Windows 7 - Issues with MBR

I did not know which category this fit under so feel free to move it to the appropriate one.

On my pc I have a dual boot of XP and Windows 7, I use XP for certain games and for my Sony Handycam software. The Handycam software does not run properly in Vista / 7 so unfortunately I need to leave XP on my PC.

Anyway, I frequently have my MBR corrupted or copied over or something to where I can no longer boot to 7. It will boot straight to XP. This is easily fixed by booting the 7 install dvd and using the Bootsect /nt60 command in the dos prompt. It's just a huge hassle!

I've started noticing a couple patterns. This will sometimes happen after a system crash, I usually lose all info in my BIOS as well when this occurs.

The other times it happens is when I have certain dvd's in my drive or certain USB devices plugged up. I could almost understand if I had a XP disk on them but I do not. One game that I'm currently having issues with causing this problem is GTA4. It just baffles me.

Anyway, does anyone know what could be going on or how to keep this from happening? Can I set up a small USB thumb drive to boot up to and fix the issue without having to load the windows setup each time?

XP SP3 / Win 7 RC 7200

Hi Mudfrog,
I am curious on something. When you got Windows 7 booted up, did you try installing the XP MODE and then see if your games work on the XP Mode? If they do then no longer need to dual boot I am guessing. Just a thought. I also wonder if there is a BIOS update to your motherboard? hmmm
Raj

Since Windows 7 normally will configure the boot correctly, next time run a Repair Install from the Windows 7 desktop to give it a chance to reconfigure the boot as it does in the original install. It may be compromised by your CMD solution which is not as complete.

Originally I tried doing the Repair, it always reported that no problems were found (unless you are talking about installing Windows 7 over top of itself). So far the command line has been the most efficient way to recover my MBR. This has been an on going issue since the RC copy was first released to the public.

My games will play fine under 7, I mainly use XP for my Handycam. The software has a well known problem of running extremely slow in Vista / 7. A 5 minute video will take around 45 minutes to import from the camera, in XP it will take about 30 seconds.

I think I did try XP compatibility mode under 7 at one time but I will try that again.

What is the exact error you get? What order did you install your OS's?

What is your partition layout? Which is the active partition?

What kind of disk drive do you have? If IDE, are your jumpers set correctly?

If you loose all your BIOS info, it could very well be the battery!

I have used the repair option a couple of times. While 7 reported no problems found, it did fix the issues.

YMMV

Updated my system specs on this forum. HDD is a WD Caviar Black 750GB SATA.

I can understand how the MBR might become corrupt if the system crashes but why will booting up with certain dvd's in the drive cause the MBR to be wiped out?

This works like clock work.. If I reboot my PC with the GTA4 dvd in the drive it will only boot to XP, I do not even have the option of booting to 7. If I take the dvd out it still will not give me the option of 7, not until I repair the MBR. It will work flawlessly until I boot with "certain" dvd's in the the drive.

I would think as long as the dvd is not bootable it should not cause an issue.

Mudfrog, I've seen just about all boot up problems. If you can answer the questions I'm asking, I may be able to help you. Please be specific in the answers.

Yes, I was referring to a Repair Install which is an Upgrade run over itself. It saves programs, files and settings in place, reinstalls the OS and reconfigures the boot correctly. You only need to reactivate at Computer>Properties link.

But first I would try Paul's suggestions as loss of BIOS data might indicate CMOS battery. And use WD's Lifeguard full diagnostics/repair scan CD on your HD

The command you are running to start up Windows 7 is not fixing the problem which is what's needed. The correct commands are all automated in Windows 7 Startup Repair now so if it refuses Repair it means it needs Repair Install and possibly clean reinstall.