Vista BOOTMGR is missing

My neighbor left her HP Pavilion dv9000 laptop for me to look at "cause it's not working." It has Vista Home Premium, but I don't know if it's 32 or 64 bit. No Vista OS DVD, nor did she make recovery disk(s). No USB devices connected and just the single HD. Just plugged in and connected to Internet.

I booted it up and, sure enough, it's not working--BOOTMGR is missing. Press ctrl-alt-del to restart. I was at a loss, so I Googled the problem and read MANY posts on your forum and others about this issue, but no success yet.

I'm hoping one of you pc guru's can point me to a solution. This is what I've done so far:

Booted off a Vista bootable CD>Windows is loading files>Choose language, time & currency format, keyboard or input device=English>Repair Your Computer

The next box (System Recovery Options) tells me to choose an OS, but none is listed. Same box shows "Load Drivers" or "Next">Chose "Next"

Opened a command prompt:
at x:\Sources>typed fixboot>'fixboot' not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program, or batch file.
typed fixmbr>same results as above
typed bootrec /fixboot>element not found

Then ran "Startup Repair" for a full 24 hrs. and it was still attempting repairs, so I pulled the plug and started all over again.

This time, at x:\Sources> I typed diskpart>list disk and it shows:
Disk ###=Disk 0
Status=Online
Size=149GB
Free=0 B

Since I don't really know what I'm doing, I was hoping someone here can help me. I'm not an expert, but can follow directions and ask questions if the going gets too technical. lol

Thanks to any/all who can help.

 

Back in diskpart type these commands:

select disk 0
list partition (see how many partitions are there and give there number and size here in your next post)
select partition 1
detail partition (Look at the Active status if No then continue. Stop when the Active status is Yes)
select partition 2
detail partition
select partition 3
detail partition
exit

******
EDIT: Try one thing before diskpart. When it shows no OS listed click the Next button and click Startup Repair. Let it run (less than 5 minutes--if it goes longer just restart and do diskpart). After Startup Repair reboot from the CD and see if it now shows the Vista OS in the box and will attempt automatic repair (again only give it 5 minutes).

 

Thanks for replying so quick sach2.

I ran Startup Repair first as per your edit=4 mins.>no Vista Os in the box

At cmd prompt I typed:
diskpart>enter
select disk 0>enter
Disk 0 is now the selected disk
list partition:
Partition ###=Partition 1
Type=Primary
Size=149GB
Offset=0 B
detail partition=There is no partition selected. Please select a partition and try again

Told u I was dumb as a box of rocks about this, but bear with me. I'll keep following your instructions.

 

So you only have one partition.
So
select partition 1
detail partition (check active status to be sure it is Yes.)

 

Typed select partition 1=There is no partition selected

 

Is that the whole error? Try selecting partition 1 again.

Oh, and if yu can't select it go ahead and type

list volume

And give the output. Letter, Fs, size, status, info

 

Tried select partition 1 again="There is no partition selected" again

 

I edited my post to include doing a list volume.

I am stumped on why it won't let you select partition 1. If it won't let you select it then it should give you a more detailed response.

 

Sorry sach2, I missed list volume

list volume shows:

Volume ### Ltr Label Fs Type Size Status
Volume 0 D VISTA_SP1_H UDF DVD-ROM 3403MB Healthy
*Volume 1 C (Nothing) NTFS Partition 149GB Healthy

 

I'm not sure if you have a partition table problem. The "no element found" suggests that as does the not being able to select partition 1.

Let's run a chkdsk on volume C: and see if that will go through. So type exit to get out of diskpart and then at the X:\Sources prompt try the following

chkdsk c: /r

 

I'll do that right now sach2

 

If it runs, the summary at the end should list any errors. You want to see if there were any errors found in bad sectors.

Then at the command prompt type
notepad (notepad should open)
Click the File menu and select Save (it should open a browse window)
Click on the C: drive and see if it opens and you see folders such as Windows and Users. We are just seeing if the C: drive can be opened and browsed.
Then just exit and try restarting without the CD. See if you still get the bootmgr message.

 

Man, we're havin' fun now sach2. Hope this means something to u cuz it sure is Greek to me. lol

Results of chkdsk c: /r=
The type of the file system is NTFS

CHKDSK is verifying files (stage 1 of 5)
64 file records processed
File verification completed
0 large file records processed
0 bad file records processed
0 EA records processed
0 reparse records processed
CHKDSK is verifying indexes (stage 2 of 5)
82 index entries processed
Index verification completed
0 unindexed files processed
CHKDSK is verifying security descriptors (stage 3 0f 5)
64 security descriptors processed
Security descriptor verification completed
9 data files processed
CHKDSK is verifying file data (stage 4 of 5)
48 files processed
File data verification completed
CHKDSK is verifying free space (stage 5 of 5)
39049636 free clusters processed
Free space verification is complete
Windows has checked the file system and found no problems

156290903 KB total disk space
21568 KB in 5 files
8 KB in 11 indexes
0 KB in bad sectors
70783 KB in use by the system
65536 KB occupied by the log file
156198544 KB available on disk

4096 bytes in each allocation unit
3907275 total allocation units on disk
39049636 allocation units available on disk
Failed to transfer logged messages to the event log with status 50

 

sach2, I'm not very good at using these forums so I just now found your directions about notepad.

