How to Fix the MBR in Window XP
Your computer's hard drive is organized into one or more partitions. Each partition may have its own file system. Windows XP uses information about the partitions and file system to organize and store your files. The information describing how your computer's hard drive is partitioned is stored in the MBR, or Master Boot Record. If the MBR on your computer's hard drive becomes damaged, Windows XP will not have the information it needs to run and you may not be able to start your computer. You can fix the MBR in Windows XP using your Windows XP CD.
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Instructions
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Start your computer with the Windows XP CD in your computer's CD drive. This will boot your computer to the Windows XP CD instead of your hard drive.
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Follow the setup program prompts and the "Welcome to Setup" screen will be displayed.
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Click the "R" key at the Setup screen. This will open the Recovery Console.
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Select the hard drive with the MBR you want to fix and enter the administrator password if prompted. The Recovery Console will provide a command prompt.
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Type fixmbr at the command prompt, press the "Enter" key, and press the "Y" key to confirm your choice. This will begin the process of fixing the MBR and complete the process.
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Tips & Warnings
Any change to the MBR, including attempts to fix it, can result in loss of all data on all partitions of the hard drive. Only attempt to fix the MBR as a last resort, or with the the help of a qualified computer professional.
