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How to fix “Error Loading OS”, “Error Loading Operating System” Windows XP, Windows 2000 error.

This is the error message:

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

You start your computer and you get nothing but “Error Loading OS” in white lettering on black screen. If you’re experiencing this error, your computer become unbootable. It looks like a catastrophic disaster and scary but Don’t panic. This can be fixed easily, if you diagnose correctly and follow right steps to correct the error. 99% of the time, you don’t need to reinstall your Windows XP or Windows 2000 operating system. Reinstalling your operating system is the last option. Most of the time, all of your valuable documents and files are still intact.

Don’t rush and jump into conclusion. You probably didn’t get the good results by searching the help and support site on Microsoft.com (I didn’t get the right answer when I had this problem)

Let’s fix this mysterious error.

Why do I get “Error Loading OS” error?

There are many different possibilities that can cause this error but I’d like to list them into 5 major groups:

1. Incorrect BIOS setting.
2. Your computer hard disk’s master boot record (MBR) is damaged.
3. Dual-boot issues with Linux or other operating system.
4. Overclock gone bad.
5. Partition or hard disk issues in new installation of Windows XP.

Verify your BIOS setting:

Access the BIOS by press “Delete” key or other key (usually F2 or Delete) specified by your manufacturer while starting your PC. Set correct BIOS setting according to your manufacturer’s manual.

1. Double check your system BIOS setting.
2. Double check your boot sequence.
3. Double check your disk option.
4. If you’re not sure, default setting will work for now.
5. Get the latest BIOS revision or motherboard updates from your manufacturer.

Restart your computer. If you still get “Error Loading OS” message, move on to next step.

What is MBR or Master Boot Record?

The BIOS reads and executes the first physical sector of the hard disk on the system. This first sector of the hard disk is called the master boot record, partition table or master boot block. There is a small program at the beginning of this sector of the hard disk. The partition information, or partition table, is stored at the end of this sector. This program uses the partition information to determine which partition is bootable and attempts to boot from it. It is the most important data structure on the hard disk.

Things you need to fix MBR:

1. Your Windows 2000/XP Setup or Installation CD
2. Administrator Password

How to fix MBR?

If you have single Operating System installed, read this full post: How To Fix MBR.

If “fixmbr” and “fixboot” didn’t fix your problem, Read this post: Recover Deleted Hard Drive Data & Files.

Hard Drive Data Recovery:

If you’re victim of MBR virus or boot sector virus, more likely your data & files are affected. Read this post: Recover Crashed Hard Drive Data & Files.

Dual-Boot Linux and Windows 2000/XP or other multiple operating system issues:

If you install Dual-Boot Linux with Windows OS or other multiple OS and uninstalled the Linux. You probably still have either GRUB loader or LILO as a Linux boot manager.

If you want to completely remove GRUB loader or LILO linux boot manager, read this full post: How to uninstall GRUB or LILO

If you want to repair damaged GRUB loader and LILO boot manager and continue to use Linux and Windows OS, read this post: Recover Crashed Hard Drive Data & Files. You will be able to recover your partition and boot manager to start your computer properly.

Overclock gone bad:

You probably installed Windows 2000/XP and tried to overclock your system. Your computer become unstable and you decided to change overclock setting and cause “Error Loading OS” error. You can restore your MBR. Read this post: How To Fix MBR.

Partition or hard disk issues in new installation of Windows XP

You’ve just installed Windows XP and restart your PC and get “Error Loading OS” error. This error is caused by your PC BIOS doesn’t correctly manage or support the capacity of the hard disk on which you are installing Windows XP.

To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods:

1. Install the lastest BIOS revision from your motherboard manufacturer or PC manufacturer.
2. Re-Partition your hard disk using latest utility software from your Hard Disk Manufacturer.
3. Install latest SP2 for your Windows XP operating system.

What cause MBR damage?

1. MBR virus or boot sector virus attack. Read this post: How to fix and prevent MBR Virus.
2. Power Surge.
3. Human error.

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