"BOOTMGR is missing"

[thomis]

...for Dell laptop Inspiron 1545 32-bit running Windows
Just downloaded Windows 7 install to flash drive to regain access to my laptop. I realize I will lose everything on it but all other attempts to do system restore, startup repair, etc.. have failed. I just need to get it working again so I can use it. I put the flash drive in the laptop and after hitting f12 to choose boot from usb...hit enter and "BOOTMGR" is missing it says...

Can I just download (from where?) this mr. BOOTMGR to the same usb and good to go?

 

[Arc]

Run http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/681-startup-repair.html , booting from the downloaded disk. Run it three separate times with restarts in between each single run.

But before that , make it sure that the system reserved (100 MB , hidden) partition is marked as active.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/71432-partition-mark-active.html (method two or method three).

 

[thomis]

"all other attempts to do system restore, startup repair, etc.. have failed."

 

[Arc]

Have you tried to make it sure that the target partition is active, and then run the startup repair(not the automated one, but using the installation or recovery media) for three separate times, with restarts ?

It should work there.

 

[iUn1t3d]

Make sure the USB flash drive is formatted as FAT32.

 

[gregrocker]

If you've indeed exhausted all the steps for Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Boot then there is a step there to rescue any files you need.

Here is everything you need to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 including the tool to write official ISO to flash stick.

 

[thomis]

when i use the windows 7 repair disc, the dvd drive detects it and it loads. so why shouldn't the usb drive? does that still mean the partition is not set?

 

[thomis]

"Make sure the USB flash drive is formatted as FAT32."

i'm pretty novice my friend! how do i do that if i can't boot?

 

[gregrocker]

Use the tool in Step 2 in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to write the ISO to stick.

 

[thomis]

"Use the tool in Step 2 in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to write the ISO to stick."

This isn't creating an .iso file on my desktop. I am following the instructions.

 

[gregrocker]

Please explain. The Windows Download tool is to write the ISO file to flash stick or burn to DVD.

 

[thomis]

ok, i get it now. I didn't realize the windows 7 install file (2.38 gb) is called an iso file. i was just clicking and dragging it to the usb drive. guess that's why i was not able to use it to boot.

 

[thomis]

setup from the install disk ran for an hour and failed. something about a partition

 

[gregrocker]

Try wiping the HD first. Unplug all other HD's. Boot into installer, at first screen press Shift + F10 keys to open a Command Line, type:

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK # (replace # with the WIn7 disk #)
CLEAN
EXIT.

Now try install using CUstom install Drive Options to create partition(s) as you wish and format before install, or just click Next to let installer do it for you.

If this fails we need the exact error message.

 

[Saltgrass]

It is funny, that during the thread as far as I can tell, you never stated the original problem.

The built-in repair options. like Startup Repair, are supposed to correct just about anything wrong with the system, but as you can see they don't always work. If you have not already done so, you might try running the three versions of the Bootrec.exe command from the command prompt to see if it might jump start your system.

Bootrec /fixMBR
Bootrec /fixboot
and if not running yet
Bootrec /rebuildBCD

 

[thomis]

update

Thank you all for trying to help me restore use on this laptop.
Some quick background info: Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop, Windows HP 32 bit.

I was out of town for a week but I'm back and trying to get it working again. I ran the repair disk (a CD I bought for repairing windows 7). That didn't work. Multiple times.

So, I have downloaded Windows 7 Home Premium SP 1 on a USB. At first, the computer was saying "BOOTMGR MISSING" but its not saying that anymore. Now it is reading the usb stick but it won't install windows.

Here are a couple error boxes I have seen recently:

This last pic is from when "Dell Datasafe Restore" popped up... It ran for over 48 hours (seriously) and finally stuck for over 24 hours on 56%. That's when I shut it down.

 

[AddRAM]

2 questions

1) What program did you use to BURN the iso file to the flash stick ?
2) Did you change the BOOT DISC PRIORITY to have the usb drive listed 1st and save it ?

 

[gregrocker]

Dell Diagnostics tools were run from boot and show in the first screenshot that your HD has failed the Short test.

Boot into Dell Diagnostics via F12 at boot again to run the tests once more to confirm this.
Dell Diagnostics Utility - How to Run the
Dell DIagnostics downoad

You can then run the HD manufacturer's HD Diagnostic extended CD scan to confirm that your HD needs replacing.

I dont' know why you paid for a Win7 Repair CD as they are available free to be made from any Win7 PC. System Repair Disc - Create

We can continue with helping you get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 once you repair or replace your HD.

 

[thomis]

If I haven't already said it, thank you. You guys are very kind to help. This is still a work in progress and with a 3 yr and 9 month old at my feet, it is taking forever.

AddRAM: "What program did you use to BURN the iso file to the flash stick?"

I used gregrocker's info he posted:

"Use the tool in Step 2 in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to write the ISO to stick."

For your second question: "Did you change the BOOT DISC PRIORITY to have the usb drive listed 1st and save it?"

I did do that but not sure if it was necessary since I could press F12 during startup and choose to boot from usb stick..which seemed to work fine.

Gregrocker, I ran the Dell diagn. tool and the same thing happened so I think its confirmed that the short test indeed failed. Also, I don't think I can run the manufacturer's HD diagnostic extended cd scan because the pc I'm using now (my home desktop) does not have a writable cd drive (also the reason I had to purchase the windows 7 repair cd).

As far as repairing or replacing the HD...Is there still any point in running the instructions from saltgrass:

Bootrec /fixMBR
Bootrec /fixboot
and if not running yet
Bootrec /rebuildBCD

OR gregrocker, is there still any point in your instructions to wipe the HD?"DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK # (replace # with the WIn7 disk #)
CLEAN
EXIT."

 

[gregrocker]

You can write Hirens Boot CD or Ulitmate Boot CD to flash stick using Universal USB Installer
to test your HD with the HD maker's diagnostics or comparable.
Hiren’s BootCD 15.1
Easily Boot Ultimate Boot CD (UBCD) from a USB flash drive | USB Pen Drive Linux

Otherwise boot the Win7 installer, press Shift + F10 at the first screen to open a Command Box or access System Recovery Options to run Disk Check which will confirm if HD is salvageable.

If test fails or won't run then I would replace the HD.