Master Boot Record Error.

NLAlston · Nov 25, 2010

Recently, I have been getting this 'Master Boot Record Error' message at each boot-up, and I always have to depress a key in order to progress.

Last week, I had an issue where my OS (Vista64) would not load. I took my PC's (Gateway LX-6810-01) sole hard drive and put it in an external enclosure, to be formatted from another system. It was in the aftermath of this - and re-installation of this drive back into my PC - that the above error message began to show up. I wonder if it may mean that my hard drive is on its way out.

Broni · Nov 25, 2010

Did you reinstall Windows while the drive in another computer and then you moved the drive back to this computer?
MBR is just a piece of a code, so it may/may not have anything to do with the state of your drive.

NLAlston · Nov 25, 2010

Broni said:
Did you reinstall Windows while the drive in another computer and then you moved the drive back to this computer?
MBR is just a piece of a code, so it may/may not have anything to do with the state of your drive.

Thanks for responding.

No, I didn't install windows while the drive was tethered to another computer. It was only after I integrated said drive with my computer that I attempted a re-installation of the OS.

Outside of the error message - and the fact that the PC takes a longer period of time booting up - everything works fine.

Broni · Nov 25, 2010

Let's look at your MBR...

Download MBRCheck to your desktop

Double click MBRCheck.exe to run (Vista and Windows 7 users, right click and select Run as Administrator).
It will show a black screen with some data on it.
Enter N to exit.
A report called MBRcheckxxxx.txt will be on your desktop
Open this report and post its content in your next reply.

NLAlston · Nov 25, 2010

Thanks Broni.

Following, is that MBR report:
------------------------------------------------------------

MBRCheck, version 1.2.3
(c) 2010, AD

Command-line:
Windows Version: Windows Vista Home Premium Edition
Windows Information: Service Pack 1 (build 6001), 64-bit
Base Board Manufacturer: Gateway
BIOS Manufacturer: American Megatrends Inc.
System Manufacturer: Gateway
System Product Name: LX6810-01
Logical Drives Mask: 0x000003fc

