Bootmgr missing

[skyevalley]

Hi, I have been given an HP Compaq laptop (notebook) running Vista. I would like to reformat the HD and install XP Home. I have an unused, licenced, genuine disc.

The Notebook will not boot up. A message appears: Smart failiure predicted on HD A failure may be imminent. It gives a press F1 option to ignore the message, however when I press F1 nothing happens, but Ctrl = Alt + del produces the
bootmgr missing error.

I went into the Bios to change the boot up order to run CD first. i used a standard boot up disc but it would not run.
checked the bios again and couldnt find any reference to the HD. Tried a win 7 system recover disc but again no joy.

So it seems that the HD has gone awol. Please could anyone advise how I could recover it give it a good clean and install XP home.

No data needs to be saved from the HD. failing this could you adivise if it is possible and not too difficult to install a new HD.
Sorry the info about the computer is so limited but I will take the details from the bios if required. Thanks

 

[Lottiemansion]

Hi,

Basically the hard disk has died, you need a new one!

 

[townsbg]

I agree about the drive; it needs to go and you don't want to try to keep a drive that has failed. The exact steps to replace the hard drive depends upon the laptop model. Some might simply have an access door on either the bottom of the laptop or a side whereas others might require you to remove the keyboard. Unfortunately unless you have taken apart many laptops it won't be easy unless there is an access panel. To help you determine the proper procedure we will need the laptop's model number.

As for downgrading to XP you can only do so if there are XP drivers from compaq for your laptop. Without manufacturer's drivers it won't be very useful. Also keep in mind that XP is extremely out of date, insecure, and will be officially retired next year. After April 8, 2014 there won't be any new hotfixes and security patches from Microsoft. I don't recommend a downgrade but the choice is up to you.

 

[Allan D]

Hello Skyevally,

It is right that the error message Smart failiure predicted on HDD failure may be imminent, is a potential hard drive failure. However since you are also getting the error message as bootmgr missing, the steps mentioned in the articles on Fixing "BOOTMGR is missing" Error While Trying to Boot Windows 7 or Vista can be tried.

You may also refer the following video for more details:

[video=youtube;j4KBjT-Xfgo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4KBjT-Xfgo[/video]

In case these steps does not help, the hard drive needs a replacement.
Please write back for further questions.




Thanks & Regards
Allan D
#iworkfordell