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How To Use Command Prompt To Fix Issues With Your PC's Boot Records
You can use system recovery tools to fix most of your computer problems. However, there are
times when you'll need to address such issues in a manual way like, for example, when your
computer won't boot. In these cases, you can use a tool named Bootrec.exe. It can help you
troubleshoot and repair things like the master boot record (MBR), the boot sector or the Boot
Configuration Data (BCD) store. Here's how it works:
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In case you're using Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, follow the steps described in the third, fourth or fifth
section of this tutorial: 5 Ways to Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 8 & Windows 8.1. Depending on the
method you choose to boot your system, you'll be able to launch Command Prompt either from the
Advanced options or from the Safe Mode interface.
Once you've launched Command Prompt, type the command bootrec.exe and hit Enter to see the
options that are available for this tool. As you can see in the screenshot below, there are four
parameters available: /FixMbr, /FixBoot, /ScanOs and /RebuildBcd.
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Later in this article we'll see how each of them can help you solve boot problems. Keep in mind though,
that even if the Bootrec.exe tool can handle most boot problems, it does not guarantee success in every
possible scenario.
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In the screenshot below, you can have a look at how this scan process might look.
If the bootrec.exe /scanos command returns results, you will be able to continue the repair process. In
the end, you will get the lost Windows installation back into the secure BCD table, thus making it
bootable again.
First of all you have to clean the Master Boot Record (MBR) by using bootrec /fixmbr. Next, type
bootsect.exe /nt60 all /force and press Enter. The /nt60 parameter applies the master boot code that is
compatible with BOOTMGR. The /all argument updates the master boot code on all partitions. The
/force parameter forcibly dismounts the volume(s) during the boot code update so that the Bootsect.exe
tool does not gain exclusive volume access.
Running all these commands will create a new MBR and tell it to use the correct Windows boot loader
in order to load that specific installation from your drive.
Conclusion
As you can from this tutorial, Bootrec.exe is a very powerful tool for troubleshooting and fixing
problems with your computer's boot records. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to leave a
comment. We'll try our best to help you.
Discover more: Best of 7 Tutorials Tutorials Programs Command Prompt System
Recovery Windows 8 Windows 7
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How To Use Command Prompt To Fix Issues With Your PC's Boot Records
Related articles:
How To Start The Command Prompt When Windows Doesn't Boot?
5 Ways to Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 8 & Windows 8.1
Fix Problems That Keep Windows 8.1 From Loading With Start-up Repair
Comments
by jasray on 12/01/2010 - 23:56
Yes, a great sheet of commands. I never knew how easy it really was to fix boot problems until I
accidentally discovered the fixboot, etc. commands. A great sheet to print or have on a second
computer.
reply
by william on 12/02/2010 - 04:29
RE: software to backup BCD
my machine comes with an OEM windows 7 installation so i don't have an installation disc right at
my finger tips.
i am looking for a software to backup the boot elements (that BCD thing) and to restore the boot
archive before windows 7 is being launched.
any suggestions?
thankyou
William,
Hongkong
2-12-2010
reply
by jasray on 12/02/2010 - 04:45
Easy BCD
http://neosmart.net/dl.php?id=1
reply
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