Kernel Drivers (total 158):
0x01E06000 \SystemRoot\system32\ntoskrnl.exe
0x0231E000 \SystemRoot\system32\hal.dll
0x00607000 \SystemRoot\system32\kdcom.dll
0x00611000 \SystemRoot\system32\mcupdate_GenuineIntel.dll
0x0063E000 \SystemRoot\system32\PSHED.dll
0x00652000 \SystemRoot\system32\CLFS.SYS
0x006AF000 \SystemRoot\system32\CI.dll
0x00801000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\Wdf01000.sys
0x008DB000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\WDFLDR.SYS
0x00A06000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\spau.sys
0x00B2C000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\WMILIB.SYS
0x00B35000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\SCSIPORT.SYS
0x00B63000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\acpi.sys
0x00BB9000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\msisadrv.sys
0x00BC3000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\pci.sys
0x008E9000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\partmgr.sys
0x008FE000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\volmgr.sys
0x00912000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\volmgrx.sys
0x00978000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\nvrd64.sys
0x009A4000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\CLASSPNP.SYS
0x009D0000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\mountmgr.sys
0x00761000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\nvraid.sys
0x00784000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\nvstor64.sys
0x00C07000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\storport.sys
0x00C64000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\fltmgr.sys
0x00CAA000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\fileinfo.sys
0x00CBE000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\PxHlpa64.sys
0x00CCA000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\ksecdd.sys
0x00E06000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\ndis.sys
0x00D4F000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\msrpc.sys
0x00D9F000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\NETIO.SYS
0x01001000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\tcpip.sys
0x01175000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\fwpkclnt.sys
0x01204000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\Ntfs.sys
0x01388000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\wd.sys
0x01390000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\volsnap.sys
0x013D4000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\spldr.sys
0x013DC000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\NVAMACPI.sys
0x013E6000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\mup.sys
0x011A1000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\ecache.sys
0x011CD000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\disk.sys
0x011E1000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\crcdisk.sys
0x011EB000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\avgrkx64.sys
0x00FC9000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\AVGIDSva.sys
0x00FEB000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\tunnel.sys
0x00FF7000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\tunmp.sys
0x009E3000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\intelppm.sys
0x007DC000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\i8042prt.sys
0x007F2000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\kbdclass.sys
0x00BF3000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\mouclass.sys
0x02A08000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\nvsmu.sys
0x02A13000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\usbohci.sys
0x02A1E000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\USBPORT.SYS
0x02A64000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\usbehci.sys
0x02A75000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\HDAudBus.sys
0x02A88000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\agrsm64.sys
0x02BC4000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\USBD.SYS
0x02BC6000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\modem.sys
0x02E0B000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\nvmfdx64.sys
0x02F77000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\cdrom.sys
0x03005000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\nvlddmkm.sys
0x0390E000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\dxgkrnl.sys
0x039ED000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\watchdog.sys
0x02F93000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\AVer88xHD64.sys
0x02C0F000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\ks.sys
0x02C43000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\BdaSup.SYS
0x02C47000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\ksthunk.sys
0x02C4D000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\ohci1394.sys
0x02C5F000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\1394BUS.SYS
0x02C6F000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\a4awa9mt.SYS
0x02CB4000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\wmiacpi.sys
0x02CBD000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\msiscsi.sys
0x02CF5000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\TDI.SYS
0x02D02000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\rasl2tp.sys
0x02D25000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\ndistapi.sys
0x02D31000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\ndiswan.sys
0x02D62000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\raspppoe.sys
0x02D72000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\raspptp.sys
0x02D90000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\rassstp.sys
0x02DA8000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\termdd.sys
0x02DBA000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\swenum.sys
0x02DBC000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\circlass.sys
0x02DCD000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\mssmbios.sys
0x02DD8000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\umbus.sys
0x03C0D000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\usbhub.sys
0x03C54000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\NDProxy.SYS
0x03C68000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\RTKVHD64.sys
0x04A03000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\portcls.sys
0x04A3E000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\drmk.sys
0x04A61000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\Fs_Rec.SYS
0x04A6B000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\Null.SYS
0x04A7E000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\HIDPARSE.SYS
0x04A86000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\vga.sys
0x04A94000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\VIDEOPRT.SYS
0x04AB9000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\usbccgp.sys
0x04AD5000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\hidusb.sys
0x04ADE000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\HIDCLASS.SYS
0x04AF0000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\kbdhid.sys
0x04AFA000 \SystemRoot\System32\DRIVERS\RDPCDD.sys
0x04B03000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\rdpencdd.sys
0x04B0C000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\Msfs.SYS
0x04B17000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\Npfs.SYS
0x04B28000 \SystemRoot\System32\DRIVERS\rasacd.sys
0x04B31000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\avgfwd6a.sys
0x04B3C000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\tdx.sys
0x04B59000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\smb.sys
0x04B74000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\avgtdia.sys
0x0480A000 \SystemRoot\System32\DRIVERS\netbt.sys
0x0484E000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\afd.sys
0x048BB000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\ws2ifsl.sys
0x048C6000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\pacer.sys
0x048E4000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\netbios.sys
0x04910000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\wanarp.sys
0x0492B000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\rdbss.sys
0x04979000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\nsiproxy.sys
0x04985000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\dfsc.sys
0x049A2000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\avgmfx64.sys
0x049AA000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\avgldx64.sys
0x04BC5000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\RTS5121.sys
0x048F3000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\usbcir.sys
0x049F1000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\hidir.sys
0x03DD5000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\mouhid.sys
0x03DE0000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\crashdmp.sys
0x04800000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\dump_diskdump.sys
0x007B0000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\dump_nvstor64.sys
0x00040000 \SystemRoot\System32\win32k.sys
0x03DEE000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\Dxapi.sys
0x05008000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\lvuvc64.sys
0x05631000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\usbaudio.sys
0x0564A000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\USBSTOR.SYS
0x0565F000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\monitor.sys
0x00480000 \SystemRoot\System32\TSDDD.dll
0x008E0000 \SystemRoot\System32\ATMFD.DLL
0x00600000 \SystemRoot\System32\cdd.dll
0x05672000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\luafv.sys
0x05694000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\spsys.sys
0x0572E000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\lltdio.sys
0x05742000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\rspndr.sys
0x0575A000 \??\C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\Identity Protection\Agent\Driver\Platform_Vista64\AVGIDSFilter.sys
0x05766000 \??\C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\Identity Protection\Agent\Driver\Platform_Vista64\AVGIDSDriver.sys
0x0980C000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\HTTP.sys
0x098A7000 \SystemRoot\System32\DRIVERS\srvnet.sys
0x098CF000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\bowser.sys
0x098ED000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\mpsdrv.sys
0x09907000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\mrxdav.sys
0x0992E000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\mrxsmb.sys
0x09956000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\mrxsmb10.sys
0x0999F000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\mrxsmb20.sys
0x099BE000 \SystemRoot\System32\DRIVERS\srv2.sys
0x0A001000 \SystemRoot\System32\DRIVERS\srv.sys
0x0A095000 \??\C:\Windows\SysWOW64\drivers\int15_64.sys
0x0A0AD000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\peauth.sys
0x0A163000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\secdrv.SYS
0x0A16E000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\tcpipreg.sys
0x0A17D000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\WUDFRd.sys
0x0A19D000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\WUDFPf.sys
0x0A1B3000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\cdfs.sys
0x776F0000 \Windows\System32\ntdll.dll

