Vista - Bootmgr is missing

Hi Dinesh,

Good one. I would like to add few points here. Instead of trying RebuildBCD/Recreate as a first step, we could try startup repair at least 3 to 5 times which would search for problems and fix it.

Here are some commends

bootrec /RebuildBcd - Use this option when you must completely rebuild the BCD
bootrec /FixMbr - writes a Windows Vista-compatible MBR to the system partition
bootrec /FixBoot - writes a new boot sector to the system partition by using a boot sector that is compatible with Windows Vista

Hi Dinesh,

If the automated startup repair doesn't do it - even after a few goes , as Prasath says,

I would try this first

bootrec /fixmbr

your dvdrom drive letter:\boot\bootsect.exe /nt60 all /force

del C:\boot\bcd

bootrec /rebuildbcd

Close cmd prompt, remove dvd, Reboot.

Fingers crossed.

SIW2

your dvdrom drive letter: needs to be the letter as seen in WinRe, e.g. E: or F: etc.

I have the same problem with bootmgr is missing.
I just went through the steps listed.
Just at At the C:\Boot prompt, type ren c:\boot\bcd bcd.old and press <Enter>.
It states there is a duplicate file or file is not found.

Hi mattfree, Try the above method from SIW2.

OK, just tried that and it states.

Successfully scanned Windows installations.
Total identified Windows installations: 0
The operation completed successfully.
Just has nothing changed.

I was able to reformat this once before when the hard drive was full of games with no problems. I even send a email to emachines.com and they want a receipt to help in any way.

I would recommend you to do a clean install using Vista DVD. Sorry mate but some problems are unfixable withour reinstalation.

I was trying to do a clean installation.
Seems I have no drivers not able to do a clean installation of Vista.
The computer does not see any thing on the CD.
So now it's back to XP.
Edit note.
I just check my older computer and the Windows Vista says it will work on it.
So maybe after I get the newer computer running again on XP I will be able to install the Vista afterward.

Thanks anyhow.

hi i have a sony vaio vgn-ar61zu i installed vist due to my laptop crashing anyway half way through the installation i got an error. I restarted my laptop all i get is "bootmgr is missing press ctrl+alt+del to restart" even with the vista cd inside it it will not go pass this stage

Ive removed the 2 hardrives and tried booting it from just the cd/dvd drive it says operating system not found. I removed the cd drive and replaced it just to make sure its not the cd drive which is faulty but im getting the same problem wit the new drive so the cd drive is ok too

Any ideas what it can be it wont go into bios nor will it go pass bootmgr is missing

Try going into Bios and disabling AHCI mode , set it to ATA or IDE, see if that helps.