windows 7(missing BOOTMGR erorr)

[phaze]

The erorr i am getting is BOOTMGR is missing
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del -- the funny thing is i can boot from the cd.

What i have done to try fix this problem is: Go into the windows 7 installation and go to the repair option and did a start up repair( didn't work) Also did the BootBCD.exe cmd prompt method i found on this site and still didn't work.

I have two hard drives

First one has 320gb has Windows vista and Ubuntu installed on it

Second one is 500gb that has just windows 7 installed on it( this one is the one i reformatted and tried to do a fresh install of windows 7)

I found something really odd when i booted off my 320gb i had a boot menu that i should have on the 500gb it had windows 7 and vista for options to boot. I picked the windows 7 and it booted the windows i freshly installed.

Both hard drives are SATA. I am wonder where ubuntu is tho on the 320gb hard drive.

Is there easy way just to download boot manger that can load up every time to choose what os i want to boot from because i find these boot mangers like to overlap each other all the time.

My Boot Priority is
1. Hitachi 500gb slave
2. Hitachi 320gb master

HOpe you can help me out.

 

[iseeuu]

The erorr i am getting is BOOTMGR is missing
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del -- the funny thing is i can boot from the cd.

What i have done to try fix this problem is: Go into the windows 7 installation and go to the repair option and did a start up repair( didn't work) Also did the BootBCD.exe cmd prompt method i found on this site and still didn't work.

I have two hard drives

First one has 320gb has Windows vista and Ubuntu installed on it

Second one is 500gb that has just windows 7 installed on it( this one is the one i reformatted and tried to do a fresh install of windows 7)

I found something really odd when i booted off my 320gb i had a boot menu that i should have on the 500gb it had windows 7 and vista for options to boot. I picked the windows 7 and it booted the windows i freshly installed.

Both hard drives are SATA. I am wonder where ubuntu is tho on the 320gb hard drive.

Is there easy way just to download boot manger that can load up every time to choose what os i want to boot from because i find these boot mangers like to overlap each other all the time.

My Boot Priority is
1. Hitachi 500gb slave
2. Hitachi 320gb master

HOpe you can help me out.

Hi phaze;

Your BIOS looks at the first hard drive in the boot order for the first partition marked "Active". If it finds nothing, it will look at the next hard drive and its partitions. So if the partition with the bootmgr files is not marked "Active", it will give you the bootmgr missing error.

When 7 installs, it puts the boot code in the "Active" partition of the first hard drive it finds, so if you did not unplug your other hard drives when you installed 7 then the boot code is not where you are expecting it to be now, I would guess?

Please post a screen shot of the Windows 7 Drive Management Utilities' drive map so we can have a look at what you have now before we can offer any suggestions?

Cheers!
Robert

 

[phaze]

The erorr i am getting is BOOTMGR is missing
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del -- the funny thing is i can boot from the cd.

What i have done to try fix this problem is: Go into the windows 7 installation and go to the repair option and did a start up repair( didn't work) Also did the BootBCD.exe cmd prompt method i found on this site and still didn't work.

I have two hard drives

First one has 320gb has Windows vista and Ubuntu installed on it

Second one is 500gb that has just windows 7 installed on it( this one is the one i reformatted and tried to do a fresh install of windows 7)

I found something really odd when i booted off my 320gb i had a boot menu that i should have on the 500gb it had windows 7 and vista for options to boot. I picked the windows 7 and it booted the windows i freshly installed.

Both hard drives are SATA. I am wonder where ubuntu is tho on the 320gb hard drive.

Is there easy way just to download boot manger that can load up every time to choose what os i want to boot from because i find these boot mangers like to overlap each other all the time.

My Boot Priority is
1. Hitachi 500gb slave
2. Hitachi 320gb master

HOpe you can help me out.

Hi phaze;

Your BIOS looks at the first hard drive in the boot order for the first partition marked "Active". If it finds nothing, it will look at the next hard drive and its partitions. So if the partition with the bootmgr files is not marked "Active", it will give you the bootmgr missing error.

