How to Fix a Broken Boot Device on a Windows 2000 Pro

On occasion, an error or a malicious piece of software can render the boot device inoperable. This may come in the form of a blue-screen error or a dialog stating that a specific boot file is missing or corrupted. Three different programs that come with Windows 2000 Pro that can remedy these issues.

Things You'll Need

• Windows 2000 Pro setup CD

Instructions

Chkdsk

1. Place your Windows 2000 setup CD in the CD-ROM. Turn the computer on. When Windows 2000 setup comes to the first prompt, press "R" to start the Recovery Console.

2. Select installation "1" when prompted to choose your Windows installation. Enter your admin password at the next prompt. Now you will be greeted with the DOS prompt, "C:\."

3. Type in the command "chkdsk /r". This will invoke the most aggressive chkdsk scan, recovering any data from bad sectors or other corruption if possible. It will also repair any basic problems in the boot-sector or master file table. When chkdsk is done, type "exit" to reboot the computer. Remove the Windows 2000 CD to allow normal boot.

Fixboot

1. Follow the steps outlined above to start the Windows 2000 Recovery Console.

2. Type in the command "fixboot <drive letter>" where <drive letter> is the letter of your boot drive.

3. Type "exit" to reboot the computer. Remove the CD from the CD-ROM to allow for normal boot.

FixMBR

1. Follow the steps outline in Section 1 to start the Windows 2000 Recovery Console.

2. Type in the command "fixmbr". This will write a new master boot record (MBR) to the boot drive.

3. Type "exit" to reboot the PC. Remove the Windows 2000 CD-ROM to allow normal boot.

References

• Microsoft Support: Description of the Windows 2000 Recovery Console