This utility is most helpful when the volume boot code (on your Windows drive) becomes corrupted or is accidentally set up to use the wrong boot manager. That kind of error can cause serious startup problems, like the well-known hal.dll issues on Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10.

Note: bootsect.exe is also commonly used to fix the Boot Configuration Data File is Missing error or to create a bootable USB drive. The good news is that bootsect.exe is highly effective at repairing boot sector errors. However, it can only be used via the Command Prompt—which you need to access through Advanced Startup Options or System Recovery Options, depending on your Windows version. Below, we’ve put together step-by-step guides for running the Bootsect utility. Please note, the steps differ depending on your version of Windows. Make sure to follow the guide that matches your system.

1. Access Bootsect using the Installation Media on Windows 7

2. Use Bootsect Without Installation Media on Windows 7

If you don’t have the Windows installation media, you have a couple paths forward. You can either create your own Windows installation media and follow Method 1, or see if your computer has pre-installed recovery tools on the hard drive. If you want to make your own installation media, follow our guide linked above, then return here to use Bootsect. Otherwise, here’s how you can try using the built-in recovery options (note: not all computers have these pre-installed):

How to Use the Bootsect Utility on Windows 8.1 and 10

The process for Windows 8 and Windows 10 is similar to Windows 7. The simplest method is to use Windows installation media, but there are also other ways to access the Bootsect utility even if you don’t have installation media. If you have installation media for Windows 10 or 8.1, use Method 3. If you do not, refer to Method 4 for alternatives.

3. Run Bootsect Using Installation Media on Windows 8.1 and 10

4. Run Bootsect Without Installation Media on Windows 8.1 and 10

If you don’t have installation media, there are still a few ways you can access the Advanced Startup menu and run bootsect.exe:

Follow this guide to create a bootable Windows 10 USB drive using Rufus, then use the steps in Method 3.Force two or three failed boot attempts by powering off your computer while it is starting up. This isn’t a perfect solution, but Windows will eventually open the Advanced Startup menu after repeated failed boots.If your PC starts normally, you can make Windows 8 or 10 restart directly into Advanced Startup. Open a Run window (Windows key + R), type ms-settings: and press Enter. Go to the Recovery tab in Settings, scroll to Advanced Startup, and click Restart now.

If you followed one of the options above, you should now be in the Advanced Startup menu. Follow these instructions next:

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