When 7 installs, it puts the boot code in the "Active" partition of the first hard drive it finds, so if you did not unplug your other hard drives when you installed 7 then the boot code is not where you are expecting it to be now, I would guess?

Please post a screen shot of the Windows 7 Drive Management Utilities' drive map so we can have a look at what you have now before we can offer any suggestions?

Cheers!
Robert

How would i post a screen host of the windows 7 drive management just press PRint screen on the Install setup window when i see the drives. Then paste it in paint like would make a screen shot any other way.

Is this windows 7 drive management in the windows 7 startup install or can i access it through the windows 7 Operating system install?

 

[iseeuu]

You did say you could boot to 7 off of the DVD? I would suggest booting to 7 or Vista or what ever you have, then open the Drive Management Utility (type drive management in the start search box) and capture a screen shot:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/51160-screenshot-upload-using-mwsnap.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9717-screenshot-paint.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-how-post-screenshot-seven-forums.html

Please let us know if you need any help with this?

 

[Thatnon7guy]

only advice needed is. DONT MESS WITH PARTITIONS!

 

[phaze]

You did say you could boot to 7 off of the DVD? I would suggest booting to 7 or Vista or what ever you have, then open the Drive Management Utility (type drive management in the start search box) and capture a screen shot:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/51160-screenshot-upload-using-mwsnap.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9717-screenshot-paint.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-how-post-screenshot-seven-forums.html

Please let us know if you need any help with this?

Here is your image:



Yes i did delete some partiton small 100mb partitions before this install to clean up my partitions. I had this same problem before, since my first installs of Ubuntu, Vista and Windows 7. I would always use my boot manger built in my Bios to naviagate to each hard drive which was a pain. I have been looking for sometime on how to fix my bootloader so i only have one when choose what Operating System i want to boot.

 

[iseeuu]

Yes i did delete some partiton small 100mb partitions before this install to clean up my partitions. I had this same problem before, since my first installs of Ubuntu, Vista and Windows 7. I would always use my boot manger built in my Bios to naviagate to each hard drive which was a pain. I have been looking for sometime on how to fix my bootloader so i only have one when choose what Operating System i want to boot.

Thank you phaze, the screen shot helps. Good job!

Note: The 100MB partition is where Windows 7 (and Vista) put the NEW boot manager: bootmgr during a default install. It has some advantages ... But you can do without it. I recommend keeping it. For more info, please look at this thread: http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/58680-solve-dual-boot-problem-windows-7-a.html

When you deleted one of the 100MB "System Reserved" partitions you probably created your missing bootmgr problem. It is fixable though. Could you please identify the contents of the partitions in your drive map screen shot?

View attachment 58335

Then it would help to know what you want for your hard drive and partition setup, so we can advise you on how to fix things the way you will want them?

Cheers!
Robert

 

[phaze]

Yes i did delete some partiton small 100mb partitions before this install to clean up my partitions. I had this same problem before, since my first installs of Ubuntu, Vista and Windows 7. I would always use my boot manger built in my Bios to naviagate to each hard drive which was a pain. I have been looking for sometime on how to fix my bootloader so i only have one when choose what Operating System i want to boot.

Thank you phaze, the screen shot helps. Good job!

Note: The 100MB partition is where Windows 7 (and Vista) put the NEW boot manager: bootmgr during a default install. It has some advantages ... But you can do without it. I recommend keeping it. For more info, please look at this thread: http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/58680-solve-dual-boot-problem-windows-7-a.html

When you deleted one of the 100MB "System Reserved" partitions you probably created your missing bootmgr problem. It is fixable though. Could you please identify the contents of the partitions in your drive map screen shot?

View attachment 58335

Then it would help to know what you want for your hard drive and partition setup, so we can advise you on how to fix things the way you will want them?

Cheers!
Robert

How would you like me to identify the contents of the partitions? Would you like me to tell you want one has x about of operating systems installed on them?

Then it would help to know what you want for your hard drive and partition setup, so we can advise you on how to fix things the way you will want them?

