You can access bootrec.exe on Windows 7 systems similar to Windows Vista systems: via the System Recovery Options (which is, by default, available in Windows 7) or via the installation disc.
If you can’t boot into your Windows 7 system or don’t have the original installation disc, use Easy Recovery Essentials and run Command Prompt. Download Easy Recovery Essentials and burn it to any CDs, DVDs or USBs.
If you have the installation disc
Instructions on how to access bootrec.exe by the installation disc in Windows 7:
- Insert the disc in the drive
- Reboot the computer
- Press any key to boot from the CD/DVD
- Select a language, time and keyboard
- Click Next
- Click Repair your computer
- Select the operating system
- Click Next
- At the System Recovery Options box, click Command Prompt
- At Command Prompt, you can type the commands:bootrec.exe
- Hit Enter
For more commands and parameters you can run, go to Commands and parameters. If common commands don’t work for your system, go to Troubleshooting for tips.
If you don’t have the installation disc
Instructions on how to access bootrec.exe without the installation disc in Windows 7:
- Reboot the computer
- Press F8 as the Windows 7 logo appears
- Select Repair Your ComputerIf Repair Your Computer is not available, System Recovery Options is not installed on your system. Access Command Prompt from the installation disc or use Easy Recovery Essentials.
- Hit Enter
- Select Command Prompt
- When it opens, type the necessary commands:bootrec /rebuildbcd
- Hit Enter
For more commands and parameters you can run, go to Commands and parameters. If common commands don’t work for your system, go to Troubleshooting for tips.
Instructions if you use Easy Recovery Essentials:
- Download Easy Recovery Essentials
- Burn the ISO Image. Follow our instructions on how to burn a bootable ISO image. If you’d like to have a recovery USB instead, follow our instructions on how to make a recovery USB.
- Boot Easy Recovery Essentials from the CD, DVD or USB
- Select Launch Command Line