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windows 2003 server mbr problem

Ok. So recently, I messed up with my windows 2003 server. I accidentally lost the Master Boot Record (MBR) so that led to the problem. My unit won't boot up. I got this problem after using the laptop in installing linux to a USB flash drive. Anyway, the fix is really simple.

First, you need the Windows 2003 server installation CD. Then a prompt will ask you if you want to install windows etc etc. Hit "R" on your keyboard and this will bring you to the Windows Recovery Console. You will need to select the Windows installation you wish to log onto. So I chose "1" because that's the only primary windows setup I had on the laptop. Immediately after selecting the installation, you will be prompted for the Administrator password. There's no way for you to enter the recovery console if you do not know the password.

Next and final steps.

Type in - fixmbr.

The fixmbr command creates a new boot record. It repairs the master boot record of the boot disk. Please take not that the fixmbr command is only available when you are using the Recovery Console.

Type exit, you should now be able to boot again with no problem. Hope that helps.

Additional Notes:

Here are some useful commands that are used in the Windows Recovery Console.

Attrib: Changes the attributes of a file or directory.
Batch: Executes the commands specified in the text file.
ChDir (Cd): Displays the name of the current directory or changes the current directory.
Chkdsk: Checks a disk and displays a status report.
Cls: Clears the screen.
Copy: Copies a single file to another location.
Delete(Del): Deletes one or more files.
Dir: Displays a list of files and subdirectories in a directory.
Disable: Disables a system service or a device driver.
Diskpart: Manages partitions on your hard drives.
Enable: Starts or enables a system service or a device driver.
Exit: Exits the Recovery Console and restarts your computer.
Expand: Extracts a file from a compressed file.
Fixboot: Writes a new partition boot sector onto the system partition.
Fixmbr: Repairs the master boot record of the partition boot sector.
Format: Formats a disk.
Help: Displays a list of the commands you can use in the Recovery Console.
Listsvc: Lists the services and drivers available on the computer.
Logon: Logs on to a Windows 2000 installation.
Map: Displays the drive letter mappings.
Mkdir (Md): Creates a directory.
More: Displays a text file.
Rename (Ren): Renames a single file.
Rmdir (Rd): Deletes a directory.
Set: Displays and sets environment variables.
Systemroot: Sets the current directory to the systemroot directory of the system you are currently logged on to.
Type: Displays a text file.

You can also check this in the Console by typing "help" without the quotes.