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How to fix Dell Inspiron 6000 "Loading PBR 2...done" Error?
I have a Dell Inspiron 6000 notebook running XP Pro. Today it stops at message "Loading PBR 2...done". It does not boot any further.
I run diagnostic test by pressing fn key and power it on. Here is the result:
1. Quick (system) test: pass
2. Complete hard disk test: Read test and Verify test failed at block14277757, all other tests (confidence test, device self test, seek test, S.M.A.R.T test) pass.
Q#1. What is the cause of this issue: MBR corrupted?
Q#2. How to fix it without reinstalling the Windows XP and application on it?
Q#3. Will the block#14277757 cause any issue if I have to reinstall the Windows?
Thanks.
I run diagnostic test by pressing fn key and power it on. Here is the result:
1. Quick (system) test: pass
2. Complete hard disk test: Read test and Verify test failed at block14277757, all other tests (confidence test, device self test, seek test, S.M.A.R.T test) pass.
Q#1. What is the cause of this issue: MBR corrupted?
Q#2. How to fix it without reinstalling the Windows XP and application on it?
Q#3. Will the block#14277757 cause any issue if I have to reinstall the Windows?
Thanks.
SOLUTION
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SOLUTION
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SOLUTION
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ASKER
I am running chkdsk /r which is performing additional checking or recovery. Will update here how it goes.
ASKER
Here is the result:
1. boot from XP CD and choose 'R' option. Run chkdsk /r command. It finds and fixed some errors on the volume.
2. reboot and try to boot from hard disk: Windows could not start because \Windowssystem32\config\sy
3. Reboot it from XP CD and choose 'R' option. Run 'fixboot' command. It shows successful
4. Reboot it from hard disk: nothing shows on the screen. 'Loading PBR 2...done' message is gone too.
5. Reboot it from XP CD and choose 'reinstall' option. Now it shows C: partition as follows:
-: Partition1 [FAT], 63 MB (55 MB free)
C: Partition2 (MySystem) [NTFS], 20003 MB (6487 MB free).
D: same as before
F: same as before.
But it still does NOT recognize C: as Windows partition. I do not have the option to 'repair' by reinstall Windows.
Q#6. What to do next (without wiping out the data and application on C: partition)?
1. boot from XP CD and choose 'R' option. Run chkdsk /r command. It finds and fixed some errors on the volume.
2. reboot and try to boot from hard disk: Windows could not start because \Windowssystem32\config\sy
3. Reboot it from XP CD and choose 'R' option. Run 'fixboot' command. It shows successful
4. Reboot it from hard disk: nothing shows on the screen. 'Loading PBR 2...done' message is gone too.
5. Reboot it from XP CD and choose 'reinstall' option. Now it shows C: partition as follows:
-: Partition1 [FAT], 63 MB (55 MB free)
C: Partition2 (MySystem) [NTFS], 20003 MB (6487 MB free).
D: same as before
F: same as before.
But it still does NOT recognize C: as Windows partition. I do not have the option to 'repair' by reinstall Windows.
Q#6. What to do next (without wiping out the data and application on C: partition)?
SOLUTION
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ASKER
Dell tech support recommends 'restore' it by using the Dell Restore utility. Because it will restore the factory default thus all data and application will be gone, I hesitate to use it unless absolutely necessary.
Also, I just realized that the 'Recovery Console' does not go to c:\windows folder. It ends in c:\ root directory. When I try to run 'cd windows' and it shows 'Access is denied'.
Note: on the working windows xp partition, the 'Recovery console' goes into c:\windows directory.
The Dell notebook comes with OEM XP installation.
Q#6. What to do next (without wiping out the data and application on C: partition)?
Also, I just realized that the 'Recovery Console' does not go to c:\windows folder. It ends in c:\ root directory. When I try to run 'cd windows' and it shows 'Access is denied'.
Note: on the working windows xp partition, the 'Recovery console' goes into c:\windows directory.
The Dell notebook comes with OEM XP installation.
Q#6. What to do next (without wiping out the data and application on C: partition)?
SOLUTION
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ASKER
Will Hiren boot CDfix the boot issue? I will try it tomorrow and update here. Any idea/tip is appreciated.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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ASKER
Unable to accept multiple responses as solution. It also happened in the past.
ASKER
Next I boot it from XP CD, choose to reinstall. Now it shows the following partitions. (I have not chosen to proceed yet, so no info is lost from this action):
-: Partition1 [FAT], 63MB, (55MB free)
C: Partition2 [Unknown], 20003MB (20002 MB free)
D: Partition3 (Data) [NTFS], 53176 MB (25913 MB free)
F: Partition4 [FAT32], 3075 MB (670 MB free).
I think D: and F: drive is correct.
Partition1 seems to be extra.
Partition2 is wrong. It should have more data in it, thus less free space.
Now repair by 'reinstall' will not work as it does not recognize the Windows XP install on C: partition.
Q#4. Any way to make it recognize the C: partition correctly?
Q#5. Any other non-disruptive repair method/tools?