Learning
Transcription Detail: Most versions capture Jarrett’s specific rubato style and gospel-tinged harmonies from the album The Melody at Night, With You.
Interactive Playback: Platforms like MuseScore allow you to listen to the digital score as it plays, making it easier to grasp the complex timing and "slowly with feeling" expression required. keith jarrett shenandoah pdf
Performance Insight: Community discussions on Piano World Forums offer peer reviews on the accuracy of these transcriptions, helping you decide which version best matches the original recording. Shenandoah (trad. Folk Song) - KeithJarrett.org
The Improvisational Genius of Keith Jarrett: A Deep Dive into "Shenandoah"
Keith Jarrett, a pianist and composer renowned for his unparalleled improvisational skills, has been a cornerstone of jazz and classical music for over five decades. Among his vast and eclectic discography, one piece stands out for its breathtaking beauty and technical mastery: "Shenandoah". Recorded live in 2005 and released on ECM Records, this mesmerizing performance showcases Jarrett's unique ability to craft intricate, narrative-driven improvisations that transport listeners to new realms.
The Piece: A Journey Through Sound
"Shenandoah" begins with a deceptively simple melody, one that conjures images of the American folk song of the same name. However, it isn't long before Jarrett's fingers start to weave a complex tapestry of sound, rich with arpeggios, chord progressions, and melodic motifs. The piece unfolds like a slow-burning fire, gradually building in intensity and emotional depth.
Throughout the performance, Jarrett's playing is characterized by an extraordinary balance of lyricism and virtuosity. His left-hand ostinatos and right-hand melodies dance across the keyboard with a sense of effortless ease, while his dynamic range spans from the softest whispers to thunderous climaxes. It's a true masterclass in expressive piano playing.
The Art of Improvisation
At the heart of Jarrett's music lies his profound understanding of improvisation. For him, improvisation is not simply a matter of playing notes at random; rather, it's a highly developed art form that requires a deep understanding of harmony, melody, and form. In "Shenandoah", Jarrett employs a range of techniques, from motivic development to free association, to create a cohesive and compelling narrative.
One of the most striking aspects of Jarrett's improvisational approach is his use of space and silence. He knows exactly when to play and when to hold back, allowing the music to breathe and unfold at its own pace. This sense of restraint and economy is a hallmark of his playing style, and it's a key factor in what makes "Shenandoah" so compelling.
The ECM Records Legacy
"Shenandoah" is part of ECM Records' esteemed catalog, a label known for its commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz and classical music. Founded by Manfred Eicher in 1969, ECM has been home to some of the most innovative and influential musicians of our time, from John Coltrane to Arvo Pärt.
ECM's recording philosophy, which emphasizes a warm, natural sound and a focus on musicality over technicality, is perfectly suited to Jarrett's music. The label's engineers have captured every nuance of Jarrett's performance, from the softest pianissimos to the most dramatic fortissimos.
Conclusion
"Shenandoah" is a testament to Keith Jarrett's status as one of the greatest pianists and improvisers of our time. This breathtaking performance showcases his mastery of the instrument, his profound understanding of improvisation, and his ability to craft music that is both beautiful and emotionally resonant.
For those interested in exploring Jarrett's music further, "Shenandoah" is an excellent starting point. It's a piece that rewards repeated listens, and one that will continue to inspire and delight audiences for years to come.
Download PDF: A Deeper Dive into "Shenandoah"
For those interested in delving deeper into the music and technical aspects of "Shenandoah", a PDF analysis is available, featuring:
To access the PDF, simply click on the link below:
[Insert link to PDF]
Keith Jarrett Discography
ECM Records
As a musician, it is important to acknowledge that while the folk song Shenandoah is in the public domain, Keith Jarrett’s specific performance is copyrighted (℗ 1999 ECM Records). Distributing a PDF transcription of his improvisation without permission technically infringes on the publisher's rights.
