Where does bootmgr reside?

[sidroski]

Not a PC tech. Trying to reload the initial software on a laptop. It reads windows off the recovery disk but then comes up with an error that it can't find bootmgr and to reboot. Trying to decide if this PC is too far gone to get going and just replacing the hd or if the recovery disk is corrupted.

 

[goombawaho]

Test the hard drive and memory before reloading. You don't know if you have a hardware problem that might normal functioning.

Look in your computer's BIOS and see what brand the hard drive is and then you can get the correct diagnostic tool from the manufacturer.

Most major brands' utilities can be found be found on the CD below + the memory test.

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/download.html

further down on the page where it says "MIRROR SITES" is the download area (NOT at the top in yellow).

 

[linney]

Has this machine ever been loaded with Vista or Windows 7, as Bootmgr is more associated with those operating systems than XP? Is the Bootmgr file something installed and used by your OEM in their recovery procedure?

BOOTMGR is Missing Error Resolution

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbyerrormessage/a/bootmgr-is-missing.htm

BOOTMGR Missing! HELP!!!

http://www.computerforum.com/15602-bootmgr-missing-help.html

http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=...g+xp+install&meta=&aq=0&oq=bootmgr+missing+xp

Are you using the correct recovery media from the manufacturer?

See the paragraph "Replacement OEM or system builder software media"

326246 - How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326246&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[sidroski]

Thanks to both.
It is a Vista machine and the CD is orginal one.
It is standalone, only Vista bought.

 

[linney]

You fooled us by posting in the XP Forum, it is sacrilege to mention Vista in this Forum.

Were any of the previous links helpful, a fair old whack of them cover Vista?

Startup Repair.

Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting.

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Wi...809f-ed90-415f-a83f-89b42108b3551033.mspx#EFF

Startup Repair: frequently asked questions

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/5c59f8c1-b0d1-4f1a-af55-74f3922f3f351033.mspx

Vista uses a hidden system file called Bootmgr, and a hidden folder called Boot, to successfully boot. I would have expected the Startup Repair tool to have fixed that problem for you.

Have you tried the FixMbr equivalent command?

How to use the Bootrec.exe tool in the Windows Recovery Environment to troubleshoot and repair startup issues in Windows Vista

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927392#appliesto

 

[sidroski]

Sorry I did not notice a vista forum. Anyway, I have a bad hard drive.
Thanks for the responses.

 

[goombawaho]

Well.................. interesting.