Fix GRUB Loading Error 15, 17, 21, 22 and Recover Data

What Is GRUB

GRUB or GNU GRUB is short for GRand Unified Bootloader. It is a boot loader used on multi-OS computers that provides users the choice to choose which operating system to boot from on the computer. Different operating systems may need varying boot loaders. For example, NTLDR is the boot loader for Windows NT operating systems, and LILO is the boot loader for Linux. As for GRUB, it is the boot loader for Windows and Linux and is generally used on computers that are with both Windows and Linux installations.

Here's a quick view of common GRUB loading errors and corresponding solutions. Jump to the part you're most interested:

Common GRUB Loading Errors

However, it's not without a problem while using GRUB. Many users have the experience of encountering the GRUB loading error during the computer startup. There are two versions of GRUB, and if you're using Stage 1.5 or Stage 2.0, you'll probably encounter grub loading error 15, 17, 21, or 22.

GRUB loading error 15

File not found. This error is displayed when the specified file name cannot be found.

GRUB loading error 17

Cannot mount selected partition. This error is displayed when the partition requested exists, but the file system type is not be recognized by GRUB.

GRUB loading error 21

The selected disk does not exist. This error is displayed if the disk is not recognized by the BIOS in the system.

GRUB loading error 22

No such partition. This error is displayed if a requested partition isn't on the selected disk.

What Causes GRUB Loading Error 15, 17, 21, 22

When you install Windows and Linux on a computer, you need to configure GRUB correctly to boot from one of the operating systems successfully. Or you may encounter GRUB loading errors, like error 15, 17, 21, and 22. The common GRUB loading errors might be caused by:

• Improper configuration of GRUB
• The wrong installation location of GRUB
• Accidental deletion of GRUB
• The corruption of MBR

How to Fix GRUB Loading Error 15, 17, 21, 22

The solutions differ based on the error you are faced with. Specify the error message you encounter and carry out the corresponding solution.

Fix GRUB Loading Error 15

Make sure the kernel exists. To find out what the exact kernel name is, boot from the Live CD, and mount /boot depending on your partition and then do the following: cd /boot | ls

Fix GRUB Loading Error 17

Make sure your root(x,y) settings are right in your Grub.conf. You could use a distribution CD or Live CD to set up Grub as shown below. (h0,0) means the first hard drive and the first partition on that drive.

sudo grub

root (hd0,0)

setup (hd0) exit

Fix GRUB Loading Error 21

Step 1. Boot the computer from the Ubuntu installation disc.

Step 2. Run Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 3. Enter the following command:

Fix GRUB Loading Error 22

Step 1. Restart the computer and press "F8" until you see the options.

Step 2. Go back to the menu where you can choose the operating system.

Step 3. Choose "Microsoft Windows Recovery Console". (You may need your Windows installation disc to access the recovery console.)

Step 4. If you are asked to choose the system drive, enter the number in front of the system drive listed.

Step 5. Enter the account password as required. Run the command fixmbr and enter "y" to confirm the operation.

Step 6. Enter "exit" and restart the computer.

How to Recover Data Lost After Fixing GRUB Loading Error

Applies to: Restore all lost files and data after fixing GRUB loading error in Windows 10/8/7.

Applying the fix for a specific grub loading error in Windows may cause data loss. For example, some operations would format the disk partition or delete hard drive contents. So it's necessary to learn how to recover data after getting rid of the grub loading error on your computer.

Reliable EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard - EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard specializes in file recovery on all Windows operating systems. It allows you to recover data lost due to the GRUB loading error effectively in only a few simple clicks.

See how to recover the accidentally deleted or formatted hard disk data while fixing GRUB loading error on your computer with ease:

Step 1. Run EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. Choose the drive where you lost files and start scanning. This software allows you to recover lost data from all devices, including HDD, SSD, USB drive, SD card, pen drive, camera, etc.

Step 2. Browse the full scan results. You can choose the file type you need by clicking on the file type filter. EaseUS data recovery software supports 1000+ file types like photos, videos, documents, emails, audio files, and many more. 

Step 3. Select the files you want to preview. Click "Recover" and set a storage location to save the recovered data. 

Besides, you can also apply this data recovery software to recover files and data lost on the desktop, laptop, internal hard drive, external hard drive, removable USB flash disk, pen drive, memory card, and many more storage devices.

The Bottom Line

GRUB loading errors always occur on computers with dual OS, and each error code is informative since it indicates what the possible cause is. Apply the solutions provided to cope with the issue and use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to retrieve the data when data loss happens.