Processes (total 82):
0 System Idle Process
4 System
496 C:\Windows\System32\smss.exe
564 csrss.exe
608 C:\Windows\System32\wininit.exe
628 csrss.exe
636 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgchsva.exe
644 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgrsa.exe
712 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgcsrva.exe
720 C:\Windows\System32\services.exe
736 C:\Windows\System32\lsass.exe
748 C:\Windows\System32\lsm.exe
332 C:\Windows\System32\winlogon.exe
572 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
220 C:\Windows\System32\nvvsvc.exe
740 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
1100 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
1124 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
1140 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
1216 C:\Windows\System32\audiodg.exe
1244 C:\Windows\System32\SLsvc.exe
1284 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
1432 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
1672 C:\Windows\System32\spoolsv.exe
1720 C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe
1736 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\Identity Protection\Agent\Bin\AVGIDSAgent.exe
1804 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
2160 C:\Windows\System32\dwm.exe
2228 C:\Windows\System32\taskeng.exe
2256 C:\Windows\explorer.exe
2292 C:\Windows\System32\taskeng.exe
2388 C:\Windows\System32\taskeng.exe
2396 C:\Windows\mHotkey.exe
2580 C:\Windows\System32\nvraidservice.exe
2588 C:\Windows\RAVCpl64.exe
2772 C:\Windows\ChiFuncExt.exe
2780 C:\Program Files (x86)\DAEMON Tools Lite\DTLite.exe
2808 C:\Program Files\BigFix\bigfix.exe
2816 C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre1.6.0_05\bin\jusched.exe
2824 C:\Program Files (x86)\Northstar\SmartCopy\SmartCopy.exe
2848 C:\Program Files (x86)\Northstar\SmartLauncher\SmartLauncher.exe
2856 C:\Windows\CNYHKey.exe
2880 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgtray.exe
2916 C:\Program Files (x86)\Nero\Nero 10\Nero BackItUp\NBAgent.exe
2976 C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe
3024 C:\Windows\SysWOW64\WFXSNT40.EXE
2972 C:\Windows\ModLEDKey.exe
2680 C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 7.0\PhotoshopElementsFileAgent.exe
2768 C:\Windows\System32\agr64svc.exe
1200 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgwdsvc.exe
2200 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgfws9.exe
2508 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgam.exe
3088 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgnsa.exe
3400 C:\Program Files\GATEWAY\Gateway Recovery Management\Service\ETService.exe
3508 C:\Program Files (x86)\Nero\Update\NASvc.exe
3540 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgcsrva.exe
3620 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
3648 C:\Program Files (x86)\Photodex\ProShowProducer\scsiaccess.exe
3684 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
3852 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
3900 C:\Windows\SysWOW64\WFXSVC.EXE
3948 C:\Windows\System32\SearchIndexer.exe
3956 C:\Program Files (x86)\Symantec\WinFax\WFXMOD32.EXE
3984 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgemc.exe
4032 C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NetworkAccessManager\bin32\nSvcAppFlt.exe
4068 C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NetworkAccessManager\bin32\nSvcIp.exe
3332 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgcsrvx.exe
3408 WUDFHost.exe
4724 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\Identity Protection\Agent\Bin\AVGIDSMonitor.exe
2440 WmiPrvSE.exe
4120 C:\Windows\System32\wbem\unsecapp.exe
2700 C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmpnscfg.exe
4424 C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmpnetwk.exe
3964 C:\Windows\splwow64.exe
2640 C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
532 C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\plugin-container.exe
3868 C:\Windows\System32\SearchProtocolHost.exe
5356 C:\Windows\System32\SearchFilterHost.exe
4252 C:\Windows\System32\dllhost.exe
4504 dllhost.exe
2268 dllhost.exe
4716 C:\Users\Nathan\Desktop\My Downloads\MBRCheck.exe