When I clicked "Save" in notepad, it opened a "Save As" box--found the c:\ drive and it shows:

Local Disk (C=This folder is empty

 

sach2, I'm not very good at using these forums so I just now found your directions about notepad.

When I clicked "Save" in notepad, it opened a "Save As" box--found the c:\ drive and it shows:

Local Disk (C=This folder is empty

 

Hi,

Yes I see that from the chkdsk. It looks like there are no files at all on the partition. And since there is only one partition that means the whole HD is empty. Is there any possibility that your friend formatted the drive by mistake?

 

Also, do you have a blank CD or empty USB flash drive available? We could write a disc or USB with a bootable partition manager that might be able to recover the lost partition of it is was just formatted and nothing else was written to the HD.

 

I do remember her telling me that her dad formatted the HD and then "it wasn't working". That's when I got this ol' heifer thrown in my lap. lol

I've got a bushel basket full of CD-Rs, so we're good to go there. Right now, I'm running a SeaTools for DOS v2.23 from Seagate Technology on the Toshiba HD.

If u like we could go on with your suggestion of writing a bootable partition manager???????? I can run that later this eve. and ck. back here tomorrow with the results if that's OK with u.

BTW, thanks so much for "holding my hand" thru all this. I'm learning something new every time I work on a pc, and this is definitely new territory for me.

 

Ackk!

Tell her dad he can' format a HD without having a plan on how to get an OS back on it. LOL

You can try Partition Wizard the bootable CD ISO file is last on the page so scroll down. You need to write it as an IMAGE file not data. Imgburn's "Write Image File to Disc" option will work. Guide: http://forum.imgburn.com/index.php?showtopic=61
If you install ImgBurn pay attention during install because it may have ask to install a toolbar which you don't want. Just untick the box for any toolbars or extra software.

Then when you boot up from partition wizard CD and follow this guide to see if it can find the old Vista partition. If you look at the fourth screenshot you will see it found some partitions. Right now you have one ~149gb partition that is empty so it will show virtually no used space. You want to see if it also finds a similarly sized partition or two that have a larger proportion of used space. So say it finds a 130gb partition with 40gb used then that would be a good candidate for the old Vista partition. You could then double click that partition in the list and see if it gives you a list of files. Hold off on Applying any changes until you can give me an idea of what it finds. The main thing you have to be concerned about is overlapping partitions so you have to be careful about which ones you decide to restore.

 

Thanks sach2. I'll work on that awhile this eve. and let u know tomorrow.

Thanks again and I WILL tell her dad in no uncertain terms not to mess with things he doesn't know ANYTHING about. lol

 

Good luck!

I should have said go ahead and use Full Disk and Quick Scan options in the first two screen shots.

If it doesn't find anything but the one empty partition then go back and try Full Disk and Full Scan options. That will take quite a bit longer (probably hour or more) so be prepared to wait or do it when you have time or something else to do while it is working.

 

Another day, another dollar sach2. Since my last post I ran SeaTools for DOS v2.23 by Seagate Technology HD diagnostics and passed as OK.

Then ran MiniTool Partition Wizard Home Edition V7.6

Short scan shows:
Disk 1
Capacity = 149.05GB
Used = 90.36MB
Unused = 148.96GB
File System = NTFS

Long scan shows:
File System = NTFS
Label = Nothing
Starting LBA = 0
Ending LBA = 312581806
Used size = 90.36MB
Size = 149.05GB
Status = Lost/Deleted

0 Operations Pending

 

I'm not sure what to tell you, there appears to be no Windows files on that HD. Usually, a quick formatted disk can be recovered. Maybe he did a more thorough format? The bootmgr is missing is coming from the MBR but that seems to be the only thing on the HD that is intact.

You could try another recovery software (testdisk) but I have my doubts it will find anything. Parted Magic is another ISO that can be burnt same as Partition Wizard that will boot to a Linux desktop and let you try testdisk if you want. Testdisk is a bit less user friendly but a powerful program that might be worth a try if you want to spend the time and another CD. I don't have much hope since diskpart and PW both found no files. I can give instructions for testdisk if you like.

