How to Fix MBR Error 1 on Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10

MBR error 1 can be pretty frustrating since it prevents you from using your personal computer and leaves you helpless. MBR means Master Boot Record and your computer reads it each time during the start-up process. However, if you do not have apt knowledge, then you might struggle in solving this error. In this article, you will learn how to get rid of MBR error 1 on any version of Microsoft Windows OS.

Factors that Trigger MBR Error 1

The following things can cause the error on your Windows:

• Wrong Boot Order in BIOS: If there is anything effected in the BIOS menu or wrongly configured then it can cause the failure in MBR of your PC. The BIOS menu may change the settings in a way that makes you unable to boot from the hard drive. This all will lead to the MBR error 1, but if you reconfigure the BIOS menu with the recommended settings, then it might fix the issue.
• Broken MBR: If MBR is corrupted or broken, then it may leave your PC screen with the MBR error.

Source:- How to Fix MBR Error 1 on Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10

Solution 1:

Tweaking the Boot Order from BIOS menu

Here’s what you need to do:

• Turn on the PC.
• If it is already turned on, then restart it.
• Now when your PC shows an opportunity to enter into SETUP by pressing a specific key then do so. Once you press the indicated button on your keyboard, you are all set to follow the next step.
• If you delayed while pressing the SETUP key, then you should reboot once more to repeat the previous step. When you successfully press the desired key to enter into the SETUP, you will see the BIOS menu pretty soon.
• Once you are in the BIOS menu, you should take a quick tour of the BIOS menu carefully. Now go to the Boot tab from the top navigation menu.
• In some computers, the Boot tab may be labeled as Boot Options or Boot Order or anything sounds like this. On some devices, the Boot option might not be even available on the top menu; instead, you may find it under Other Options, Advanced Options, Additional BIOS features. So you should choose the relevant option according to your device.
• Once the Boot tab opens, you will able to see the boot devices list, and there you will also find the guide to modify the boot order or preferences. You should use the “-” and “+” keys to change the Boot settings of your BIOS menu. Only change the order if there anything seems to be in configured.
• Now head back to the main BIOS menu and then Save the preferences with the Key that is displayed on the BIOS menu to save.
• Now exit and restart the computer and see if the computer starts normally.

Solution 2:

Fixing Broken MBR

Once the Boot preferences are configured correctly, but the MBR error is still displayed, then this method will help you in fixing the Corrupted MBR on any Windows versions. The method is a bit complex since you can’t access the Windows screen or the operating system of your device. You will need a Windows installation disc in order to fix the corrupted MBR, and we are going to create one for you.

Follow the below steps with the help of your other computer:

• Open your browser and then search for the Media Creation Tool on the Google search engine.
• Now select the first links and then download the Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft Official website.
• Once the file is downloaded completely, locate the folder where it is downloaded and then launch the tool by twice clicking on it.
• Now make sure to agree with the terms and conditions of the program and then press the Accept button to confirm.
• On the next step, choose the Create installation media option from the available options.
• Now hit the Next button.
• Once that done, choose the OS version, language, and architecture according to the compatibility of your damaged device. Now press the Next button to go further in the process.
• On the next step, there are two options to choose from: the first option allows you to create a Bootable USB drive instantly, but you will need at least 8GB of space. The second option is for those who want to create a bootable Windows 10 DVD. Choose the option according to your preference.
• Hit the Next button to initiate the process.

Wait for the download process to finish and for the USB to become bootable. Don’t stop the process in the middle as it may get corrupted and then you will need to start the process from scratch.

Once the bootable Drive is created, follow the instructions mentioned below to fix the corrupted MBR menu.

For Windows 7 Users:

If you own a Windows 7 computer, then keep in mind that you should possess a Windows 7 installation disk for this method. See the steps mentioned below:

• Take the Windows 7 installation disk and then insert it on your desktop or laptop.
• Restart the device and then boot the Windows 7 disk by pressing the key mentioned on the screen. You have to be quick in this step; otherwise, you will need to reboot the computer again and again.
• Once you press the key on time, you will be taken to the Windows 7 installation screen where you can choose the language and other options according to your location.
• Then hit the Next button.
• Now set the available options to “Use recovery tools” which will help you in fixing the issue.
• Choose the operating system with the help of onscreen options. After that press the Next option and if this option not available then click on the Load Drivers option.
• Go to the System Recovery Options windows and then select Command Prompt.
• When the Command Prompt appears, type the below commands one by one and hit the Enter key after each command:
  1. bootrec /rebuildbcd
  2. bootrec /fixmbr
  3. bootrec /fixboot
• Once all commands are entered correctly, exit the Command prompt windows.

Restart the computer normally to see if the error is resolved or not and also keep in mind if any command is mistyped then the MBR error 1 will stay the same.

For Windows 8 or 10 users:

If your device uses Windows 10 or 8 then follow this tutorial to fix the issue:

• Insert the Windows installation media USB or DVD and then restart the device.
• On the startup when you see a text saying “press any key to boot the device,” then press any key to boot from the installation device.
• Once the device is booted correctly, you will see the Installation menu. You only need to navigate to the “Repair Your Computer” button from the Welcome screen.
• Now head to the Troubleshoot option and then click on the Advanced Options.
• After that, go to the Command Prompt.
• Once the Command Prompt appears, enter the below command and then press the Enter key:
  • bootrec /FixMbr bootrec /FixBoot bootrec /ScanOs bootrec /RebuildBcd
• Exit the Command Prompt wizard and then make sure to remove the installation disk from the PC.
• Now reboot the PC.

Chloe Decker is a self-professed security expert; she has been making the people aware of the security threats. Her passion is to write about Cybersecurity, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet, and new media. She writes for McAfee security products.