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Windows Recovery Commands: FIXMBR

G

Gazoya

Junior Member
So my computer gets stuck on the black screen with the flashing underscore on the top left corner. I tried FIXBOOT, CHKDSK /r, reset CMOS to default and still nothing. There is FIXMBR, but from what I read, that has a possibility of corrupting data if used (correct me if I'm wrong!). If I still can't boot my comp after FIXMBR, is it possible I can still salvage my data with a IDE/SATA to USB adapter? Is there anything else I can do to get my computer to boot up once again?
 
Try repair install from your windows installation media. It checks mbr among other things.

Edit: I would backup important things via a usb adapter if I were you.
 
vshah said:
Try repair install from your windows installation media. It checks mbr among other things.

Edit: I would backup important things via a usb adapter if I were you.
Click to expand...

This. If you use fixmbr, obtaining the info from your files will become problematic.
 
Does it do this when trying to get to safe mode as well? Have you tried removing memory modules one by one? Any new USB devices connected?
 
Thanks, I'll make sure to back up my files guys.

Motorheader said:
Does it do this when trying to get to safe mode as well? Have you tried removing memory modules one by one? Any new USB devices connected?
Click to expand...

Usually F8 is the norm when accessing safe mode, but for my comp, F8 loads up the boot options. When trying other F buttons to find it, it usually freezes my BIOS splash screen. No new USB devices were connected and removing memory one by one didn't do anything. Bummer.

To be precise on what exactly happened I was just browsing the net when browser closed itself. I tried to check Task Manager to see what's up when I got the message "Task Manager has been disabled by your administrator", however I AM the admin so after trying to restart my system, all of this happened. I don't know if that info is helpful or not.
 
Honestly, if it's that bad you're probably going to be better off removing the hard drive and scanning it from another computer to get rid of the virus then doing a soft install.
 
Correct, it's pretty common with the Alureon virus to be honest. It doesn't matter how many times you fix it you'll still end up in the same boat.

http://www.hirensbootcd.org/download/

Download that, burn the ISO properly to a CD or make a bootable USB. Boot from it into Mini-XP and run the virus removal tools, and MBR fix utilities.
 
No problem, it can be tricky to get rid of it on the same computer. Generally speaking on a computer like that, I'll pull the HD and plug into my work bench dock and scan it remotely.
 
Hold down the left control (ctrl) key at the bios screen just before the windows splash - this will bypass the menu and boot to safe mode - if your system will allow it.
 
Gazoya said:
Thanks, I'll make sure to back up my files guys.



Usually F8 is the norm when accessing safe mode, but for my comp, F8 loads up the boot options. When trying other F buttons to find it, it usually freezes my BIOS splash screen. No new USB devices were connected and removing memory one by one didn't do anything. Bummer.

To be precise on what exactly happened I was just browsing the net when browser closed itself. I tried to check Task Manager to see what's up when I got the message "Task Manager has been disabled by your administrator", however I AM the admin so after trying to restart my system, all of this happened. I don't know if that info is helpful or not.
Click to expand...

Sounds like you are hitting F8 a bit too early. You do have to hit it at just the right time to get to safe mode. Motorheader's option is the easiest.
 
Hmm I tired a lot of different timings when holding down the left control key, but still nothing. I did the same with the F8 key situation, Ketchup, but it'll always say "Boot selection pop up menu has been selected" no matter what. If it's helpful, I use an Asus P5K mobo.

With the Mini-XP situation Tech_Greek, not much changed on my part sadly. Some programs scanned, but didn't do much and some required me to go into safe mode which I can't argh! Currently waiting on my adapter in the mail so I can save and clean my HDD with it. I guess that's my last resort?
 
Holding the left control key will not bring up a menu - it boots right to safe mode with no question. Try holding the left shift key at bios splash.
 
Didn't work either. After researching, one guy said F8 then F4 then F8 works, but didn't for me. Another said F5 worked, but didn't work either.

I can't believe it's impossible to access safe mode with my comp, but thank you for the suggestions Motor, I appreciate it.
 
This sounds horrible, but wait until the loading Windows logo appears and then shut down the power by yanking the power cable or holding down the power button.

If you do this, you RISK corrupting the files, however it will pop up the menu the next time you turn it on without having to hit any keys.
 
Ah that may work for me, but I don't even get to see the Windows logo because I'll have the black screen with flashing underscore before it.

Well, now I finally got my adapter to back up my files and proceeded to do the FIXMBR command. It did indeed mess up and caused my comp to give me the "NTLDR is missing" error. I was like "blah whatever" and then proceeded to use the Hiren's boot CD to use the "fix NTLDR is missing" command and it just got gibberish on my screen that froze my computer. So all in all, I backed up my stuff and currently reformatting to start over.

I learned a lot about my computer (how much it's a pain to access safe mode) and the many helpful tips from you guys that will stick with me for future references. Thank you all for your help.
 
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