[Jahb]

I have a Dell Inspiron 1525 running (supposed to be) Windows Vista Home Premium 32 bit. I've read many posts in various forums on how to fix the "bootmgr is missing" problem but nothing works. Specificall the error is "Bootmgr is missing" then "Press any key to restart". Pressing any key just gives the same error repeatedly.
I have tried re-installing Vista but I when I get to the screen to install unto the large partition (the HD is partitioned into 3 dirves) I get this error: "Windows is unable to find a system volume that meets its criteria for installation". And it won't install on the other 2 drives because 1 is too small and the other is not formatted as NTFS.
I've tried using the system repair utility which is the most common solution I've seen but no operating system is found by the system recovery tool. Any suggestions anyone?

[joeten]

hi this is a link to dell http://support.dell.com/support/topi...NS_PNT_PM_1525 you should find the info you need to access the recovery partition

[Rich-M]

Yes try the Recovery Partition first anyway but it sounds like you are not tryinb to install correctly anyway. You need to boot to the dvd, not try to install inside Windows.
To rebuild the boot mgr do this in Vista:
http://www.vistaheads.com/forums/mic...-problems.html

[Jahb]

How do I get to the recovery partition? And no. I can't be installing from inside windows because windows won't start. I'm using the Dell re-install CD. Here's my sequence of steps: Press start button, press F12 to get boot options, select boot from CD/DVD, Press enter, Wait for "press any key to boot from CD" then press enter, Wait while "Windows is loading files...", Press Next at Language/Time/Keyboard..., Now at screen to "Install Now" or select "Repair Your Computer". I click "install now" and get to License Screen where I accept the license terms and press Next, now at "Which type of Installation do you want?" screen where I can only select Custom to install a clean copy of windows, next screen is "Where do you want to install Windows?" and gives 3 options: Disk 0 Unallocated Space 47.0 MB, Disk 0 Partition 1 146.0 GB Primary and Disk 0 Partition 2 3.0 GB Logical. I select Partition 1 and Press next then I get statement at the bottom of the box says "Windows unable to find a system volume that meets its criteria for installation". Is this incorrect installation procedure?

[Rich-M]

Originally Posted by Jahb

How do I get to the recovery partition? And no. I can't be installing from inside windows because windows won't start. I'm using the Dell re-install CD. Here's my sequence of steps: Press start button, press F12 to get boot options, select boot from CD/DVD, Press enter, Wait for "press any key to boot from CD" then press enter, Wait while "Windows is loading files...", Press Next at Language/Time/Keyboard..., Now at screen to "Install Now" or select "Repair Your Computer". I click "install now" and get to License Screen where I accept the license terms and press Next, now at "Which type of Installation do you want?" screen where I can only select Custom to install a clean copy of windows, next screen is "Where do you want to install Windows?" and gives 3 options: Disk 0 Unallocated Space 47.0 MB, Disk 0 Partition 1 146.0 GB Primary and Disk 0 Partition 2 3.0 GB Logical. I select Partition 1 and Press next then I get statement at the bottom of the box says "Windows unable to find a system volume that meets its criteria for installation". Is this incorrect installation procedure?

Recovery Console:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654

[Rich-M]

Originally Posted by Jahb

How do I get to the recovery partition? And no. I can't be installing from inside windows because windows won't start. I'm using the Dell re-install CD. Here's my sequence of steps: Press start button, press F12 to get boot options, select boot from CD/DVD, Press enter, Wait for "press any key to boot from CD" then press enter, Wait while "Windows is loading files...", Press Next at Language/Time/Keyboard..., Now at screen to "Install Now" or select "Repair Your Computer". I click "install now" and get to License Screen where I accept the license terms and press Next, now at "Which type of Installation do you want?" screen where I can only select Custom to install a clean copy of windows, next screen is "Where do you want to install Windows?" and gives 3 options: Disk 0 Unallocated Space 47.0 MB, Disk 0 Partition 1 146.0 GB Primary and Disk 0 Partition 2 3.0 GB Logical. I select Partition 1 and Press next then I get statement at the bottom of the box says "Windows unable to find a system volume that meets its criteria for installation". Is this incorrect installation procedure?

Yes that's the right procedure...sounds like you would need a driver for sata drive, yet it saw it because it listed the partitions. Drive must be totally shot.

[joeten]

as you boot your comp press f8 keep tapping this is usally the key but check your paperwork to be sure

[joeten]

iam begining to lean that way to drive shot one last thought try a linux cd run live cd first and see if you can access the drive or even try installing to partition 1 and if it will install if it does then re-try vista

[Jahb]

Tapping F8 doesn't work. I keep getting Boomgr is missing blah blah blah. Tried 3 times and tapped about 30 times.

[joeten]

Originally Posted by joeten

iam begining to lean that way to drive shot one last thought try a linux cd run live cd first and see if you can access the drive or even try installing to partition 1 and if it will install if it does then re-try vista

this is an option

[Jahb]

Don't have Linux CD. Can I download one somewhere?

[joeten]

here you go http://www.linux.org/

[Jahb]

Problem solved. Replaced the hard drive and Vista installed on the first try. I tried to get that Linux disc but that was like chasing a ghost for an hour. I downloaded and tried a Windows Recovery disc from Spotmau which worked well but got stuck when couldn't find any backup files. I just wanted to thank you guys for all your help.

[joeten]

hi glad you found the answer as to linux try ubuntu,xubuntu, just google alwawys handy to have