Learn how to restore the boot loader in Windows 7 with our step-by-step guide. Follow these simple steps to resolve boot issues and get your system back on track.If one day you were unable to start Windows 7, do not rush to reinstall the OS. It is quite possible that the reason lies in a damaged boot loader, and it can be restored in various ways. You will learn about them from our material.
Causes of bootloader problems
There are several possible causes for Windows 7 bootloader failures. Here are the most common ones:
- Incorrect user actions such as attempting to access system partitions or modify boot files using EasyBCD;
- System failures;
- Malicious software/viruses;
- Hard drive problems;
- Incorrect installation of the operating system on the computer;
- Problems related to incorrect operation of hardware.
How to Restore Bootloader in Windows 7.
The first way is to use a restore point
If you encounter a bootloader recovery problem, you should first try entering safe mode to find the root of the problem. It is possible that bootloader recovery is not needed at all, and the system does not boot for another reason.
- When rebooting your PC, you must press the F8 key ;
- After that, you will be taken to the boot menu. Now select the Safe Mode tab .
If all is well, the operating system will now work in safe mode. Now we do the following:
- Click Start and select Control Panel from the pop-up menu;
- Find the “Recovery” section .
- Select the item “Start System Restore” ;
- At this stage, the system will prompt you to select a restore point. Choose the earliest one.
Windows 7 will restart and attempt to restore your system files to the point you selected.
The second way is automatic troubleshooting
- When you restart your computer, press F8 to bring up the boot menu;
- Select the Last Known Good Configuration option ;
- If the system does not respond to the command, return to the boot menu and select the ” Troubleshooter” option ;
- Wait until the automatic diagnostic and troubleshooting tool starts.
The third way is to use a boot volume using a flash drive
Let’s say you have a pre-recorded installer on a flash drive. If Windows 7 won’t boot, you can activate the OS bypassing the standard startup procedure. To do this:
- Insert the flash drive into your computer or laptop and reboot it;
- Once the BIOS menu appears, select the BOOT MENU option using the F11, F12 or F8 keys ;
- Next, select the flash drive as the boot source.
After booting from the flash drive, you will see the installer menu. You need to select the “System Restore” option. The system will first try to recognize the problem itself. If this does not happen:
- In the menu that appears, select “Fix and reboot” ;
- The operating system should automatically find your OS version and show it in the menu. Click “Next” ;
- In the new menu, select Startup Repair .
The fourth way is to use the command line.
You can also roll back the system using the command line without using saved copies. To do this, do the following:
- Restart your computer and press F8 ;
- Select “Additional boot options” from the new menu ;
- Select “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and press Enter ;
- After booting into safe mode, press “Win+R” to open the “Run” window ;
- Type cmd in the Run box and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
In the command line window, you need to run two commands:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
With their help, Windows 7 will transfer system files, previously intended for loading the OS via a bootable flash drive or disk, to the computer’s hard drive.
Another way is to restore the startup files. To do this, you need to go to the command line again using the key combination “Win+R” and enter the following command:
bcdboot.exe C:Windows
Instead of partition C, you must specify the volume on which your operating system is installed. After the above command, the system will update the startup files.
The fifth way is to change the boot priority
To solve the problem, you will need to work with the BIOS.
- When you start your computer, press the F2 key on the first screen to enter the BIOS. The control interface is only accessible from the keyboard;
- Go to the “Boot” section using the control keys. Select “Hard Drive” using the Enter key;
- Select the hard drive where the operating system is installed and move it to the first place using the keys;
- To save changes and restart your computer, press F10 ;
- Confirm the action by clicking “Yes” .
An alternative method is to find the battery on your motherboard and remove it. You need to put the battery back in after 1-2 minutes. Before the procedure, you need to turn off the PC and disconnect it from the PC. After that, you will reset the BIOS settings to factory settings.