How to Update the Master Boot Record

The Master Boot Record, also known as the partition sector, is the first sector of a storage device in a computer, such as a hard drive. When a computer is first turned on, the system memory is empty and the processor has nothing to process. Every disk has a certain starting point where key information is stored and where the boot system can begin to load the operating system. This is the information that is stored in the Master Boot Record. Occasionally, the Master Boot Record may become corrupted and prevent the computer from starting correctly. In this case, it has to be updated to a factory setting again. Windows has the Recovery Console system tool, which can update or reset this record.

• 1

  Boot your Windows operating system using the installation CD by inserting the installation CD into the computer and then restarting the system. Early in the startup process, there will be a prompt letting you start the computer from the CD. Choose this option.

• 2

  Press "R" to repair the system when the prompt shows on screen.

• 3

  Press "1". This will select Windows as the system to be repaired. A prompt to enter an administrator password will come up if you have created one. If it does, enter the password and hit "Enter."

• 4

  Enter the command "fixmbr" when prompted. This is the command to reset the Master Boot Record. Entering this command will trigger several messages about what exactly resetting the Master Boot Record will do. You can ignore these messages.

• 5

  Type "Y" and then press "Enter." The Master Boot Record will now be reset and updated to factory condition.

• 6

  Restart the computer to finalize the update.