Apr 10, 2023 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions
Fixing a Master Boot Record (MBR) may seem like a complicated process without the technical know-how but it is very easy if you have a perfect guide. In this tutorial, we aim to show you how to fix and repair MBR in Windows 10.
MBR is a boot sector located in a region of a computer hard disk. This sector is responsible for storing information regarding all partitions in the hard drive. Master Boot Record also serves as a loading unit of the operating system in use. An MBR is created the moment you install Windows on an initial partition. If you look through your hard disk, you will notice a file with a size of about 512 bytes. That file is your MBR. A damaged MBR makes it impossible to boot Windows and there are so many issues that can lead to MBR damage. Some of them include
To fix and repair MBR, here is a list of quick fixes. Each method has a detailed explanation for easy understanding. Use any of them to fix and repair MBR.
When you boot your Windows, it detects issues if there is any and once it does, it enters into what is called an automatic repair mode. You will see this message
"Your PC did not start correctly"
Select the Advanced Options – Troubleshoot and Startup repair to correct issues. The Startup tool will work on the issues automatically after which your Windows will restart again.
If Startup does not fix the problem or you want a fast process, you can apply a direct approach by using command prompt through Auto repair. If an issue has been detected by Windows 10, the Repair screen will pop up.
Click Options – Troubleshoot– Command Prompt
To complete the repair procedure, use bootrec.exe to repair MBR. Bootrec.exe is highly recommended because it has a wide range of system commands meant for recovering boot processes. This tool also serves as an installation base for Windows.
Under each Command system will notify you if it is successful. If you see an error instead, type "bootrec.exe /rebuild cd" then tap Enter. This command will rebuild Boot Control Data.
bcdedit /export c:\bcdbackup
C:
Cd boot
Attrib bcd -s -h -r
Ren c:\boot\bcd.old
Bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd
This process will repair all MBR problems
Gparted live is a Linux enabled software for partition management. This software is very effective in fixing MBR related issues. To use Gparted, here are the steps
Both versions work for 32/64-bit. If your system is 32&64 bit, go for an i686.iso but for a 64-bit, choose an am64.iso.
Download UNetbootin to write disc to the media type you are using. Click Diskimage and click the 3 dots icon for navigation to Gparted ISO
For corrupt MBR, insert the Gparted media into the device. Switch it on the open boot selection menu. When the menu comes on, look for Gparted Live as a bootable source. Click on it and leave it to load. Change the default language to your preferred language.
Testdisk will perform a quick scan on your drive to identify primary Partition. The Partition to look out for is one with "*". This primary partition contains the corrupted MBR. If you can't find it, conduct a Deep search for it. Live Gparted will also provide you with a list of errors found.
After you are through, close Terminal, log out Gparted and shut the system down before you remove Bootable media. Only after doing this should you reboot PC
Download a 33-bit or 64-bit of Boot Repair Disk. Tick the Gparted Icon. Now, write a disk image to bootable media. Download UNetbootin too
Remove bootable media once you are done and shut down the system.
When boot repair loads, choose Terminal from Taskbar, type in fDisk -l then tap Enter to view partitions in the drive
We understand that many of our readers find it difficult to fix a faulty Master Boot Record hence our decision to address the issue using some of these technical solutions that have proven to work every time they have been used. If a particular solution does not work, try the next one until you find one that fixes the problem.
Theo Lucia
chief Editor