Using the Bootrec.exe Tool - Solving and Fixing Vista Boot Problems You can use the Bootrec.exe tool in the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) to troubleshoot and fix problems with the following items in Windows Vista: * Master Boot Record (MBR) * Boot Sector * Startup Configuration Data (BCD) Storage Note: When using Windows RE to resolve startup issues, you should first try the “Startup Repair” option in the System Recovery Options dialog box. If the "Startup Repair" option does not resolve the issue, or if you must manually resolve the issue through more than one step, use the Bootrec.exe tool. MORE INFORMATION To run the Bootrec.exe tool, you must start Windows RE. To do this, follow these steps: 1. Insert the Windows Vista installation disk into the CD drive and start your computer. 2. Press a key when prompted. 3. Select the language, time, currency, keyboard or input method and click “Next”. 4. Click “Repair your computer”. 5. Click the operating system you want to repair and click “Next”. 6. In the <;System Recovery Options" dialog box, click “Command Prompt”. 7. Type Bootrec.exe and press Enter. Bootrec.exe Options The Bootrec.exe tool supports the following options. Please use the option that is appropriate for your situation. The /FixMbr /FixMbr option writes a Windows Vista-compatible MBR to the system partition. This option does not overwrite existing partition tables. Use this option when you must resolve MBR corruption issues or you must remove non-standard code from the MBR. The /FixBoot /FixBoot option writes a new boot sector to the system partition using a Windows Vista-compatible boot sector. Use this option if one of the following conditions is met: * The boot sector has been replaced with a non-standard Windows Vista boot sector. * The boot sector is corrupt. * After installing Windows Vista, an earlier version of the Windows operating system is installed. In this case, the computer starts with the Windows NT Loader (NTLDR) instead of using the Windows Boot Manager (Bootmgr.exe). The /ScanOs /ScanOs option scans all Windows disks for Windows Vista-compatible installations. In addition, this option also displays entries that are not currently in BCD storage. Use this option if there is a Windows Vista installation that is not listed in the "Startup Manager" menu. The /RebuildBcd /RebuildBcd option scans all disks for Windows Vista-compatible installations. In addition, this option allows you to select the installations you want to add to your BCD storage. Use this option if you must completely regenerate the BCD. Note: If rebuilding the BCD does not resolve the startup issue, you can export and remove the BCD and then run this option again. This ensures a complete re-generation of the BCD. To do this, enter the following command at the Windows RE command prompt: * bcdedit /export C:\\BCD_Backup * c: * cd boot * attrib bcd -s -h -r * ren c:\\boot\\bcd bcd.old * Bootrec /RebuildBcd The above information applies to: * Windows Vista Ultimate * Windows Vista Enterprise * Windows Vista Business * Windows Vista Home Premium * Windows Vista Home Basic * Windows Vista Business 64-bit edition * Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit edition * Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition * Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit edition * Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition