boot sector is invalid - missing operating system

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

When I boot my computer I get the error message " missing
operating system ". I have tried to reload xp with ms boot
disks but it did not work. I have tried the xp repair
option using these disk but it also did not work. Does
anyone have any suggestions on how to recover/restore the
boot sector from the drive ? Any help is appreciated,
answer here or email me privately.

jay
..

 

[bar]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

More to the point:

This failure can be the result of Worm / Virus activity on your HDD.

If you manage to reboot successfully after FIXMBR, then make sure the first thing you do is to run a Full System Scan with an up to date Anti Virus application.

Should the scan reveal a clean system, then you have the first signs of a HArd Disk Failure.

Buy a new HDD and clone your old drive to the new one and then remove the old drive from your computer.

Some reatil packages for HDDs include a setup CD that performs the full disk initialisation process: Partition and Format, plus they will then 'clone' your HDD. All this without having to run Windows. Follow the instructions to the letter and you will have a happy result.

Do not install the HDD and try to set up the HDD under Windows, you will not achieve a successful and operational cloned disk.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

jay moore wrote:

> When I boot my computer I get the error message " missing
> operating system ". I have tried to reload xp with ms boot
> disks but it did not work. I have tried the xp repair
> option using these disk but it also did not work. Does
> anyone have any suggestions on how to recover/restore the
> boot sector from the drive ? Any help is appreciated,
> answer here or email me privately.
>
> jay

Boot to CD with the XP CD.
Select to go to the Recovery Console
Type in "FIXMBR"
All should now be good.