Boot Issues with Windows 7

Using the Bootrec.exe tool from the Windows 7 boot dvd can be difficult to navigate through. We have compiled a few notes that may assist you in getting issues resolved using this new tool.

The first issue we repeatedly came across when using bootrec /fixboot and bootrec /fixmbr was after using the commands the computer would no longer boot and often did not have the ability to resolve the problem it’s self.

If rebuilding the BCD does not resolve the startup issue, you can export and delete the BCD, and then run this option again. By doing this, you make sure that the BCD is completely rebuilt. To do this, type the following commands at the Windows RE command prompt:

  • bcdedit /export C:\Netadmin\BCD_Backup
  • c:
  • cd boot
  • attrib bcd -s -h -r
  • ren c:\boot\bcd.atlantaIT
  • bootrec /RebuildBcd

Listed below are the 4 commands in regards to resolving boot problems that can be found on the Windows 7 boot disk.

/FixMbr

The /FixMbr option writes a Windows 7 MBR to the system partition. This option does not overwrite the existing partition table. Use this option when you must resolve MBR corruption issues, or when you have to remove non-standard code from the MBR.

/FixBoot

The /FixBoot option writes a new boot sector to the system partition by using a boot sector that is compatible with Windows 7. Use this option if one of the following conditions is true:

  • The boot sector has been replaced with a non-standard Windows Vista or Windows 7 boot sector.
  • The boot sector is damaged.
  • An earlier Windows operating system has been installed after Windows Vista or Windows 7 was installed. In this scenario, the computer starts by using Windows NT Loader (NTLDR) instead of Windows Boot Manager (Bootmgr.exe).

/ScanOs

The /ScanOs option scans all disks for installations that are compatible with Windows 7. Additionally, this option displays the entries that are currently not in the BCD store. Use this option when there are Windows 7 installations that the Boot Manager menu does not list.

/RebuildBcd

The /RebuildBcd option scans all disks for installations that are compatible with Windows 7. Additionally, this option lets you select the installations that you want to add to the BCD store. Use this option when you must completely rebuild the BCD.

So far we have had limited success with these tools and we are often having to turn to other tools to resolve these issues such as mbrwiz.exe and mbrwiz64.exe. Another solution you can try is to use imaging software to backup the master boot record from a like and nearby computer and then restore it to the damaged computer. We have also restored from unlike hardware systems with a nice success rate so far.