fixmbr utility updates the master boot record (MBR) code of a hard drive. The command is only available inside the Windows Recovery Console.
Contents
Synopsis
fixmbr [DrivePath:]
Description
fixmbr utility is the Windows 2000 and XP tool used to update the master boot record (MBR) code which is responsible for initializing drive’s partitions.
The options are as follows:
DrivePath:
Although almost always used without the parameter, this option updates the master boot record (MBR) code of the hard drive specified by the DrivePath. If the user doesn’t specify the DrivePath the fixmbr utility will update the master boot record (MBR) code of the hard disk used to boot the system. DrivePath can be obtained using the map utility. If a non-standard or invalid master boot record is detected fixmbr could damage the partition tables so it must be used with caution.
Exit Status
The fixmbr utility exits 0 on success and 1 if an error occurs.
Examples
To update the master boot record (MBR) of your hard drive:
fixmbr
To update the master boot record (MBR) of the harddisk0 that contains a partition1:
fixmbr \Device\Harddisk0\Partition1
Compatibility
fixmbr utility is compatible with Windows XP and Windows 2000 as well as Microsoft Server 2003.
History
fixmbr utility was superseded by bootsect.exe /mbr in Windows Vista.
See Also
fixboot – utility used to update the partition boot sector.
bootsect – Windows Vista equivalent of the fixmbr utility.