Recovering the Windows Bootloader with EasyBCD

EasyBCD has various advanced option sections created as a one-click method to easily reset/recover/repair the Windows Vista or Windows 7 bootloader without having to go through the recovery DVD, command line, and other difficult options that aren't even guaranteed to work.

Can't boot into Windows? EasyBCD won't run? If you can't get into Windows or EasyBCD won't run for some reason or the other... don't panic! You can stil save your data, bootloader, and Windows Vista by following our manual recovery instructions for booting from and using the Windows Vista DVD to reset your bootloader instead.

Recovering the Bootloader

EasyBCD has multiple recovery options available to you, depending on just how badly your bootloader is damaged. We've listed the recovery options by increasing magnitude of "problem level," so start with Type 1 and see if that works before moving on two Type 2, and so on and so forth.

Type 1: Reinstalling the Bootloader to the MBR and Bootsector

Scenario

You've installed another OS after installing Windows 7, so the new Vista/7 bootloader isn't used or doesn't appear when you reboot. Or you've installed Windows Vista/7, and it failed to install its bootloader to the MBR, but you can still boot into Windows XP.

Solution

Run EasyBCD and go to the "Bootloader Setup" window:

Select "Install the Vista/7 Bootloader to the MBR" from the second menu, then click "Write MBR"
(Note - the first section applies to External Devices (e.g USB flashdrives). Do not use it on your HDD)
Reboot to test. If it doesn't do the trick, move on to Type 2.

Type 2: Resetting the Bootloader Configuration

Scenario

Your Windows Vista or Windows 7 bootloader is incorrect or corrupted and so you can't boot into one or more of the Windows Vista/7 entries. Depending on your situation, you may see errors about winload.exe, kernel32.dll, or other system files.

Solution

Boot into a working copy of Windows (be it XP or Vista), and run EasyBCD. Go to the "BCD Backup/Repair" page:

Select "Reset BCD Configuration" then "Perform Action" to begin recovery. You may see a dialog like the one below asking you for your boot drive - pick the letter of your Windows Vista drive, then hit OK to continue.

EasyBCD will reset your BCD data and re-configure your bootloader correctly.
At this point, all entries in the bootloader will be gone. Make sure you go to the "Add New Entry" page and add whatever operating systems you need to before you reboot.
If you still can't get Vista to boot properly, head on to the next section.

Type 3: Re-Creating all Bootloader Files and Settings from Scratch

Scenario

Your "BOOT" folder has been deleted, was not created, or has been corrupted; and the Vista bootloader will not show.

Solution

Boot into a working copy of Windows and install/run EasyBCD.
Go to the "BCD Backup/Repair" page:

Select "Re-create/repair boot files" then "Perform Action" to begin recovery. EasyBCD will recreate (if possible) your boot files and re-configure your bootloader from scratch.
If EasyBCD fails, that means a process has locked your BOOT folder. Manually delete this folder with a Live CD, recovery console, or other method, then try Type Three again.

Can't boot into Windows? EasyBCD won't run?
If you can't get into Windows or EasyBCD won't run for some reason or the other... don't panic! You can stil save your data, bootloader, and Windows Vista by following our manual recovery instructions for booting from and using the Windows Vista DVD to reset your bootloader instead.