Solved Bootmgr missing ctrl+alt+del and more

[Zanty]

Hi all,
I have read up on this forum about how to create a USB which solves this problem,but I think I have a combination which doesn't make that solution a viable option.

My problem is as follows:-
I have a grub USB stick with windows Installations on, as well as repair programs.
I used it to re-install win 7 on my other laptop, and, it worked like a charm and runs like a dream. A 2 second shutdown is what I'd call quick

Anyhow, thought I'd give it a go ony netbook, as, being about to sell it, thought I'd reinstall the starter version of windows that came pre-installed when I bought it.
All was good, until restarting after installation. It seemed to only boot off the aforementioned USB stick. I ran the repair startup facility as described 3 times but still the same thing. Windows seemed to think I should boot from the Ethernet port for some reason, at least that's what it was looking for at startup.
So, reluctantly, I re-installed windows.
Now, I should mention there was a 99mb partition which wasn't showing up after installation, so I went into disc management and enable it, after the 2nd successive install. I was careful to mark C drive as an active partition, so as to make sure it booted up to that at startup, so in doing so I labelled that as the primary 238gb partition.
I then re-started my netbook, and then got an error stating "bootmgr missing, press ctrl alt & delete".
I did, my netbook restarted and so I'm here
Further problem is this...
When I put my USB drive which contains recovery and disk management software, it doesn't make a difference as I get the same message.
Additional problem is this...
I can't get into bios but...
My arrow keys DO NOT function, so all I can do is load setup defaults which make no difference, and.. I'm back to square one
Short of taking out the hdd what can I do?
F8 does nothing
USB drive does nothing
I cannot change the boot options in bios..
and
I don't have a built in DVD/CD drive

 

[Trinty]

Hello, Zanty.

First, welcome to Seven Forums!

I think you can not use GRUB for Windows installation. Try to follow this tutorial and try again : http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html

Trinty

 

[Zanty]

You can, I've used it and it works fine.
Like I said previously I'm running windows 7 on my quad core laptop, which I installed windows 7 on using a USB prepared by grub.
Reason? Grub allows multiple os live boots and installs.
But I digress, because this post isn't about debating that
Can anyone suggest what I do next to help sort my netbook out? Thanks
Btw I should point out I've already red that helpful post you directed me to, However, like I've already said, it's not an option for me if a USB key is not being read at startup - which it isn't.

 

[gregrocker]

Is there a newer BIOS update for your mobo or PC model? If not Reset the BIOS to defaults, manually if necessary: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

Set SATA controller to AHCI mode, boot the installer to wipe the HD with Diskpart Clean Command before Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

 

[Zanty]

Ok will try it thanks

 

[Zanty]

I actually reset the bios to the setup defaults yesterday but it made no difference

 

[gregrocker]

Write a new ISO to stick using Step 1 and 2 in this tutorial to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

You'll first need to Unlock any version using eicfg removal tool
on the ISO file before writing.

 

[SIW2]

Are you able to connect your working lappy to your netbook?

 

[Zanty]

I could connect it to my laptop I've just not done it before so I bit unsure how to go about that

 

[Zanty]

Ok I cleared the bios again and reset to default.
Followed the guide and downloaded the windows USB utility tool.
Creates a bootable USB drive and exactly the same message.
No matter what I do I'm getting the
Bootmgr press ctrl alt and delete to restart error

 

[SIW2]

Try connecting with a usb cble - if you have one - if you can see the netbook drive from your lappy, you should be able to have a go at fixing it.

If you are able to do that - you could give this a go:

View attachment NT6Repairx86.zip

I could connect it to my laptop I've just not done it before so I bit unsure how to go about that

Don't like the sound of your netbook being unable to boot from usb stick.

 

[gregrocker]

The error could also be because BIOS is bypassing the flash stick and trying to boot the HD.

Can you try booting flash stick in any other PC? Use the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key.

 

[Zanty]

The error could also be because BIOS is bypassing the flash stick and trying to boot the HD.

Can you try booting flash stick in any other PC? Use the one-time BIOS Boot Menu key.

Yeah I checked it in my other laptop by F2 into the bios and it recognised it fine and started loading up windows installation, so no problem with that.

 

[Zanty]

Try connecting with a usb cble - if you have one - if you can see the netbook drive from your lappy, you should be able to have a go at fixing it.

If you are able to do that - you could give this a go:

Will need to try this option, just can't find my USB cable right now lol

 

[gregrocker]

Look for USB settings in BIOS setup to enable.

You can also write Ultimate Boot CD to flash stick to use Partition Wizard or DBAN to wipe the HD which often solves installation issues. Ultimate Boot CD (UBCD) from a USB flash drive | USB Pen Drive Linux

 

[Zanty]

Ok, will try that, thanks

 

[Zanty]

Ok I downloaded the nt6 repair program and am currently connecting it to my laptop via USB whilst running it, problem is my laptop drive is not showing up on there.
Is there anything else I can do in the regard?

Also I cannot change anything boot wise in the bios as my direction keys don't work. All I can do is load setup defaults.
So, although I successfully downloaded and installed the recovery iso suggested to me, it still won't read it as my netbook is still trying to boot from hdd with the Ctrl alt del error.

 

[gregrocker]

Use one of the other methods to reset the BIOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

Your HD brand's HD Diagnostics may be on Ultimate boot CD which I showed you how to write to flash stick above. If not use Seatools to do a full scan then wipe the HD.

 

[SIW2]

He doesn't seem to be able to boot any external media.

 

[gregrocker]

Maybe stick will boot if he resets the CMOS. If not Ultimate Boot Cd should boot itself to test and wipe the HD, which should in turn force the installer to boot itself. It isn't optimal but has worked before.

Any other ideas, Si?