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Difference between Fixboot and Fixmbr
Fixboot and Fixmbr are two commands in Microsoft's Windows operating systems that are used to troubleshoot boot-related issues. These instructions are part of the Windows Recovery Console, a tool used to troubleshoot different issues that prevent Windows from starting properly. The fixboot command is used to repair a Windows partition's boot sector. Fixmbr is used to restore the hard drive's Master Boot Record (MBR).
Read this article to find out more about Fixboot and Fixmbr and how they are different from each other.
What is Fixboot?
Fixboot is a Windows command that is used to repair or rebuild the boot sector of the active partition on a hard drive. The boot sector is a small but important section of the hard drive that includes the information required for the computer to start up and load the operating system.
If the boot sector becomes damaged or corrupted as a result of a virus, a hardware failure, or other problems, the computer may be unable to boot into the operating system. The fixboot command comes in handy here. The command will rewrite the boot sector with new data, allowing the computer to boot into the operating system again.
The fixboot command rewrites the boot sector code and data to the disc, which can help in solving boot problems caused by a corrupted or damaged boot sector. Depending on the computer's manufacturer, the command is commonly launched from the Windows Recovery Console, or Command Prompt, which can be accessed by booting from a Windows installation disc or by pressing a certain key at startup.
To use the fixboot command, use Command Prompt or Recovery Console and type fixboot, followed by the drive letter of the partition whose boot sector you want to repair. For example, if C: is the active partition, type "fixboot c:" and press Enter. After that, the command will rewrite the boot sector code and data for the specified partition.
It's important to note that using the fixboot command will only fix boot sector issues. If the problem is caused by anything else, such as a corrupt system file or a hardware failure, the command may not work. Additional troubleshooting steps may be required in such situations.
What is Fixmbr?
Fixmbr is a command in the Windows operating system that is used to restore a hard drive's Master Boot Record (MBR). The MBR is the hard drive's first sector and contains information on the disc's partitions as well as the bootloader, which is responsible for loading the operating system.
Fixmbr, like the Fixboot command, is normally executed from the Windows Recovery Console or Command Prompt, which can be accessed by booting from a Windows installation disc or by pressing a specified key during startup, depending on the manufacturer of the computer.
To use the Fixmbr command, enter the Command Prompt or Recovery Console and type "fixmbr" followed by the drive letter of the hard drive to be repaired. If the hard drive is C: for example, type "fixmbr \devicehard\disk0" and press Enter. Following that, the command will rewrite the MBR code and data for the specified hard drive.
It's also worth noting that using the Fixmbr command can result in data loss if the MBR contains information about unbacked-up partitions. As a result, it is recommended that you take backup important data before running the command.
Difference between Fixboot and Fixmbr
The following table highlights the major differences between Fixboot and Fixmbr −
Characteristics |
Fixboot |
Fixmbr |
|---|---|---|
Location |
Boot sector of the active partition |
Beginning of the hard drive. |
Syntax |
"Fixboot," followed by the drive letter of the partition. For example, "fixboot c:". |
"fixmbr". |
Impact on Data |
No impact on data in Fixboot |
It can cause data loss if the MBR contains information about partitions that have not been backed up. |
Access |
It can be accessed from the Windows Recovery Console or Command Prompt. |
It can be accessed from the Windows Recovery Console or Command Prompt. |
Compatibility |
It is compatible with Windows 7. |
It isn't compatible with Windows 7. |
Effectiveness |
Fixboot is effective in resolving boot issues caused by a damaged or corrupted boot sector. |
Fixmbr is effective in resolving boot issues caused by a damaged or corrupted MBR. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the fixboot command repairs a partition's boot sector, whereas the fixmbr command repairs the hard drive's Master Boot Record. Both commands are important for troubleshooting boot-related issues, but they deal with different areas of the boot process.
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