I would like to setup one Bootmanger so when i boot up my computer i can choose to Boot from my Linux Ubuntu OS , Visa, Or my Windows 7. Not have to Hit [F12] on my keyboard to select my Boot manger Built in my Bios Start page.

Also i would like to know how to edit boot menu for future reference when i come into the same problem down the road.

 

[iseeuu]

OK, sorry I wasn't more clear ... If I understand correctly, this is what you have now:

View attachment 58354

If this is not correct, please let me know right away. Also, what version of Ubuntu do you have installed now, and are you planning to install the newest version 9.10?

You have two options, you can use the Grub boot loader from your Ubuntu as your boot menu. It will find and setup menu entries for all three OSs. You can select one of them as the default OS to boot to first.

You can use the Windows 7 bootmgr as your boot menu. You will need to download the free utility EasyBCD2 in order to add a menu entry for your Ubuntu to the Windows boot menu.

I would recommend you setup the Grub boot loader on one hard drive, and the Windows bootmgr on the other. It is sort of like a backup. If there is a problem with one hard drive the other hard drive is already able to boot for you, using the BIOS (F12).

The red arrows point out to you that you have two "Active" partitions fighting over where Windows put the boot code. If you left the Vista hard drive connected when you installed 7, then the boot code went to that "Active" partition. This is not hard to correct. First, please let us know how you want to setup your boot menu?

Cheers!

 

[phaze]

OK, sorry I wasn't more clear ... If I understand correctly, this is what you have now:

View attachment 58354

If this is not correct, please let me know right away. Also, what version of Ubuntu do you have installed now, and are you planning to install the newest version 9.10?

You have two options, you can use the Grub boot loader from your Ubuntu as your boot menu. It will find and setup menu entries for all three OSs. You can select one of them as the default OS to boot to first.

You can use the Windows 7 bootmgr as your boot menu. You will need to download the free utility EasyBCD2 in order to add a menu entry for your Ubuntu to the Windows boot menu.

I would recommend you setup the Grub boot loader on one hard drive, and the Windows bootmgr on the other. It is sort of like a backup. If there is a problem with one hard drive the other hard drive is already able to boot for you, using the BIOS (F12).

The red arrows point out to you that you have two "Active" partitions fighting over where Windows put the boot code. If you left the Vista hard drive connected when you installed 7, then the boot code went to that "Active" partition. This is not hard to correct. First, please let us know how you want to setup your boot menu?

Cheers!

Where you labled ubuntu i think that is in the same partition as Windows vista, but all of those are correct. I am not sure if i deleted the Ubuntu Partition on accident, so i might just install the new Ubuntu.

Thinking back on my older pc i dual booted windows xp, and everytime i did fresh install of windows xp. Xp would always overlap the Ubuntu Boot menu, so Ubuntu was missing. How i fixed this problem was reinstalling Ubuntu over Xp because Ubuntu had that Grub boot menu that showed both.
I do like the Grub Boot menu, so lets use that. I was thinking the samething when you said a boot menu on each drive as backup, but can i still have all the OSes on each boot menu?

I downloaded that Partition Wizard from that link on how to "slove Dual Boot problem" because i thought we would need that next. Is there away i can check to see if ubuntu is still installed. If it is the windows boot menu is hiding it.

 

[iseeuu]

Where you state ubuntu i think that is in the same partition as Windows vista, but all of those are correct. I am not sure if i deleted the Ubuntu Partition on Accident, so i might just install the new Ubuntu.

Thinking back on my older pc i dual booted and windows xp, windows xp would always overlap my boot menu to Ubuntu, but it always fixed it when i reinstalled Ubuntu.
I do like the Grub Boot menu, so lets use that. I was thinking the samething when you said a boot loader on each drive as backup, but can i still have all the OSes on each boot menu.

I downloaded that Partition Wizard from that link on how to "slove Dual Boot problem" because i thought we would need that next. Is there away i can check to see if ubuntu is still installed. If it is the windows boot menu is hiding it.

