How to fix MBR Error 1, MBR Error 2 and MBR Error 3 during Windows Startup Boot?

The MBR refers to Master Boot Record, a special type of boot sector where the operating system is located. If there are any troubles with the MBR, the operating system cannot be loaded.

The MBR error appears during Windows startup boot signal the corruption of the MBR cause the OS failed to boot due to unable to locate the necessary system files. The error may be MBR error 1, MBR error 2 or MBR error 3. All of these errors related to corruption or failure within the MBR. Follow below step-by-step instructions to resolve the MBR error

Solution 1: Change the Boot Order in BIOS

1. Switch off the computer.
2. Press the Power button to power on the computer and keep pressing the F2 key to enter the BIOS Setup Utility page.
3. Look for Boot Options or Boot Order. The boot options may be located inside a different menu such as Other Options, Advanced BIOS Features, or Advanced Options.
4. Once you are inside the Boot Order menu, a list of devices should appear and the order of these devices indicates the order of where BIOS will look for an operating system or a recovery drive to boot computer.
5. Make sure the first device in this list should be the hard drive where the operating system is located.
6. Navigate to the Exit tab at the menu above and select the Exit Saving Changes.

Solution 2: Repair MBR using Command Prompt

Solution 2.1: Create Windows recovery media for Windows 10

1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft site.
2. Locate the file you have downloaded (MediaCreationTool.exe) in the Downloads folder and double click to execute it.
3. Agree to terms and conditions after reading them by clicking the Accept button below.
4. Select the Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC option and click the Next.
5. Make sure you choose the correct settings for the computer you are creating the installation media for. This includes the language, OS version, and architecture. Click Next after you set it up properly.
6. Choose either USB flash drive or ISO file depending on whether you plan on storing the media on a USB drive or a DVD. Click Next and the tool will start downloading Windows 10. If you have chosen to create an ISO file, you will be presented with the Burn the ISO file to a DVD Select the DVD drive you want to use before clicking the Finish button.

Solution 2.2: Repair MBR using Command Prompt in Windows 7

1. Insert the Windows 7 installation DVD and restart the computer to boot from it. When you see the message Press any key to boot from CD or DVD then press any key to continue.
2. Select the language and the keyboard layout, click Next.
3. Set the radio button to Use recovery tools. Select the operating system from the list below then click Next. If it doesn’t appear, click the Load Drivers button below.
4. In the System Recovery Options window, click on Command Prompt.
5. Type the following command in the command prompt, press Enter after each one:

   bootrec /fixmbr
   bootrec /fixboot
   bootrec /scanos
   bootrec /rebuildbcd
   Exit

6. Remove the Windows 7 installation DVD and restart the computer.

Solution 2.3: Repair MBR using Command Prompt in Windows 8, 8.1, and 10

1. Boot from installation DVD or USB drive.
2. Click the Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
3. Type the following command in the command prompt and click Enter afterward:

   bootrec /FixMbr
   bootrec /FixBoot
   bootrec /ScanOs
   bootrec /RebuildBcd

4. Remove the installation DVD or USB drive from the disk tray or USB port and type exit inside Command Prompt then press Enter.
5. Restart the computer.