Constant BOOT Errors!!!

danger47 · 06 Aug 2011

Hello all
I'm fairly new to this site and did a lot of reading to see if this has already been posted but I couldn't find it, so here goes...

Every time I boot lately (last 2 -3 weeks) I get error messages, the first one said missing "NLTDR", and now the newest one is missing "BOOTMGR". I have tried system restore, repair my computer, tried using cmd for "chkdsk /r" and no luck.

My computer will boot but only if I leave in either the repair disc created by windows itself, or my win 7 home upgrade dvd. And even then I have to chose which operating system to use and it has windows seven showing 3 times in a row.

I really don't want to have to format and start all over again because it's about 2 days work for me because of Mcafee installation is compllicated (just trust me on this one) and all my ISP info has to be done with a tech.

How can I fix any boot up problems please????

Bare Foot Kid · 06 Aug 2011

Hello danger47, welcome to Seven Forums!

Post a snip first then have a look at this tutorial at the link below to get some info for starters and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times

Note

Before we make any specific recommendations will you please post a snip/screen-shot of the entire Windows disk management drive map with a full description as to which drive/partition is which, so we can see what you have going on as there may be a fairly simple way to resolve the situation.

In the Windows start menu right click computer and click manage, in the left pane of the "Computer Management" window that opens click disk management and post a maximized snip of that.

How to Upload and Post a Screenshot and File in Seven Forums

danger47 · 06 Aug 2011

Thanx for the quick response. I hope I do this properly, it's my first time doing this!!

This is drive C: and D: is a partition although I have no idea when I made this partition??? Doesn't make sense that I would partition so small. Therefore I don't know if I should just delete this partition and see what happens? But I'll wait until I hear from you guys.

DalekOverSeer · 06 Aug 2011

first thing i would do is convert c to a primary drive then set c to active. then try to boot normally. d shouuld not be the active partition.

Bare Foot Kid · 06 Aug 2011

The C: partition cannot be marked as active as it an Extended partition / Logical drive and Windows can't boot independently from an Extended partition, the Windows System boot files must be stored on t Primary to function correctly.

C: is the partition that the OS is currently running from, not D:

Is there an Operating System on D: and if so what is it?

theog · 06 Aug 2011

DalekOverSeer said:

first thing i would do is set c to active. then try to boot normally. d shouuld not be the active partition. i also noticed that c is a logical partition it should be a primary partition.

If OP are not dual booting the only ACTIVE partition should be D:

Bare Foot Kid · 06 Aug 2011

The best first step would be to convert the C: Logical to a Primary partition so it can independently host the System boot files; have a look at Option One of this tutorial linked below for the process; when that's done post back with another snip and we'll go on from there.

Partition Wizard : Use the Bootable CD

Be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

As good and reliable a program as Partition Wizard is, I would not trust the installed version for the operation you need, use the boot CD as suggested.

First download the Partition Wizard Bootable Disk (PWBD) ISO file to the desktop, be sure to get the PWBD and not the installed version; scroll down to see the download link for the Bootable CD ISO file at this link below.

Partition Wizard Free Bootable CD

Then use ImgBurn to burn the ISO to a CD, at no greater than 4x speed with a verify; it was designed for use and works best from a CD rather than a DVD; then boot the created CD to make the changes, it doesn't take any input from the user to setup, just relax and let it load.

ImgBurn Free ISO Burning Software

gregrocker · 06 Aug 2011

We can't see the size on disk of any of the partitions since you cut off the listings columns on the far right.

But we can see enough to know it is a hot mess, with almost every partition marked Active when only the OS partition should be, Win7 installed to a Logical partition which cannot be marked Active so it is booting off of D.

You'd be better off to move the data off of DISK0, unplug all other HD's and peripherals, boot the Win7 installer to clean reinstall. Do a Custom install, use Drive Options to delete both partitions, create New as you wish, then format before install. Illustrated steps given here: Clean Install Windows 7

When you plug back in the other HD's, boot the into Win7 DVD Repair console to open a Command Prompt to mark all the other HD's partitions Inactive if they don't contain an OS: Partition - Mark as Active (Method Two)

If you decide to reinstall look over these tips to get a perfect reinstall - use the ones which apply: Reinstalling Windows 7

DalekOverSeer · 06 Aug 2011

as stated before get a copy of the partition wizard 5.0 iso, and then use imgburn to burn the cd. pw 6.0 on some systems does not like to boot from the cd.

danger47 · 07 Aug 2011

Well now, who do I follow instructions from? Gregrocker or Bare Foot Kid????

As Stated, I'd really rather not format if I don't absolutely have to. But I will follow the advice of people who know what they're talking about.

I've downloaded said partition manager and will make an iso. What should I do after this please?