\\.\C: --> \\.\PhysicalDrive0 at offset 0x00000003`a9f00000 (NTFS)
\\.\J: --> \\.\PhysicalDrive5 at offset 0x00000000`00007e00 (NTFS)

PhysicalDrive0 Model Number: WDC WD6400AAKS-22A7B, Rev: 01.0
PhysicalDrive5 Model Number: WD10EACS External, Rev: 1.65

Size Device Name MBR Status
--------------------------------------------
596 GB \\.\PhysicalDrive0 MBR Code Faked!
SHA1: 639AC5CDF8A5CF3245975932C6A4215450A7B98F
931 GB \\.\PhysicalDrive5 Unknown MBR code
SHA1: EC5B6F4B08268D5344F30BFF61C8B587F034795B

Found non-standard or infected MBR.
Enter 'Y' and hit ENTER for more options, or 'N' to exit:

Done!

pandabear · Nov 25, 2010

I'm not touching this one hdds are a pain in the ass. Did you press y?

linkin · Nov 25, 2010

Got an install CD for Vista X64? If so pop it in the dvd drive and boot from it, and do a repair installation.

Broni · Nov 25, 2010

We'll have to check your computer for possible infection, but let's fix your MBR first.
I also noticed, that you don't have Service Pack 2 installed. Any reason for it?

Please download NTBR by noahdfear and save it to your Desktop.
File size: 2.44 MB (2,565,432 bytes)

Place a blank CD in your CD drive.
Double click on NTBR_CD.exe file and a folder of the same name will appear.
Open the folder and double click on BurnItCD.cmd file. If your CD drive will open, simply close it back.
Follow the prompts to burn the CD.

Now you will need to set the CD-Rom as first boot device if it isn't already (if you don't know how to do it, see HERE)
If you have any questions about this step, ask before you proceed. If you enter the BIOS and are unsure if you have carried out the step correctly, there should be an option to exit without keeping changes, so you won't do any harm.

Insert the newly created CD into your infected PC and reboot your computer.
Once you have rebooted please press Enter when prompted to continue booting from CD - you have a whole 15 seconds to do this!
Read the warning and then continue as prompted.
You first need to select your keyboard layout - press Enter for English.
Next you want to select the appropriate tool. Enter 1 to choose 1. MBRWORK
On the following screen enter 5 to select Install Standard MBR code.
Enter 1 to overwrite the infected MBR Code with the Standard MBR code.
When asked to confirm please do so.
Afterwards, please enter E to leave MBRWORK, then 6 to leave the bootable CD.
Eject the disc and then press ctrl+alt+del to reboot the PC.

