FIXMBR > Do I or Dont' I?

This is a new thread, but based on an old one (<can't get xp to boot after
fix via recovery console>).

After trying just about everything else (such as bootcfg /rebuild, chkdsk,
etc.) to get Windows XP SP2 to boot, I'm at the point of running FIXMBR in
the Recovery console.

However, when I type in FIXMBR and hit the return key, I get this warning:

**caution**
This computer appears to have a non-standard or invalid master boot record.
FIXMBR may damage your partition tables if you proceed.
This could cause all the partitions on the current hard disk to become
inaccesible.
If you are not having problems accessing your drive to not continue.
Are you sure you want to write a new MBR?

I typed <n>. And my system remains unbootable. Microsoft's article
<Restoring the MBR> explains that if a virus caused the problem, AND a
third-party OS has been installed, FIXMBR will damage the partition.

MY QUESTIONS: Is there a way to scan for a virus using the recovery
console? Is there a DOS based program I could run to see if some virus did
this? Does anyone know which virus(es) has this result?

And finally: FIXMBR > Do I or Don't I?
.

Relevant Pages

  • XP filesystem corrupt - force chkdsk?
    ... At this point when I attempt to boot ... >and install the recovery console. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: Computer Wont Start, Returns To Logon Screen
    ... I've booted in to Recovery ... Console from a Win XP CD, when prompted for a windows installation to log in ... How to edit the registry offline using BartPE boot CD: ... Mark L. Ferguson MS-MVP ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: BSOD and Reboots
    ... I was finally able to boot into the Recovery Console using a CD made from an ISO I got from somewhere. ... To determine which one of the ControlSetnnn will load when you boot the installation go to the "Select" key and note the reference number in the Default: REG_DWORD, ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • WinXP Pro Not Booting === Challenging Problem for Experts - Cant use Recovery Console or Repair, Ins
    ... WinXP Pro Not Booting - Challenging Problem for Experts - Cant use Recovery ... Console or Repair, Install Loops + Encrypted Data to retrive ... Laptop wouldnt boot due to a registry issue/corruption - Was able to go into ... on device install failure or perhaps because of the corrupt registry. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: FIXMBR
    ... references I have in that regard are to the boot floppies which Michael ... FIXMBR command. ... Michael Solomon MS-MVP ... RC console does run, ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics)
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