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BOOTMGR is missing
Description
The partition boot record cannot locate the Boot Manager, partly located after the boot record and mostly as a file in the root directory. Windows cannot begin without the Boot Manager.
This can be caused by deletion of the bootmgr file, file system damage, or corruption of the boot record. The bootmgr file is stored in the C: root directory as a hidden system file.
Solution 1 of 4 - Fix Missing or Damaged Boot Manager
38
You can use Windows Recovery Console to fix a missing, damaged or compressed Boot Manager. First boot from your Windows boot DVD. We recommend you use a version that matches the OS service pack installed on your system (i.e. if you have Vista SP1, use a Vista SP1 DVD).
Go into the Vista Recovery Console. Select the option "Startup Repair" to fix the problem.
Solution 2 of 4 - Fix the Partition Boot Record
31
Windows provides tools to install a new partition boot record. Doing this does not erase any operating system files or your personal data. If this is the only damage, it has a good chance of fixing the problem, but if additional system sectors are damaged, recovery will be very difficult if not impossible.
To reset the Windows boot sector, boot from your Windows installation CD/DVD.
Follow the instructions in our guide under recovery console, command prompt to repair the boot record (instructions differ between Vista and XP).
Exit and reboot.
Solution 3 of 4 - Check Hard Disk and Cables
17
If you had changed, added or removed hard drives, or changed or removed drive cabling, likely something is wrong. Recheck that the drives are properly installed and the cabling has not changed. Switching cables to different motherboard connectors or changing the master/slave drive jumpers (on old ATA drives) can cause this problem. In some systems, the cables were not plugged into the drive or motherboard securely and may have worked loose. Reseat all drive connectors.
It's also possible a hard drive is failing. Use a system diagnostic to validate the drive or swap to another hard disk.
If you skipped any of the prior solutions, you may want to return and try them out. These next options are when all else fails!
Remove the system hard drive and replace it with a blank drive. Install a fresh copy of Windows. If this works, it's unlikely to be a hardware issue. At worse, it may be time to start over with a fresh copy of Windows, although reinstalling your applications may make the problem reoccur.
Send the PC in for repair - someone else can deal with it!
Time for a new PC?
Consider a MAC, but wait - they can have similar hard-to-solve issues and you'd have to buy all new applications.
Use your PC as a boat anchor and go for a drink.
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