Once rebooted, run MBRCheck again and post its log.

NLAlston · Nov 26, 2010

linkin said:
Got an install CD for Vista X64? If so pop it in the dvd drive and boot from it, and do a repair installation.

Not an install CD for Vista64 - just the restoration disks that were burned when I first bought this PC.

NLAlston · Nov 26, 2010

Broni said:
We'll have to check your computer for possible infection, but let's fix your MBR first.
I also noticed, that you don't have Service Pack 2 installed. Any reason for it?

The only reason for that is because of my recent formatting/restoring of my system. I had forgotten about searching for, and installing that Service Pack 2 until you mentioned it.

Broni · Nov 26, 2010

You can hold on with SP2 for the moment.
Service packs should be installed only on perfectly clean computers.

Please, follow instructions from my reply #8.

NLAlston · Dec 5, 2010

Broni said:
Place a blank CD in your CD drive.

Double click on NTBR_CD.exe file and a folder of the same name will appear.

Open the folder and double click on BurnItCD.cmd file. If your CD drive will open, simply close it back.

Follow the prompts to burn the CD.

Sorry that it took so long to get back here, but there were some emergency issues that I have had to do battle with.

It was just a few minutes ago that I set about to following your suggestions. I tried following what you offered - to the letter - but ran into a bit of a snag. Firstly, I was not permitted to burn from the 'BurnItCD.cmd' file. As my internal optical drive is faulty (has a tendency not to open) I have an external drive tethered to one of my USB ports - and that is what I have been using. But every time that I clicked on the 'burn' button, the drive's door would open, right behind a message stating to insert a blank disk. The disks are all brand new, and I did indeed try a few different ones. But all to no avail. That particular file just flat out refused to burn.

Then something told me to try the 'NTBR_CD' (ISO) file. This file DID burn, but also resulted in being infected when I tried to open it up afterwards (shown, attached).

This system is only about 1-1/2 yrs old, and I don't know what's going on with it. I don't know if what I am about to describe can also be considered somewhat of a remotely related issue, but I find it strange.

Due to conservation concerns we not only shut down the two desktops that we have, but we also unplug them. Ever since I began experiencing the problem with my PC - which was initially described here - there has also been the issue of my PC starting up with the re-insertion of the power cord. The power cords have always been removed from the back of the PC cases, as opposed to being removed from the outlets, and that is because of easier accessibility. Yet, mine is the only system that now behaves in that manner, when the cord is reattached.

Broni · Dec 5, 2010

Well, I suspected, your computer is infected, but we have to start with fixing your MBR.
That CD can be burn on any computer, not necessary on a computer in question.

Also, if you read my instructions...

If your CD drive will open, simply close it back.

NLAlston · Dec 5, 2010

Broni said:
Well, I suspected, your computer is infected, but we have to start with fixing your MBR.
That CD can be burn on any computer, not necessary on a computer in question.

Also, if you read my instructions...

Broni, thanks for your patience, and efforts. However, I am a bit confused over things. You mentioned about closing the CD tray back if it were to open, but there was also direction to follow the prompts to burn the CD.
.......................................................................................................................
* Place a blank CD in your CD drive.
* Double click on NTBR_CD.exe file and a folder of the same name will appear.
* Open the folder and double click on BurnItCD.cmd file. If your CD drive will open, simply close it back.
* Follow the prompts to burn the CD.
....................................................................................................................

There is nothing wrong with the external optical drive that I have, but that one particular file wouldn't burn, no matter what I tried. Each time that I tried to burn the 'BurnItCD.cmd' file (and my attempts were more than a few) the drive's tray would open up, giving request that a blank disk be inserted.

Broni · Dec 5, 2010

Are you using CDR disk?
We can try to do very same thing, using a different method, but answer my question first.

NLAlston · Dec 5, 2010

Broni said:
Are you using CDR disk?
We can try to do very same thing, using a different method, but answer my question first.

