[Haun]

Ok, about 2 weeks ago i was doing some hard uninstalling for Microsoft Office 07. After all was done, I restarted so the rest of the files could be deleted (as it told me).

When i did, the screen read
"Error Reading Operating System"
My Primal Fear.

After doing some tinkering with a it on another windows machine, we found that the drive had converted its self to RAW format. Restored it to NTFS (BTW what does that stand for) with files intact, but now the MBR is being a B$@#H.

With the same program that made the disk NTFS we 'Fixed' the MBR. Used the Windows Install disk, went in the Recover mode thing to set the 'C:\Windows' boot log-in as default, restart. Nothing.


Exactly what do I need to do to fix this?

The names of all the programs will be said later, cant remember what they where.


THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!!!!!

[MJM]

As far as I know NTFS just stands for NT file system (from Win NT)... no clue if NT stands for anything.


So what error message do you get now? Is it still error reading operating system? Or is it a new error?

[Haun]

Same ones. Nothing has changed.

Sorry I haven't answered in a while, haven't been near computer w/ internet

I can access all my files and all, just my MBR doesnt Boot to Windows.

[KanoakaVirus]

I think NTFS stands for New Technology File System.

[Haun]

ok So im rapidly finding out that knowing what NTFS means, means nothing to me.

[MJM]

So if you can't access the MBR, how exactly are you accessing your files?
Recovery / Live CD of some sort I guess?

The fix mbr as far as I know just restores a standard MBR which wouldn't be set up to boot windows, but I'm unsure.
The other thing I can think of is doing a full windows repair, though that would more or less just be a reset of windows.

[Haun]

MBR is just the file that directs a the computer to find the system start up. The format allows me to access the files (in my case in PC Linux 07, or at my moms house with Win XP)

I did a little research and found that the windows recovery console on the install disk has a command called FIXMBR.

I need to be at my dads house to do it though, my HD needs to be in the C: slot. Right now its in a USB-IDE External thing (very cool). So im just backing stuff up at my moms house right now.

[Haun]

Well I did FIXMBR and i still have the same problem

Is it possible to reinstall windows without erasing all the other files, (Programs, Doncuments, ect)?

[Mohit]

Hello Haun.

There is a way to reinstall Windows without losing any of your files and folders which is often referred to as a "Repair Install". You can use the instructions to perform the procedure from here. But you will need a Windows XP disc to do so, just remember that.

Perform the repair install and try booting into Windows. See if it helps or not. Good Luck.

By the way, can you tell us how you are able to access your files if you cannot boot into Windows? Are you slaving the drive to another computer and ripping your documents off the drive?

-- Mohit

[Haun]

I am using a USB-IDE thing, quite cool