How to Fix BOOTMGR Is Missing Problem [2021]

David Darlington

Sep 14, 2021 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

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Boot manager (BOOTMGR) is a software created by Windows and comes preinstalled to guide you through the startup process for your computer. This software was created to automate the Operating System’s startup process. Without it, we would have to use the longer route of manually starting the OS using the BIOS utility. Bootmgr is missing error shows up when the computer is starting up, right after you press the power button.

Getting such an error means that your computer cannot access bootmgr to start. While it is frustrating not having access to your computer, a bootmgr is missing error is a common issue experienced by many users. The solutions highlighted below will help you resolve this error.

There are 2 ways this error presents itself on your computer:

• BOOTMGR is missing. Press Ctrl Alt Del to restart
• Couldn’t find BOOTMGR

What causes this error?

• Failed Windows installation or update
• Viruses affecting the boot section
• Crashed or corrupted hard disk drives
• Outdated BIOS utility
• When the computer tried to boot from a non-bootable source. This means that the hard drive is not configured to be booted from or does not contain the proper boot files.

Such errors means you can't use your computer normally or access your data till it's fixed. But don't be worried. The solutions below have been highlighted for you to fix "BOOTMGR is missing" issue in Windows 7, Vista, XP, etc..

Part 1. Remove non-bootable disks

A non-bootable disk is a device that does not contain data that’s needed to boot your PC.
One easy way to fix a bootmgr is missing error is to remove non-bootable disks such as USB flash drives, CDs, DVDs, floppy disks and external hard disk drives. Once you remove, ensure to change the boot order from the BIOS utility so that your PC boots from the drive you choose.

Part 2. Rebuild the BCD

BCD stands for Boot Configuration Data. A bootmgr is missing error can also occur due to the BCD store missing or is corrupted.
To rebuild the BCD, got to Windows menu and search for Advanced Startup options (Windows 8,10) or System recovery options (Windows 7, Vista). Select Troubleshoot then advanced options in the next window.

Select the command prompt option and wait for the prompt to launch then type bootrec/rebuildbcd in the command prompt

Part 3. Fix BOOTMGR missing with a Windows DVD

If you have a Windows installation disk, you can directly use it to fix the Bootmgr missing issue. If you don't have one, the first option is recommended, because it can save you from purchasing a Windows installation DVD.
Next, let's check how to fix Bootmgr missing problem with a Windows DVD in steps.

Step 1. Insert the Windows DVD to your computer DVD player and restart it
Step 2. Set the Language, Time and Keyboard on the Interface
Step 3. Click "Repair your computer"
Step 4. Windows will then try to find the installation directory for Windows 7, Vista, or XP. If you have more than one on your computer, choose the one you want to repair
Step 5. Click "Startup Repair"
Step 6. You'll see the message that "Startup Repair is checking your system for problems…"
Step 7. When it's done, it will prompt you to restart your computer. Now, you can remove the DVD and reboot your computer. Then you'll find that everything works well. By the way, you can learn more methods to fix BOOTMGR missing issue.

Part 4. Recover Lost Data When You Failed to Boot the Computer with the Above Method

BOOTMGR is missing error often causes failure of booting the computer. For that, you can't access the data on the computer. In most cases, with the help of a Windows DVD or bootable media, you can fix the issue. But if you fail, you can resort to a powerful system crash recovery tool - Recoverit Data Recovery software software to retrieve your data back. Follow the below steps to go on.

1. Initiate Recoverit and choose a data recovery mode. In a case where your Windows 10 fails to boot up, choose the "Recover from Cash Computer" option, and on the next pop up window, click "Start".

   

2. You may choose between a USB bootable drive in selecting a mode to create a bootable drive. Click the "Create" button to initiate.

   

3. Ensure to back up your vital data as the subsequent pop Window will ask you to format your USB drive. To process this, click the "Format" button.

   

4. Kindly ensure not to eject your USB flash while it's creating a bootable drive. There is a follow-up instruction or you may choose to view the full guide to take the next step on how to initiate data recovery.

   

5. Creating a bootable drive takes a while and after this process, there will be three easy steps concerning data recovery solutions.

   

6. Before initiating the data recovery process from unbootable Windows 10, ensure to modify your PC boot sequence to boot from the bootable media that has just been developed by you.

   

Get into the BIOS using the F12 function key after restarting your computer, this entry keys may defer based on the computer model. You can get more information on how to operate your computer to boot via USB drive.

1. Recoverit will automatically initiate as soon as boot from the bootable drive is enabled. Then, you can either recover your lost data from Windows 10 or copy data from the hard disk. You never have to worry about data recovery from unbootable Windows 10, with this guide, fixing issues with lost data on Windows 10 is easy.