Backup/Restore Master Boot Record


The NT Resource kit includes DISKSAVE.EXE which enables
a binary image of the MBR or Boot Sector to be saved. DISKSAVE has to be run from DOS and so you will need to create
a bootable DOS disk and copy DISKSAVE.EXE to the disk.
To create a DOS bootable disk just use the command “format a: /s” from a DOS or
Win9x machine. Once you boot with the disk you will have a number of options:

F2 – Backup the Master Boot Record – prompts
for a path and filename to save the MBR binary image.

F3 – Restore Master Boot Record

F4 – Backup the Boot Sector – prompts for a
path and filename to save the Boot Sector.

F5 – Restore Boot Sector

F6 – Disable FT on the Boot Drive – useful
when Windows NT will not boot from a mirrored system drive. The function looks
for the bootable (marked active) partition. It then checks to see if the
SystemType byte has the high bit set. Windows NT sets the high bit of the
SystemType byte if the partition is a member of a Fault Tolerant set. Disabling
this bit has the same effect as breaking the mirror.

Related Tips:

Using FDISK /MBR for Troubleshooting Windows NT Boot Problems

How to Protect Boot Sector from Viruses in Windows NT

Win NT Err Msg: MBR Checksum Error: A Virus May Be Present…

FDISK /MBR Rewrites the Master Boot Record

About The Author

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Scroll to Top