How to Reinstall XP Bootloader

Windows XP

Reinstalling Windows XP often means formatting your computer. However, due to viruses and hardware failure, all you may need to reinstall is the Windows XP bootloader. You can reinstall the Windows XP bootloader without formatting or losing your files. Some of the main causes of a missing Windows XP bootloader are viruses, hardware failure, or an error during the Windows XP installation. If a missing bootloader is your only problem, restoring the bootloader takes only a fraction of the time you would spend reinstalling Windows XP.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP Installation Disk

Instructions

1. Boot from the Windows XP installation disk. Insert the disk and reboot your computer. Press any key to boot from the disk or press "F12" to go to the boot options menu. Choose "CD-ROM" to continue.

2. Choose "Repair a Windows XP Installation" to open the Recovery Console.

3. Enter your administrator password if one exists. If your password is blank, press "Enter."

4. Type "fixmbr" at the command prompt. You can type an optional device name if necessary. Most users will only need to type "fixmbr." Press "Enter."

5. Type "fixboot C:" at the command prompt. If Windows XP isn't installed on C:, enter the correct drive letter instead.

6. Type "Exit" to quit the Recovery Console and restart your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• For more information on any commands in the Recovery Console, type "help" for a description of the available commands and their uses.

• Be sure to use the correct drive letter, especially on dual boot systems, or you may overwrite the second operating system's bootloader.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Windows XP Solution Center