How to Fix the MBR in Windows XP
The master boot record or MBR is the file that tells the Windows operating system how to initiate its start-up procedure. A damaged MBR can cause problems during Windows XP start-up or can cause the operating system to not be able to boot at all. Fixing damage to the master boot record is easy, and knowing how to fix it can save both time and money by helping you to avoid costly computer recovery services.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Place the Windows XP installation CD into your CD or DVD drive and reboot your computer. After your computer's BIOS screen appears, you will be prompted to press any key on your keyboard to boot from the CD instead of allowing Windows to boot normally. Press a key and wait while the CD loads.
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2
Wait for Windows Setup to load the temporary files that it needs to run. When the "Welcome to Setup" screen appears, press the "R" key to choose the "Repair a Windows XP Installation Using the Recovery Console" option.
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3
Choose the Windows XP installation whose MBR you wish to repair when prompted. In most cases, there will only be one option available. If there is more than one operating system option in your bootloader, select the option appropriate to the XP installation that has a damaged master boot record.
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4
Log in as an administrator (or press "Enter" if you don't have an administrator password on your computer) and wait for the command prompt to appear. Once you see a command prompt, type "fixmbr" and press "Enter."
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5
Wait for the Repair Console to overwrite the master boot record with a new MBR file; then remove your Windows XP installation CD. Reboot your computer, allowing the new MBR to load so that you can launch Windows normally.
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