If you use this piece for a YouTube performance, you will receive a copyright claim (monetization goes to ECM). If you use it for a school recital or private study, you are generally protected under fair use. But if you are a professional teacher charging for lessons, please purchase the official Hal Leonard songbook or a licensed digital score. Support the art that moves you.
Keith Jarrett—renowned for his monumental The Köln Concert and his work with the Miles Davis electric bands—has also produced some of the most deeply lyrical solo piano recordings of American folk material. One of his most beloved interpretations is the traditional American folk song “Shenandoah.”
Because Keith Jarrett’s arrangement is under copyright (both the composition as a traditional piece and the specific arrangement as his intellectual property), you cannot find a legal free PDF. However, you can purchase a digital download from:
Expect to pay around $5–8 USD for a licensed PDF.
Keith Jarrett’s "Shenandoah" is a reminder that virtuosity is not always about speed, but about touch and taste. The PDF transcriptions of this piece serve as a map to a quieter musical territory. They allow pianists to step inside the mind of a master who, facing illness, found a way to turn a traditional folk song into a timeless prayer. For any pianist holding that sheet music, the challenge is not playing the notes, but finding the stillness to let them ring.
The solo piano performance of "Shenandoah" by Keith Jarrett , most notably found on his 1999 album The Melody at Night, with You, stands as a landmark of lyrical minimalism and emotional vulnerability in contemporary jazz. Recorded during a period of recovery from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the track stripped away the pyrotechnics of his famous improvisational marathons in favor of a profound, hushed intimacy. The Context of Silence
In the late 1990s, Keith Jarrett was sidelined by a debilitating illness that made the physical demands of concert touring impossible. The Melody at Night, with You was a private endeavor, recorded at his home studio as a gift to his wife. This context is essential to understanding his rendition of "Shenandoah." It is not a performance for an audience; it is a meditation. The recording captures the mechanical sounds of the piano—the dampers lifting and the hammers striking—which grounds the ethereal folk melody in a stark, physical reality. Harmonic and Melodic Treatment
Jarrett’s approach to the traditional American folk song is characterized by:
Deceptive Simplicity: He maintains the integrity of the original melody while enriching it with sophisticated, jazz-inflected harmonies.
Pacing and Rubato: The performance breathes with a free sense of time, mimicking the natural flow of the river the song describes.
Voicing: His use of inner voices creates a choral effect, making the solo piano sound like a small, hushed vocal ensemble. Cultural Significance
"Shenandoah" has deep roots in American history as a sea shanty and river chantey. By choosing this piece, Jarrett connects his avant-garde sensibilities to the "Rural American Ideal," a theme explored by scholars such as David Ake in Jazz Perspectives. This performance helped bridge the gap between traditional Americana and modern jazz, emphasizing that beauty often lies in the "less is more" philosophy. Resources for Further Study
Sheet Music: A transcription of the performance is available on KeithJarrett.org, detailing his specific rubato and voicing.
Academic Analysis: Detailed essays on Jarrett's "rural" aesthetic can be found on platforms like Scribd.
💡 Key Takeaway: Jarrett's "Shenandoah" is a masterclass in how a world-class improviser can find new depth by surrendering technical complexity for emotional honesty.
If you tell me the educational level or specific focus (e.g., technical music theory vs. historical context) you need, I can refine this draft into a formal essay for you.
Keith Jarrett’s 1998 rendition of the American folk classic "Shenandoah" is a landmark in solo piano literature, celebrated for its profound simplicity and emotional depth. Originally recorded as the penultimate track on his solo album, The Melody At Night, With You, this arrangement has become a staple for pianists seeking to master Jarrett’s unique blend of jazz, folk, and classical sensitivities. The Context: The Melody At Night, With You
The performance of "Shenandoah" is inseparable from the circumstances of its recording. In the late 1990s, Keith Jarrett was battling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which left him unable to perform the high-energy, expansive improvisations for which he was famous. During his recovery, he recorded a series of traditional songs and jazz standards in his home studio. The result was a stripped-back, intimate sound that prioritized the melody over technical virtuosity. Musical Characteristics of the Arrangement
Pianists looking for a Keith Jarrett Shenandoah PDF transcription will find several defining characteristics that make this version distinct:
Keith Jarrett ’s interpretation of "Shenandoah" is a masterclass in how a world-class improviser can find profound depth in absolute simplicity. Recorded during his recovery from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for the 1999 album The Melody at Night, With You, this version strips away the virtuosic flourishes typically associated with Jarrett. The Sheet Music: A Map of Stillness Finding a specific Keith Jarrett "Shenandoah" PDF usually
If you are looking at a Shenandoah PDF transcription, you’ll notice several defining features that make it unique among jazz arrangements:
Rubato Marking: The piece is rarely played "in time." It breathes with the phrasing of a singer.