Great, this is not very hard to do, I just wanted to make sure of your preferences.

Windows Drive Management Utility does not recognize the ext3 file format used by Ubuntu so it will not show up there. But unless you did remove it, it is still there where Windows says it is unallocated.

Here is what I suggest to you to do: First, shutdown your computer and move the SATA hard drive cables, plug the 500GB hard drive where the 320GB is now, and the 320GB where the 500GB is now. Master and Slave were necessary for IDE hard drives that shared one (wide) connector cable, but SATA only uses one cable (and connection) for each hard drive so there is no Master or Slave with SATA. Doing this will put the 100MB boot partition first in your hard drive order in the bios and will make it easier to setup the Windows bootmgr, later.

Next, boot to your Ubuntu install CD. You can use the Live CD and GParted to look at the 320GB hard drive partitions to see if Ubuntu is still there.

View attachment 58359

Then you will need to reboot, and this time select to boot to a hard drive and select Ubuntu. This should put you in your Ubuntu partition where we can reinstall Grub and use it as the boot menu. I need to know what version you installed before giving you the "terminal" commands. For an idea of what you will be doing, please have a look at the "Restore Grub" link at the bottom of my post. This is for Ubuntu 9.10, which uses Grub2 and is different from earlier versions. If you want Ubuntu 9.10, you can just download the install CD from Ubuntu and install it in place of your current Ubuntu (if you do not need to save anything there) and Grub2 will install automatically.

Let me know?

 

[phaze]

Ok i just got done with this part:

Here is what I suggest to you to do: First, shutdown your computer and move the SATA hard drive cables, plug the 500GB hard drive where the 320GB is now, and the 320GB where the 500GB is now. Master and Slave were necessary for IDE hard drives that shared one (wide) connector cable, but SATA only uses one cable (and connection) for each hard drive so there is no Master or Slave with SATA. Doing this will put the 100MB boot partition first in your hard drive order in the bios and will make it easier to setup the Windows bootmgr, later.

I am in the process of the Second part. Just to let you know where i am at.

Then you will need to reboot, and this time select to boot to a hard drive and select Ubuntu. This should put you in your Ubuntu partition where we can reinstall Grub and use it as the boot menu. I need to know what version you installed before giving you the "terminal" commands. For an idea of what you will be doing, please have a look at the "Restore Grub" link at the bottom of my post. This is for Ubuntu 9.10, which uses Grub2 and is different from earlier versions. If you want Ubuntu 9.10, you can just download the install CD from Ubuntu and install it in place of your current Ubuntu (if you do not need to save anything there) and Grub2 will install automatically.

Let me know?

I am not sure what you want me to do when i boot into the live cd? I am booting into Linux version 9.04 right now as i type this. I am on a laptop by my computer so i can play around with the custom built reg while a talk to you on the forum. What i have done is Select the "try ubuntu without change of your computer" to see what version ubuntu cd i have and its 9.04
I tired to boot from the option "Boot from First hard disc and i get the BOOT MGR is missing like i did when windows 7 wouldn't boot before i switch the drive cables inside the computer.

I am at the Ubuntu Start page not sure what option you want me to click to check to see if ubuntu is still installed?

Should i download the New linux Ubuntu and burn it to cd or can i boot it off a USB drive.

What has fix since the first post:
When i switch the two hard drive my Boot manger shows windows 7 and windows vista when i boot my computer u which is nice. Now we just have to fix that missing BOOT MGR, and figure out what to do with ubuntu.

 

[iseeuu]

Well ... it is getting late for me ... I am an old man who needs his sleep! Because you updated your last post instead of making a new one, I was not aware of your progress. Sorry.

From the Live CD, after you see the Ubuntu desktop: open GParted and you will see your Ubuntu partitions. While you are there, right click on the Vista partition and remove the "Active" flag (Make inactive). Then, you can boot to your 7 Install DVD and run the "Startup Repair" as many as three times, rebooting in between, to restore your Windows Boot manager to the 100MB boot partition.

