Master Boot Record Error

My sister has an HP computer that someone did a system recovery on because it crashed. I wanted to make sure it all security updates were done and put some antivirus and antispyware on it for her and found that when you turn the compueter on it comes up with a Master Boot Record Error, Press any key to continue. Except for that, the machine seems to be running fine. Is this something that will make it crash again or is there a simple fix for it.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

The Master Boot Record (MBR) is basically a place with information stored on it that the BIOS uses to load the initial boot program that starts the process of loading the operating system.

Also referred to as the master boot sector or even just the boot sector.

It is used solely for this purpose, so if your OS is booting ok after you press any key to continue, then it should cause the computer no further problems.

If your system is crashing whilst you work with it, something else is causing it to do so...ie System software confiliction, virus's or other Malware etc.

The MBR, however, is easily fixed if you have your XP install disc handy!

Boot with the XP installation CD. (your BIOS will need to be set to boot from CD)

When prompted, press R to repair a Windows XP installation.

Enter the administrator password if prompted.

To fix the MBR, use the following command:

fixmbr

This assumes that your installation is on the C:\ drive. You will be presented with several scary warning lines the reading of which will make you want to say no. Microsoft is exceptionally vague regarding the conditions under which fixmbr can cause problems although they are clear about the consequences (losing all data on the hard drive), so use this at your own risk.

Type y and ENTER to fix the MBR.

Type exit to leave the recovery console and reboot.

If your worried about whats causing future system crashes, you can send us a HiJackThis log and we can take a look at whats running on your system and helping you to get rid of anything that shouldnt be there!

Regards

Thanks. She does not have the XP installation CD so she will just have to plug along and see what happens. As I said it seems to be running well and it appears to be clean of viruses and malware. Windows security updates are up to date as well.

Thanks again.

aww1157 wrote:

Thanks. She does not have the XP installation CD so she will just have to plug along and see what happens. As I said it seems to be running well and it appears to be clean of viruses and malware. Windows security updates are up to date as well.

Thanks again.

No problem at all........Its good to see that she keeps windows and other security applications up to date, this is most important!

If the message gets a bit annoying after a while, perhaps either of you could find a friend who may lend you an install disc and after fixing the MBR, you could return it!

Just a thought...

Good Luck