▷ What is Bootsect.exe and how is it used?

The bootsect.exe utility is used to update the code on the boot sector partition responsible for loading and running the boot loader. Depending on the circumstances, The utility can also be used to update the master boot record code of a hard drive partition without editing the partition table. The Bootsect.exe utility is available in Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 Y 10.

This utility is mainly used when the volume boot code (residing on the Windows drive) has been corrupted or accidentally programmed to use the wrong bootloader. This will trigger a whole series of system stop errors known as hal.dll errors in Windows Vista, 7, 8 Y 10.

Note: Bootsect.exe is also used for the error Boot configuration data file is missing or to create a bootable USB drive.

Fortunately, bootsect.exe utility is very efficient when it comes to fixing volume boot code errors. Nevertheless, this boot sector restore tool is only available via command prompt, accessible from Advanced Boot Options or System Recovery Options (depending on your version of Windows).

Below is a collection of step-by-step guides for accessing the Bootsect utility. Note that the exact steps to run bootsect.exe will be different, depending on your version of Windows. Follow the guide for your version of Windows.

How to use the Bootsect utility in Windows 7

There are two different ways to access Bootsect in Windows 7. The ideal way would be to use an installation media. Nevertheless, if your computer has System Recovery Options pre-installed, you may be able to run the Bootsect utility without the installation media.

If you have your Windows installation media, follow the guide directly below (Method 1) to run bootsect.exe. If you don't have the installation media, follow the second guide (Method 2) to access the Bootsect utility.

Method 1: Access Bootsect using installation media in Windows 7

1. Insert the Windows Media disk or bootable flash drive to boot from it. If the system does not start automatically from the newly inserted media, you may need to access BIOS settings / UEFI and change boot sequence order.

2. In the first screenshot Install Windows Then, and then click on Repair your computer. You can also press the R key to get the same result.

   

3. Select Use recovery tools that can help you fix Windows startup problems. Later, make sure Windows 7 is selected and press Next.

   Note: You will only see two entries in Operating System if you start your computer twice.

4. In System Recovery Options, click Command Prompt.

   

5. Type the following command at the command prompt and press Enter to run the Bootsect utility:

   bootsect / nt60 sys

   Note: the command bootsect / nt60 sys is used for the latest BOOTMGR present in Windows Vista, 7, 8 Y 10. For older version of Windows, the command is used bootsect / nt52 sys instead of.

6. If you see the message “The startup code was successfully updated on all target volumes”, the boot code for the volume used by BOOTMGR should be updated now.

   Note: If you get an error after inserting the command, try to run bootsect / nt60 all . This command will solve most of the problems related to permissions. But note that if you have a dual boot setup, the other operating system will also be affected.

7. Close the command prompt and remove the installation media. Next, click the Restart button in the System Recovery Options. After reboot, Windows should start normally.

   

Method 2: access Bootsect without installation media in Windows 7

If you don't have the Windows installation media, has a couple of ways to continue. You can create a Windows installation media and follow the guide above or have access to the recovery tools pre-installed on your hard drive.

In case you decide to create your own installation media, you can follow our complete guide to create bootable DVD or USB drive for Windows 7. Later, go back to the guide directly above and use it to run the Bootsect utility.

Otherwise, follow the steps below to access the pre-installed recovery tools. But keep in mind that not all computers come with pre-installed recovery tools.. If the steps below don't work, you have no choice but to create a Windows installation media.

1. Start / restart your computer. As soon as the computer starts, press the F8 key repeatedly to open Advanced Boot Options.

2. In Advanced Boot Options, use the arrow keys to highlight Repair your computer and press Enter.

   

3. System recovery options should appear shortly. Select Command Prompt from the list.

   

4. Type the following command at the command prompt and press Enter to run the Bootsect utility:

   bootsect / nt60 sys

   Note: the command bootsect / nt60 sys is used for the latest BOOTMGR present in Windows Vista, 7, 8 Y 10. For older version of Windows, the command is used bootsect / nt52 sys instead of.

5. If you see the message “The startup code was successfully updated on all target volumes”, the boot code for the volume used by BOOTMGR should be updated now.

   Note: If you get an error after inserting the command, try to run bootsect / nt60 all . This is known to solve various permissions related issues. But note that if you have a dual boot setup, the other operating system will also be affected.

6. Close the command prompt and click the Restart button in System Recovery Options. After reboot, Windows should start normally.

   

How to use the Bootsect utility in Windows 8.1 Y 10

As in windows 7, you can run the Bootsect utility in several different ways in Windows 8 and Windows 10. The easiest method will be to use the Windows installation media. Nevertheless, there are other different methods you can use to access the bootsect.exe utility if you do not have the installation media.

If you have Windows installation media 10, follow the method 3 to run the bootsect utility. In case you cannot use the installation media, follow the method 4 to explore the different possibilities of running bootsect.exe.

Method 3: Run Bootsect using the installation media in Windows 8.1 Y 10

1. Insert the installation media and make sure your computer boots from it.

   Note: If you can't boot from the DVD / USB installation, go to BIOS settings / UEFI and change the boot sequence.

2. On the Windows setup screen, Click Next, then click on Repair your computer.

   

3. On the next screen, click Troubleshoot to access Advanced Options.

   

4. In Advanced Options, click Command Prompt.

   

5. Type the following command at the command prompt and press Enter to run the Bootsect utility:

   bootsect / nt60 sys

   Note: If you encounter an error after pressing Enter, try to run the bootsect / nt60 all. But note that this will also update the boot code of the other OS if you have a dual boot setup.

6. If you see the message “The boot code was successfully updated on all target volumes”, you can safely close the command prompt, remove the installation media and click Turn off your PC. The volume boot code is now up to date.

   

Method 4: Run Bootsect without installation media on Windows 8.1 Y 10

If you don't have the installation media for Windows 8 o Windows 10, you can use various solutions to access advanced boot menu and run bootsect.exe utility:

• Follow this guide (here) to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 10 con Rufus, then follow the Method 3.

• Force two (or three) consecutive failed attempts to start Windows. You can do this by shutting down your machine while it is in the middle of boot.. This is nothing fancy, but it will force Windows to automatically start advanced boot menu at startup.

• If your computer can boot correctly, you can force Windows 8 o Windows 10 reboots automatically on advanced startup. To do this, open a run window (tecla de Windows + R), scribe “ms-settings:” and hit Enter. In the Settings menu, select the Recovery tab, scroll down to Advanced startup and click Restart now.

  

If you have followed one of the above instructions, you will be in the Advanced Start menu. Once there, follow the instructions below:

1. Click Troubleshoot to access Advanced Options.

   

2. In Advanced Options, click Command Prompt.

   

3. Type the following command at the command prompt and press Enter to run the Bootsect utility:

   bootsect / nt60 sys

   Note: If you encounter an error after pressing Enter, try to run the bootsect / nt60 all. But note that this will also update the boot code of the other OS if you have a dual boot setup.

4. If you see the message “The boot code was successfully updated on all target volumes”, you can safely close the command prompt and click Turn off your PC. Volume boot code is now up to date.