View attachment 58390

To reinstall Grub from the version 9.04, you should be able to follow the link here: http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/62840-fixed-windows-but-now-grub-gone.html

EXCEPT the "terminal" commands for Grub (NOT Grub2) would be:
sudo grub
setup (hd1)

(INSTEAD OF sudo grub-install --root-directory=/mnt/ /dev/sda)

That should install Grub to the MBR of your 320GB hard drive (Vista and Ubuntu).

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=224351&highlight=Grub+9.04

Finally, when you set your 500GB hard drive as first in boot order in the BIOS, you will use the Windows Boot manager. When you set your 320GB hard drive as the first in boot order in the BIOS, you will use the Grub Boot manager. And you can just use the "F12" to select one or the other at any time.

I look forward to hearing of your progress tomorrow. Have a good night!

Cheers!
Robert

 

[phaze]

Well ... it is getting late for me ... I am an old man who needs his sleep! Because you updated your last post instead of making a new one, I was not aware of your progress. Sorry.

From the Live CD, after you see the Ubuntu desktop: open GParted and you will see your Ubuntu partitions. While you are there, right click on the Vista partition and remove the "Active" flag (Make inactive). Then, you can boot to your 7 Install DVD and run the "Startup Repair" as many as three times, rebooting in between, to restore your Windows Boot manager to the 100MB boot partition.

View attachment 58390

To reinstall Grub from the version 9.04, you should be able to follow the link here: http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/62840-fixed-windows-but-now-grub-gone.html

EXCEPT the "terminal" commands for Grub (NOT Grub2) would be:
sudo grub
setup (hd1)

(INSTEAD OF sudo grub-install --root-directory=/mnt/ /dev/sda)

That should install Grub to the MBR of your 320GB hard drive (Vista and Ubuntu).

How to install Grub from a live Ubuntu cd. - Ubuntu Forums

Finally, when you set your 500GB hard drive as first in boot order in the BIOS, you will use the Windows Boot manager. When you set your 320GB hard drive as the first in boot order in the BIOS, you will use the Grub Boot manager. And you can just use the "F12" to select one or the other at any time.

I look forward to hearing of your progress tomorrow. Have a good night!

Cheers!
Robert

Thank you for the Awesome Replys and support here! When i have time tonight between my studies for college i will do some of step listed here. In ubuntu last night did have Gparted open, so i know what your talking about.

All let you know how the progress goes as i do the steps. Also i have question.. Say i want to reformat my windows 7 or Vista about every month or two because it like to keep my computer clean and running fast as they can. Do have to go through these steps every time i reformat my hard drive or reinstall windows. The steps i am talking about is reinstalling the BOOT MGR menu if its lost because windows likes to install over the old one.
This will be manly on my windows 7 operating system because that is the one i use mostly.

 

[iseeuu]

Also i have question.. Say i want to reformat my windows 7 or Vista about every month or two because it like to keep my computer clean. Do have to go through these steps everytime i reformat my hard drive. The steps i am talking about is reinstalling the BOOT MGR menu if its lost because windows like to install over the old one.
This will be manly on my windows 7 operating system because that is the one i use mostly.

The quick answer is no. As long as you keep the 100MB "System Reserved" partition, do not delete it, and it stays "Active", You can reinstall 7 and not alter the boot menu in any way.

However, Windows 7 does a very good job of keeping itself clean, all in the background where you do not even see it doing so. There is not really a need to reinstall, however if you choose to do so you can without affecting your current boot menu.

We wait to hear of your progress ...

Cheers!

 

[phaze]

Also i have question.. Say i want to reformat my windows 7 or Vista about every month or two because it like to keep my computer clean. Do have to go through these steps everytime i reformat my hard drive. The steps i am talking about is reinstalling the BOOT MGR menu if its lost because windows like to install over the old one.
This will be manly on my windows 7 operating system because that is the one i use mostly.

The quick answer is no. As long as you keep the 100MB "System Reserved" partition, do not delete it, and it stays "Active", You can reinstall 7 and not alter the boot menu in any way.

