Missing Operating System

Hi

Have just registered to see if anyone has any ideas for a solution to a problem with my that is running Windows 7 (I think 64bit). It refuses to boot and just says "missing operating system".

Using the repair option on a boot disc does not work (have tried 3 times)
If I boot using a windows 7 cd/dvd I only get given the option to install windows.
I can see both hard drives in the BIOS.
I am able to get to a DOS prompt using the boot disc, but have no idea about DOS myself.
When booting from the Windows 7 cd I was able to see the C: drive but it would not open, saying it needs formatting before use.

I think that's about it, will post anything else relevant if I think of anything.

Any ideas? Hoping my drive is not dead :/

Thanks

reech23 said:

Hi

Have just registered to see if anyone has any ideas for a solution to a problem with my that is running Windows 7 (I think 64bit). It refuses to boot and just says "missing operating system".

Using the repair option on a boot disc does not work (have tried 3 times)
If I boot using a windows 7 cd/dvd I only get given the option to install windows.
I can see both hard drives in the BIOS.
I am able to get to a DOS prompt using the boot disc, but have no idea about DOS myself.
When booting from the Windows 7 cd I was able to see the C: drive but it would not open, saying it needs formatting before use.

I think that's about it, will post anything else relevant if I think of anything.

Any ideas? Hoping my drive is not dead :/

Thanks

Had it been running OK before? If so, try to think of anything different you might have done just before the problem occurs. It feels like there's some info missing here...

Sounds like a corrupted and or defective hard drive. If you go to the manufacturers web site you should be able to find a free utility that you can download and use to check the drive for errors. How old is the hard drive? Did you check the cables to make sure they are properly connected?

The only thing out of the ordinary was taking it from the UK to Poland during a few days over there. We used all the correct power adaptors etc, that shouldn't be an issue?

Used it briefly to check emails and get wifi set up, then it wouldn't boot again.

Hard drives are about 18 months old, laptop itself about 6 years (Alienware Aurora mALX). It does run pretty hot, maybe something has finally gone kaput.

Run a CHKDSK on the disk from a bootable USB/CD/DVD using Command Prompt.

Code:

cd [drive letter]:\
CHKDSK [drive letter]: /F /R /B

After, you can try using Bootrec.exe.
Bootrec.exe Tool - How to Use in Windows Recovery Environment

To see if you can view your files, you can use this command:

Code:

 dir [drive letter]:\