Can't access bios, missing bootmgr msg in win 7

[cadred]

I can't access my bios and get msg missing bootmgr enter ctrl alt delete to restart

I can't use my win 7 disk or any other disk to fix this because my computer won't read it, and I can't get into the bios to reset the boot priority. I can't use a zip drive cause the computer won't read that either. All I seem to be able to do is hit ctrl, alt, del. but why do that is it doesn't boot my rig.

when I put the drive into my second computer, windows is there, and the boot manager is there too.

I want to use this computer for a folding contest on May 15. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Maguscreed]

The bios is completely unconnected and unrelated to windows. It exist separate from it.

This sounds very much like a hardware problem to me.
A windows problem can't lock you out of your bios.
There is also the possibility the graphics or monitor is dead as I'm not fully understanding the nature of your problem.

Regardless it really does sound like a problem with the motherboard or graphics.

If you pull all the ram out and try to start the system does the motherboard beep? or sound an alarm?

 

[cadred]

get a beep when I take out the ram. I have monitor, so graphics is working. got the computer in 2008 which means the mb might be on its way out.

Did I say I reformatted the hd cause I was going to give it to my son's friend? Couldn't load win 7 on it because the rig won't read the disk drive, so I put windows 7 on it on my new computer.

 

[Maguscreed]

yeah see the windows stuff doesn't even really matter until we can get you into your bios though.
I'm assuming you've been in there before and know how to access it? (if the board beeped it's got at least some life in it, no indication it's all fine and dandy either though)

 

[cadred]

yeah, been in the bios when necessary. But can't get in there now. I think your right about the mb, cause I've been having intermittent monitor problems....... the old "no signal" problem. I solved this by using the restart button over and over. the video seems to be stable atm.

final message I'm able to see is:

verifying dmi pool data ..... update success

Bootmgr is missing
Press ctrl+Alt+Del to restart

Is it possible to get to a command line somehow?

would pressing reset cmos + restart help, or just press restart button over and over?

Thanks

 

[Maguscreed]

well you can attempt a startup repair if you have your windows disc around.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105541-startup-repair-run-3-separate-times.html

Odds are the problem will quickly become worse and worse now though.

 

[cadred]

Ok. Obviously I really want to do FAH on this unit. I only aircool on my new Sandy Bridge rig, and would really like to increase my points per day using the old alienware. This is all for the Stanford folding at home Chimp Challenge starting May 15.

I'm thinking about this. Reformat the disk in my new rig, then do what the tutorial recommends. Does that make sense?

 

[Maguscreed]

If you are going to reformat it, just reformat it, no need to do anything extra. I was trying to make it bootable again.