However, Windows 7 does a very good job of keeping itself clean, all in the background where you do not even see it doing so. There is not really a need to reinstall, however if you choose to do so you can without affecting your current boot menu.

We wait to hear of your progress ...

Cheers!

OK well i reinstall windows 7 to test it out and now my windows boot manger is lost? Windows 7 installed over it, so when i restart my pc it just boots windows 7 , and windows vista is hidden. Also tonight i have time to mess with Ubuntu if you want to help out. I thank you for all your help so far !

I will start with the ubuntu steps you posted above, but lets figure out the reason this happens. I have always wanted to know how to fix this problem. Its been a on going issue ever since i learned about computers!

 

[iseeuu]

OK well i reinstall windows 7 to test it out and now my windows boot manger is lost? Windows 7 installed over it, so when i restart my pc it just boots windows 7 , and windows vista is hidden. Also tonight i have time to mess with Ubuntu if you want to help out. I thank you for all your help so far !

I will start with the ubuntu steps you posted above, but lets figure out the reason this happens. I have always wanted to know how to fix this problem. Its been a on going issue ever since i learned about computers!

Sure, OK. I need more detail to figure out what happened?

 

[phaze]

OK well i reinstall windows 7 to test it out and now my windows boot manger is lost? Windows 7 installed over it, so when i restart my pc it just boots windows 7 , and windows vista is hidden. Also tonight i have time to mess with Ubuntu if you want to help out. I thank you for all your help so far !

I will start with the ubuntu steps you posted above, but lets figure out the reason this happens. I have always wanted to know how to fix this problem. Its been a on going issue ever since i learned about computers!

Sure, OK. I need more detail to figure out what happened?

why kind of details do you need. I just reformatted the hard drive windows 7 was on and installed it again, and the boot menu was lost. I did nothing to the system reserved partition.

 

[iseeuu]

OK well i reinstall windows 7 to test it out and now my windows boot manger is lost? Windows 7 installed over it, so when i restart my pc it just boots windows 7 , and windows vista is hidden. Also tonight i have time to mess with Ubuntu if you want to help out. I thank you for all your help so far !

I will start with the ubuntu steps you posted above, but lets figure out the reason this happens. I have always wanted to know how to fix this problem. Its been a on going issue ever since i learned about computers!

Sure, OK. I need more detail to figure out what happened?

why kind of details do you need. I just reformatted the hard drive windows 7 was on and installed it again, and the boot menu was lost. I did nothing to the system reserved partition.

I see. Sorry, but I am having difficulty understanding what you are describing. You see, if you "reformatted the hard drive windows 7 was on" that would mean you deleted the system reserved partition? So in order to do "nothing to the system reserved partition", you would only need to delete the Windows 7 Partition, and install 7 in the empty space. I really want to understand, and so want to be very clear about what was done.

When I installed Windows 7 on one of my test computers, it found my Vista and XP partitions and added them automatically to the boot menu, so again, I am confused about your 7 installation and no boot menu. Has your drive map changed? What partitions are now marked "Active"? Your 500GB drive should be "drive 0" and the 320GB hard drive should be "drive 1". Is that what the drive map shows? Do I need to see a snap shot of it now?

I am most happy to help if I can ...

 

[phaze]

View attachment 58795

In the red where i highlighted the partition that is the system reserve partition on the 500gb drive. I didn't delete it when i reformatted the drive because its a separate partition i saw that on the Windows 7 partition editor before you install windows 7.

Here are the steps i did:
First put the cd in and let it boot from the cd. Then i when through the install windows inside the windows 7 install. When i saw the windows that you can see all the partition on your computer, and edit, reformat, delete them. I simply selected my 500gb hard drive and reformatted. Before i ddid this I made sure i did not delete the "system reserve partition that the boot menu uses". When the drive was done reformatting which took 2 mins or less i made sure the "system reserve partition on that 500gb drive was not harm or messed with before installing". Then i went through with the install process, and later the boot menu was lost!

Notice: in the picture the system reserve partition is still Active?
Why?