If you’ve been playing around with Linux or some other type of OS installation on your PC and you want to go back to Windows, but you get a MBR (Master Boot Record) error, then don’t worry there’s hope. This error can also happen for other reasons like a virus but the fix is usually the same.
The problem is just as the error message states, you have a problem with your MBR. The MBR contains important information about partitions and files that are needed to boot up your PC. Without an intact MBR, your PC will fail to boot properly and therefore it’s important that you get it back in working shape.
Here’s a step-by-step process on how to fix your MBR:
- Find your Windows 8 DVD and insert it into your computer.
- Make sure your computer is set to boot from the DVD drive first ( You may need to enter the BIOS for this, See your PC’s documentation).
- Boot your computer from the Windows 8 disc.
- The first screen that will popup after the DVD boots your machine is the Language selection screen, click “Next”.
- On the “Install Now” screen go to the lower left hand section of the window and click “Repair Your Computer”.
- Now Click “Troubleshoot”
- Click “Advanced Options”
- Click “Command Prompt”
- You will now see a black command window, type BOOTREC /FIXMBR and then press enter.
- After you press enter you should see the message “The operation completed successfully.”. Now you can type EXIT and press enter. Now you can select “Turn off your PC”.
Once you turn your PC back on you should see that your issue has been resolved!