Which version of Vista is the disc you were booting from earlier? I don't know if that could be activated with the number on the tag from the bottom of the notebook or not. I think that is hit or miss even if it is the same version. (I did check HP and I don't think they still have recovery discs available for that series notebook.)

 

I have no idea how or what he actually did, but she said he "formatted it". I'm not concerned about saving ANYTHING on the HD--just want to reinstall Vista Home Premium back onto it. I'm pretty sure I can find drivers for it later once I get Vista installed.

The Vista disc is a borrowed one (but not MS because it has "Vista Premium Home Edition + SP1"--32 bit" written in Magic Marker. I'm guessing it's prob. a downloaded .iso with SP1 slipstreamed on it.

Can u instruct me how (if it's possible) to use this PW to get Vista on this partition?

 

The thing is activation once it is installed. If that disc is the same version that is licensed for that machine (Vista Home Premium) then you may be able to install and use the code from the tag on the laptop to activate. Sometimes it will take the code sometimes it won't. Some people have gotten MS to give an activation code by phone. I'm not familiar with the process. If it is a different version then MajorGeeks can't help you with that.

Installing is just a matter of booting from the DVD and choosing install and seeing if it will take the code.

If there is any chance of recovering the original Vista files with testdisk that should be done before trying the fresh install. I, personally, would try testdisk to verify that there is no way to get the original installation back and then you have nothing to lose with trying your disc and seeing if it will activate.

 

Just for grins & giggles I just booted from the Vista DVD I borrowed:

Install now
Chose my language,currency, etc.
Next box is license agreement for SP1>Agreed
Next box is:
Upgrade
Custom (Advanced)
Install a clean copy of Windows, select where you want to install it, or make changes
to disks and partitions. This option does not keep your files, settings, and programs.
I chose this the Custom
Next box>Where do you want to intall Windows? is empty. At the bottom of this box it says
"No drives were found. Click "Load Drivers" to provide a mass storage driver for installa-
tion.
When I click "Load Driver" it gives me a browse box that lists:
Local Disk (C
CD Drive (D VISTA_SP1_HOMEPREMIUM
Boot (X

Are any of these 3 drives gonna be useful, or should u lead me thru testdisk?

 

You would use local disk C:

 

Sorry, I misread that post. Where it asks where you want to install Windows it shows empty. It should be showing disk 0 or partition C:.

You may need drivers but that is strange. Especially for SP1. What is the exact model of DV9000 from the tag on the bottom?

 

lol That's a no go sach2

No device drivers were found. Make sure that the installation media contains the correct drivers, then click OK.

If u've got the patience, we'll give the testdisk?? a whirl.

 

Let's do that with testdisk just to be certain.

I took a quick look at a few random dv9000 models and I didn't see SATA drivers for download. That implies they should be built into Vista's installation process. I'm not sure why there would have been a need for that SATA driver.

If testdisk is a bust then we can wipe the existing partitions, create a new one and see if that is recognized by the installation. There was that anomaly where diskpart would not allow you to select that existing partition.

The other thing we could try is switch the SATA controller in BIOS to IDE for the install and then fix that later.

I've got to run an errand and then go out for an early dinner. I'll try to post testdisk instructions in between.

 

No prob. sach2

The exact model = HP Pavilion dv9500
p/n = GS718UA#ABA

 

That number seems to translate to this model but there are no SATA drivers. I think the install disk should be able to work with the drive but for some reason can't.

I've got no time this early evening so I will post a basic testdisk instruction later. Go ahead and get the PartedMagic disc and I will run through that this evening to see what you need to know.

 

I'll ck. back here tomorrow for directions how to find/use testdisk. I booted to the Parted Magic desktop, but can't find testdisk anywhere--just Partition Editor on the desktop.

After reading the Help online, I decided not to do anything yet, but I suspect that I use "Check" when I right click on my partition--but will wait til I hear from u before doing anything.

Thanks again for your help

 

I sent you a personal message on testdisk instructions. I have solved my problems.

If you run testdisk and get to screen #9 then the next step would be to use the up/down arrow keys to highlight each partition it finds and then type P to get a list of files for that partition. Hitting Q takes you back to the list of found partitions to use arrow up/down to get to the next one. See if any on the list of partitions has files such as "Windows" and "Users". That partition would be a viable one to restore.

If no such partitions exist then I think "cleaning" the disk using diskpart from your Vista DVD may help with making the installation process at least see your HD as a place to install where it previously hasn't.

 

Sorry sach2, I didn't get testdisk instructions for some reason. Maybe I'm not looking for it in the right place. Will it be in an email from u? If so, please send again if u will please.

 

Here you go:

I've been thinking about your problem and I know it can't be a SATA driver problem holding up install. That same disc was able to work with the HD in recovery mode and the command prompt so the drivers are there.

