How To Repair MBR or restore Windows XP Master Boot Record

“Error Loading OS”, “Error Loading Operating System” or “MBR corrupt” on blank screen.

Note: Before you proceed, please read my other post “Error Loading OS” for your reference.

1. Insert Windows 2000/XP Setup or Installation CD
2. Restart your Computer



3. If you see this message, “Press any key to boot from CD…” press a key to start the computer from Windows CD.



4. After a few minutes, you’ll see Windows Setup Menu.  Press “R” key to start repair Windows XP installation using Recovery Console.
5. Microsoft Recovery Console will start.
6. If you’re prompted to enter a number related to the Windows XP installation that you need to repair.  Most likely “1″ if any.
7. Enter your Administrator password, if you’re asked.



8. At the Recovery Console Command Prompt, type “fixmbr” and verify that you want to proceed.
9. Remove Windows 2000/XP Setup CD from CDROM.
10. Type “exit” to restart your computer.

If you still have same problem, repeat the steps above but type “fixboot” instead of “fixmbr” command.

If “fixmbr” and “fixboot’ didn’t fix the problem, please read this post: Recover Hard Disk Data & Files.