Gospel Voicings: Jarrett employs rich, hymn-like block chords that give the folk tune a spiritual, Americana feel.
Voice Leading: The transcription reveals subtle "inner voices" that move independently, a nod to Jarrett’s deep grounding in classical counterpoint.
The "Jarrett" Coda: Most transcriptions include his signature ending—a descending, chromatic tail that feels both wistful and resolute. Why This Version Matters
Unlike his massive solo concerts (like The Köln Concert), The Melody at Night, With You was recorded in Jarrett’s home studio on a Hamburg Steinway.
Emotional Weight: It was originally a Christmas gift for his wife, Rose Anne, making the performance incredibly intimate and vulnerable.
Absence of Vocalizations: Interestingly, Jarrett’s famous "vocalizations" (grunting/singing along) are almost entirely absent here, leaving only the pure tone of the piano.
Arid Sound: The recording has a "close-mic" feel that makes the listener feel like they are sitting right next to the instrument in an empty room. Key Takeaways for Pianists If you're practicing from the sheet music, focus on:
Touch: Keep the attack soft; it should sound like a "lullaby".
Pedal: Use the sustain pedal to blend the folk harmonies without blurring the melody.
Space: Don't rush the pauses. The silence between the phrases is as important as the notes.
💡 Pro Tip: Compare the common Douglas Gould transcription with the official Scott Music version to see how different transcribers interpret his rubato timing.
If you tell me what specific part of the music you're struggling with or want to highlight:
I can break down the specific chord voicings in a particular section. Shenandoah (trad. Folk Song) - KeithJarrett.org
I can’t provide a PDF or a direct copy of the sheet music for Keith Jarrett’s arrangement of “Shenandoah,” as that would likely violate copyright. However, I can offer an informative overview of the piece, its history, and where you might legally find the sheet music.
Search Online Libraries and Databases: Websites like IMSLP (International Music Score Library Project), Musicnotes, or Sheet Music Plus might have the sheet music for "Shenandoah" in various arrangements, including those by or suitable for jazz interpretation.
Keith Jarrett's Official Website or Discography: Sometimes, artists' official websites or their discographies available online provide detailed information about their works, including sheet music or links to where it can be found.
Jazz and Music Theory Forums: Online forums and communities dedicated to jazz and music theory might have threads or posts where users share resources, including PDF files of sheet music or analyses.
The official transcription (published by Universal Edition or available through ECM’s authorized print partners) captures Jarrett’s recording almost exactly. Key features:
Jarrett plays it in A-flat major. But he rarely plays a straight major chord. The transcription should reveal his use of add9 and add2 voicings (e.g., Ab - Bb - C - Eb). The left hand often plays open fifths or rootless voicings to leave air in the sound. A detailed musical analysis of the piece Insights
In the vast catalogue of Keith Jarrett’s discography—spanning the chaotic flights of his solo improvisations to the swinging precision of his Standards Trio—there lies a track that stands as a monument to stillness. It is his interpretation of the American folk song "Shenandoah."
For pianists, the search for a "Shenandoah" PDF is often the beginning of a deep dive into Jarrett’s harmonic philosophy. The transcription of his 1995 recording (featured on the album The Melody at Night, With You) is not just a lead sheet; it is a masterclass in how to reharmonize a melody without losing its soul.
BCD Editor EXAMPLES:
If you ask for help on the "/export" switch, you'll see:
C:\>bcdedit /export /?
bcdedit /export <filename>
This command exports the contents of the system store into a file. This file
can be used later to restore the state of the system store. This command is
only valid for the system store.
<filename> The filename to be used as the destination for the export.
If the filename contains spaces, it must be enclosed in
quotation marks ("").
Example:
The following command exports the system store to the specified file:
bcdedit /export "C:\Data\BCD Backup" |
So we tried the following and saw it was successful:
C:\>bcdedit /export "C:\Users\<your user name>\Documents\bcdtemp.bin" The operation completed successfully. |
After examining this backup file in our Documents folder (using HxD), our first reaction was: "Man,
this thing appears to be full of all kinds of needless 'gunk'!" It even saves the path and filename to this backup file, inside the file
itself!
Then we compared it to the original BCD file by making a copy of that file while the OS was offline (connected as a slave drive to a
different OS), and found there were MANY differences! So, the 'backup copy' is not really a true copy. And the differences go well beyond simply
changing the path name of its location.
So why is this file so 'cluttered' compared to the Windows XP boot.ini file? Its first 4 bytes
are a big clue: "regf". Reason: The BCD file has the same format as a Windows Registry hive! (For example, the NTUSER.DAT
file begins with the same 4 bytes.) And in fact, once a Windows Vista/7/8 OS has actually started booting-up, it loads the BCD file into the Windows Registry
at: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\BCD00000000.
BOOTMGR Experiments:
To test this, we used a disk editor to alter the bytes at offsets 0x1B8 through 0x1BB in the MBR (first sector of the disk drive) by simply adding 1 to each byte. If you attempt to boot a PC after doing that, you'll see the following BLACK error screen:

In previous Windows versions, the OS would still boot up this way; even though there was the
possibility some program that used the Disk Signature could then have problems. Note: The same error message, with Status: code of 0xc000000e,
will also be displayed if we change those NT Sig. bytes to all zeros! Only if you edit these bytes back to their original values will the PC boot-up again.
It's also possible to see such an error if your PC is somehow directed to start booting from a drive other than the normal boot drive, and the BCD
Store on that drive points to the first drive, which will obviously contain a different Disk Sig. than what is stored in that drive's BCD. Most PC BIOS have
a 'Boot Menu' (often accessible using the F12 key at boot-up) which temporarily makes whatever drive you select, be the first drive on the PC, so a
Windows 7, 8.1 or 10 OS on that drive will not have this error! (Note: Unless you plan on always keeping an original Windows OS drive
and a new Windows OS drive both connected to your PC, you should never do a new OS install with any other drives connected
to the PC!) Why? Because new Windows OS installs often make changes to a primary disk drive, even when installed to a secondary drive! Disconnect all
but the disk drive you intend to install a new Win OS on, and in the future you will be able to boot-up the new drive all by itself (or using a Boot Menu key)
without it depending upon some primary disk drive you decided to remove, or that has failed.
NOTE: The error shown above is a function of the bootmgr program! We know this, because the same error message will be displayed after
altering the NT Disk Signature on a drive that has had its entire C: Volume (where the actual Windows OS resides) removed! So, the Boot
Manager must check the NT Disk Signature before it even looks for the presence of the C: Volume.
But how does bootmgr know what those hex
bytes should be?
Answer: After examining both our copy and the original BCD file, we found the NT Disk Signature there, in the same
order as found in the MBR Sector, no less than 9 times. For our small test install of a new Windows 7 OS, this shows
where those bytes occurred (highlighted with a pink background color); along with all the other data contained in a BCD Store file.
Note: The \Boot folder of your System Reserved partition will also contain a few LOG files: BCD.LOG, BCD.LOG1 and BCD.LOG2, but the numbered files are often empty. This LOG file is a copy of the BCD file, having the same location
written inside it and all the general indications of a BCD Registry file, but about half its bytes may be different.
Have fun examining your own backup BCD copy.