You can probably just clean the HD using diskpart and try the install but as far as testdisk goes, I think the progression would be:

1) Create is highlighted so hit <enter>
2) your HD is highlighted so hit <enter> to Proceed
3) Intel is highlighted so hit <enter>
4) Analyse is highlighted so hit <enter>
5) When it finishes hit <enter> for the deeper search

Give the results of the deeper search. We are looking for anything with a D in front of it as in screen cap #9 in this guide. http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/TestDisk_Step_By_Step

I believe testdisk is found by clicking on the icon where the Start menu would be in Windows and then testdisk is under one of the last items in that menu, I believe it is System Toold. If not there you can start it by clicking the black tv/monitor icon on the bottom of the screen and typing testdisk into the command prompt.

 

sach2, found testdisk OK and followed your steps until step 3. "[None] Non partitioned media" was highlighted. Should I arrow up to "Intel" instead?

 

Go ahead and try Intel. It may not take it but no harm done. It is looking like there is something wrong with the way the disk is partitioned.

Just to be sure it was your 160gb HD that you selected in step 2? You can just hit "Q" at any time to go back a step or 2.

 

Yes, it was the 160GB HD in step 2.

Intel search shows:
Invalid NTFS or EXFAT boot
1 *HPFS - NTFS 409 142 41 119790 20 38 1917848077
1 *HPFS - NTFS 409 142 41 119790 20 38 1917848077

Bad relative sector
2 *Sys=43 121584 74 6 234785 103 28 1818575915

Bad relative sector
3 *Sys=7s 14051 94 29 14051 943 10

Bad relative sector
Only one partition must be bootable
Space conflict between the following two partitions
1 *HPFS - NTFS 409 142 41 119790 20 38 191 7848077
3 *Sys=72 14051 94 29 14051 94 38 10

Deeper search shows:
Disk /dev/sda - 160GB / 149GiB - CHS 19457 255 63
Partition Start End Size in sectors

 

The bad sector could mean the HD is bad. There is nothing on the HD of any use. I was hoping that he had simply deleted the old partitions and they would be an easy recovery.
I think we should just delete all the partitions, create a new one and see if the Vista disc will then see the HD properly.

You can close testdisk (hit Q a few times until it exits).

Open the partition manager from the desktop icon. See if it gives you any errors regarding the HD. For some reason I can't get on the internet with the PartedMagic desktop so I will take a quick look at gparted, the partition manager, and be back.

 

I ran SeaTools for DOS v2.23 by Seagate Technology HD diagnostics and passed as OK the other day. The website I found this tool on (don't remember which one now) indicated that since this HD is a Toshiba to use this tool.

 

Good, just start Gparted the partition editor from the desktop icon. See if it shows the one large ~150gb partition and highlight it and then hit the delete button. Click the checkmark to Apply.

You should then have all unallocated space. Right-click the unallocated space and choose New and then in the window change the filesystem to NTFS then hit the Add button. Hit Apply in main window.

Then boot from the Vista disc and start the install and see if when you get to the "where do you want to install" question if it sees the new partition.

 

Before I follow your instructions above, it shows info about dev/sda1:

Status: Not mounted

Continue with your above instructions anyway?

 

It won't work if it isn't mounted. There is something funky about that HD.
I don't know how to clear the partition table in testdisk.
I think we should be able to use diskpart from the Vista disc since that was able to select the HD previously.

See if you can complete the following commands from the Vista disc command prompt.

diskpart
select disk 0
clean all

 

sach2, does clean all take quite some time? Just wondering cuz HD light is steady aglow, but no progress indicator on-screen.

 

I answered my own question. DiskPart succeeded in cleaning the disk.

 

Good, I don't think we have to create a partition before you try the Vista install. See if the Vista installation can see the HD in the list of places for "where you want to install".

The clean/all is a full low level format so it should mark any bad sectors as not to be used in the future.

 

Hot Dog, sach2!!!!!!!!!!!!! We might be in business finally. It shows me:

Disk 0 Unallocated Space 149GB Total and Free Space.

Will give 'er a whirl and let u know tomorrow if it popped or fizzled. lol

 

I got the ol' heifer goin' sach2. Vista went in w/o a snag and I found all the drivers for it. All is well in BOOTMGR is missing land now.

You are THE MAN, my friend. Thanks so much for your expert advice and patience. I really appreciate it partner.

BTW, how do I mark this issue as "SOLVED"?

 

Great! You are very welcome.

I'm sorry I wasted so much of your time with testdisk and the other diagnostics, I just wanted to be sure there was no way to recover the original installation. It turned out to be much more complicated and time consuming than I originally thought it would be. Thanks for your patience.

No need to mark thread solved.

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