The MBR in Windows operating systems refers to the Master Boot Record. In some cases, this will get corrupted. The error message is usually “operating system not found”. The following shows you how to fix an MBR.
How to Repair MBR in Windows 7
Required Tools and Materials
Windows 7 DVD installation
Notes
Enter the commands specified without the quotes. Some experience with DOS style commands is necessary for this procedure.
Step 1
Put the Windows 7 installation DVD in the drive. Restart the PC and it will reboot from the drive.
Step 2
Select the “language”, “keyboard Input” and “time” Click “next”.
Step 3
Three options will appear. Choose “Repair Your Computer”. You will now be in the System Recovery window.
Step 4
Select “Command Prompt”. This will allow you to run “bootsect.exe”. Bootsect is found in the boot folder.
Step 5
Run “bootsect /nt60 C:\” or whatever the drive letter Windows 7 is installed in. If you have multiple partitions, run “bootsect /nt60 ALL” or “bootsect /nt60 SYS”.
Step 6
Remove the DVD from the drive. Restart the PC. Windows 7 should work fine.
How to Fix an MBR in Windows XP
Required Tools and Materials
Windows XP installation disc
Step 1
Put the Windows XP installation disc in the CD/DVD drive. Restart the computer. As the computer reboots, press the spacebar again and again. The “Press any key to boot from CD” will pop up. Hit the Enter key.
Step 2
Follow the onscreen prompts until you get to “setup”. Hit the R key. This will start the Repair Console.
Step 3
Enter your username and password when prompted. If you do not use a password, just hit the Enter key.
Step 4
Wait until the OS gives you the Command Prompt. This is composed of a black screen and a dash that blinks. When that screen appears, type “FIXMBR”.
Step 5
Windows will ask if you want the MBR repaired. Hit the “Y” key and hit Enter. Wait for the OS to finish repairing the MBR. This ought to take no more than a couple of minutes. When you see the dash blinking, it means the repair is finished.
Step 6
Type “Exit”. This will reboot your computer. Windows XP should run normally.
When learning how to fix an MBR in Windows XP, make sure you type the commands given without quotes. If you are using Windows 95, 98 or Windows ME, you can use FIDSK at the Command Prompt to repair the MBR.