To clarify: Under most previous Windows installs, such as Windows 98, people who performed multi-booting or simply had many different partitions on their
PCs often used a program called Partition Magic to shrink or even completely rearrange the layout of partitions on their disk drives. But attempting
to change where the C: Volume begins under Windows 7 results in a similar BLACK screen error as above; including the same exact message: "Info: The boot selection failed because a required device is inaccessible." But with a different code: "Status: 0xc0000225."
[Note: This is true whether the correct location
is specified in the Partition Table or not; same Status code will be shown in either case. In fact, we doubt that bootmgr even looks at the
Partition Table, provided it can find the C: volume where it is supposed to be!]
This problem is similar to the one above (concerning the NT
Disk Signature), but involves the exact sector location of the C: drive's partition.
So where in the BCD file, is the sector location of the
Windows Boot Sector stored?
The reason for the question being: Although we can find our drive's NT Disk Signature in the BCD Store, we can
not find a sector location for the C: drive! Before searching, we had thought only the
BCD file would need to be updated if we moved the C: Volume. We knew how partitions are referenced in a Windows REGISTRY (see NTFS Disk Signature), but could not find any similar bytes; other than the 4 bytes of the NT Disk Sig., in our BCD file! So how
does bootmgr know where the sector offset location of a C: drive should be, and prevent booting from an OS volume we simply moved and did
not resize; even though the data in both the Partition Table and its Boot Sector (Hidden Sectors which give us sector offset to Boot Sector) have
already been updated?
NOTE: All of the following is still under construction . . . mainly because we have yet to find a solution that allows one to effectively move where a Windows 7 OS's C: drive partition begins! After using a Microsoft install DVD to REPAIR such a drive, although it did allow us to boot-up that drive and use it, the repair did not change anything permanently! After attempting to boot-up the drive again, the same error message is displayed, no matter how many times we used the DVD to 'repair' the drive!!.
Could it be as simple as the OS already having accessed the REGISTRY; with much of the system already running in Memory, it then finds the offset stored
there does not match the values in the Partition Table and/or Boot Sector, so it gives us essentially a false message, stating: "The boot selection
failed because a required device is inaccessible."? Yet, the bootmgr program could only know that if it did find and
access the Registry.
2. We next carried out the following steps on a copy of our Windows 7 OS install in order to verify our theory about why Windows 7 does this:
A) Copy the hidden file bootmgr and various folders (including "Boot\enUS" and "Boot\Fonts") from the
"System Reserved" partition to the root directory of the C:\ drive. Note: Five or six files must be 'skipped' when doing this, because the
BCD Store (and associated files) will remain in use by the OS (preventing them from being copied)!
B) Create a copy of the BCD file
in C:\Boot by using this command (as Administrator): bcdedit /export C:\Boot\BCD
C) Change the
MBR Sector, so the main OS partition is the 'Active' partition.
After that we were able to boot-up the OS from only the C: drive. In order to prove
this is true, we used HxD to zero-out the entry in the Partition Table for the System Reserved partition. (Note: The reason we did not
use Windows to 'delete' the partition, is because that could have ruined being able to access it again in the future. By saving those hex bytes elsewhere
and zero-filling the entry, we can simply enter those bytes in the table again, in order to restore and access the partition!) Upon rebooting and opening
the Disk Management utility, one can graphically see this is true:

D) We shrank the size of this Volume (C:) to only 8 GB in order to run the next test below.
What about BOOTSTAT.DAT and BOOTSECT.BAK files?
E) shift the beginning of the C: drive to where the System Reserved partition had been, by correcting the data in both the
Boot Sector (VBR) and the Partition Table; not to mention, actually moving the Boot Sector and its following Volume Boot Record sectors as well
First Published: 2004.
Updated: 18 APR 2012 (18.04.2012); 02 AUG 2015 (02.08.2015); 03 AUG 2015 (03.08.2015); 10 SEP 2015 (10.09.2015).
Last Update: 12 February 2020. (12.02.2020).
You can write to us using this: online reply form. (It opens
in a new window.)
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