bootsect.exe

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bootsect.exe

Here we can see, “bootsect.exe”

bootsect.exe is a command-line application for updating the partition bootsector code and, if required, the master boot record code.

Synopsis

Arguments enclosed in bracers are required, arguments enclosed in brackets [] are optional, and | denotes “or.”

bootsect.exe {/help | /nt52 | /nt60} {sys | all | <driveLetter:>} [/force] [/mbr]

Description

The bootsect.exe application is used to update the partition bootsector code, which is in charge of loading and operating the bootloader. Without altering the partition table, it can also update the master boot record code of the hard disk containing that partition.

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The possibilities are as follows:

/help

displays a list of existing arguments.

/nt52

Replaces the code that loads and runs the NTLDR bootloader in the boot sector code of a selected partition (sys, all, or driveLetter:>). Used on Windows XP and other Windows versions that use the bootloader mentioned above.

/nt60

Updates the code that loads and runs the BOOTMGR bootloader in the boot sector code of a selected partition (sys, all, or driveLetter:>). Used on Windows Vista and other Windows versions that employ the bootloader mentioned above.

/sys

modifies the boot sector code on the partition used to boot the operating system.

/all

Updates the bootsector code for all partitions that can be used to boot an operating system. It doesn’t operate on dynamic volumes, which aren’t connected to a primary disk partition.

</driveLetter:>

Updates the bootsector code for the volume associated with a specified drive letter. If a volume with a specific letter doesn’t exist, or if a volume with a specified letter isn’t attached to a primary disk partition, the boot sector code isn’t updated.

/force

Updates the bootsector code on a specified partition that would otherwise be inaccessible, such as if other processes are using its data. Use it with caution because it may cause these programs to behave in unexpected ways.

/mbr

modifies the master boot record code of a hard disk containing a partition specified by the (sys, all, or driveLetter:>) command. It makes no changes to the partition table. The bootrec program was the sole means to repair the MBR before this command was released.

Status of Exit

If the bootsect utility succeeds, it returns 0; otherwise, it returns 1.

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Examples

On a drive called D: with Windows XP installed (NTLDR bootloader), update the boot sector code as follows:

bootsect.exe /nt52 /D:

On a drive called C: with Windows 7 installed (NTLDR bootloader), update the boot sector code as follows:

bootsect.exe /nt60 /C:

Update the master boot record (MBR) code of the hard drive that volume E: belongs to, as well as the boot sector code on a volume named E: that has Windows 10 installed (NTLDR bootloader):

bootsect.exe /nt60 E: /mbr

Compatibility

/nt52

Windows 2000, Windows 2003, and Windows XP are examples of operating systems.

/nt60

Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 are just a few operating systems available.

History

/mbr

– In Windows 7, this flag was introduced. The bootrec.exe software was the sole means to fix the MBR before it.

Conclusion

I hope you found this information helpful. Please fill out the form below if you have any questions or comments.

User Questions

1. Is it possible to create a bootable USB without formatting it?

If you frequently generate bootable USB devices on Windows using third-party software, you may need to format it first. However, you may make a bootable USB drive without formatting using Ventoy2Disk, a free program. With the help of this freeware, you can construct a multiboot USB stick.

2. How can I create a bootable USB with Bootsect?

Simply type E: and press Enter and the current directory will be changed to E. Enter bootsect /nt60 g: bootsect /nt60 g: bootsect /nt60 g: bootsect / The boot sector will be created on the G: disk (USB Flash drive). To exit the Command Prompt, type exit and press Enter.

3. What is the purpose of the Bootsect command?

Bootsect.exe switches between Bootmgr and NT Loader by updating the master boot code for hard disk partitions (NTLDR). This utility can be used to recover your computer’s boot sector.

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4. trying to create a Win 7 installation disk, bootsect.exe is missing…

trying to create a Win 7 installation disk, bootsect.exe is missing… from techsupport

5. Issue copying files with two .’s in the name (ie. “bootsect.exe.mui”).

Issue copying files with two .’s in the name (ie. "bootsect.exe.mui"). from linuxquestions