BOOTMGR missing from fresh install - BIOS Issue?

I'm working on a PC from Hell tonight.

The hacked copy of Vista Premium 32 was booting via GRUB4DOS as an .iso image and had at least 20 distinct virus/malware infections.

Since I have a legit. retail Vista code from an old machine, I pulled the HDD to test it (WD Data Lifeguard, passed) and reformat it (NTFS, quick format).

Reinstalled drive, attempted to boot from internal DVD drive: BOOTMGR missing. Tried again with external DVD drive: Same thing.

Downloaded latest BIOS version from ASUS, installed using EZ-Flash (inside BIOS settings screen). Reset board to default settings. Removed and reinstalled CMOS battery. Tried a Windows 7 OEM install DVD: BOOTMGR still missing.

Although the BIOS update message said it successfully updated, I'm thinking one or more of the viruses/malware that were on the system before I reformatted the drive may have done damage to the BIOS, board or CPU.
It's an ASUS P5 series with an Intel E5400 CPU (and no, I forgot to save the Malware Bytes log file before reformatting the drive :banghead) .

Is there anything I'm overlooking, or should I declare the motherboard legally dead?

 

Have you tried a different HD? I have not headrd of a virus that can damage the BIOS and I dont see how a virus could damage either MB or CPU.

 

Hello,
I think your problem was due to the fact you did a quick format. Download this tool and do a low level format to prepare for a new installation.

http://hddguru.com/software/HDD-LLF-Low-Level-Format-Tool/

 

I finally discovered the answer was both the HDD and the motherboard. rolleyes

The HDD Low Level Format tool is great! It got rid of the BOOTMGR issue; however the board (a little over a year old) was still acting flaky: The on-board Ethernet was dead and it would hang excessively or not boot about half the time -- not sure if this was the result of malware attacking the BIOS or just a coincidence. In any case, I replaced it with an entry-level Intel board and have a happy customer.

 

Glad that utility worked for you. Just a note. You can accomplish the same thing with the install DVD of windows 7 using the diskpart clean all command.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html