Yes.

Broni · Dec 5, 2010

OK, let's try different method....

If you have Vista/7 DVD...

start with step 2

If you don't have Vista/7 DVD...

1. Create Vista/7 Recovery Disc.

Option 1 :
Vista: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/141820-create-recovery-disc.html (Option Two)
Windows 7: http://www.guidingtech.com/3816/system-repair-recovery-disc-windows-7/

Option 2:
Download Vista Recovery Disc iso image: http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/windows-vista-recovery-disc-download/
Download Windows 7 Recovery Disc iso image: http://neosmart.net/blog/2009/windows-7-system-repair-discs/
Burn it to CD, or DVD: http://neosmart.net/wiki/display/G/Burning+ISO+Images+to+a+CD+or+DVD

2. Boot from created disk.

Vista users. At first screen click on Repair your computer:

Windows 7 users. At first screen click on Install now:

25672d1251414873-mbr-restore-windows-7-master-boot-record-mbr_02.png

Select your language and click next:

25673d1251414836-mbr-restore-windows-7-master-boot-record-mbr_03.png

Click the button for "Use recovery tools":

25674d1251414836-mbr-restore-windows-7-master-boot-record-mbr_04.png

The following applies to both, Vista and Windows 7 users.

This will bring you to a new screen where the repair process will look for all Windows Vista/7 installations on your computer. When done you will be presented with the System Recovery Options dialog box:

After this, it will present you with a list of options including startup repair, system restore and command prompt:

Select Command Prompt

Type in:
bootrec /FixMbr (<--- there is a "space" after "bootrec")
and then press Enter

Once completed then type Exit, press Enter and restart computer.

Post fresh MBRCheck log.

NLAlston · Dec 5, 2010

Broni said:
Post fresh MBRCheck log.

Broni,

After going through the process I have gained this MBRCheck record:
........................................................................................................

MBRCheck, version 1.2.3
(c) 2010, AD

Command-line:
Windows Version: Windows Vista Home Premium Edition
Windows Information: Service Pack 2 (build 6002), 64-bit
Base Board Manufacturer: Gateway
BIOS Manufacturer: American Megatrends Inc.
System Manufacturer: Gateway
System Product Name: LX6810-01
Logical Drives Mask: 0x000007fc

Kernel Drivers (total 162):
0x0265D000 \SystemRoot\system32\ntoskrnl.exe
0x02617000 \SystemRoot\system32\hal.dll
0x00607000 \SystemRoot\system32\kdcom.dll
0x00611000 \SystemRoot\system32\mcupdate_GenuineIntel.dll
0x0064C000 \SystemRoot\system32\PSHED.dll
0x00660000 \SystemRoot\system32\CLFS.SYS
0x006BD000 \SystemRoot\system32\CI.dll
0x00801000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\Wdf01000.sys
0x008A5000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\WDFLDR.SYS
0x008B4000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\sppv.sys
0x009DA000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\WMILIB.SYS
0x0076F000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\SCSIPORT.SYS
0x0079D000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\acpi.sys
0x009E3000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\msisadrv.sys
0x00A01000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\pci.sys
0x00A31000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\partmgr.sys
0x00A46000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\volmgr.sys
0x00A5A000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\volmgrx.sys
0x00AC0000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\nvrd64.sys
0x00AEC000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\CLASSPNP.SYS
0x00B18000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\mountmgr.sys
0x00B2B000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\nvraid.sys
0x00B4E000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\nvstor64.sys
0x00B7A000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\storport.sys
0x00C0B000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\fltmgr.sys
0x00C52000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\fileinfo.sys
0x00C66000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\PxHlpa64.sys
0x00C73000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\ksecdd.sys
0x00E08000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\ndis.sys
0x00CFA000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\msrpc.sys
0x00D4A000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\NETIO.SYS
0x01009000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\tcpip.sys
0x0117F000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\fwpkclnt.sys
0x0120D000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\Ntfs.sys
0x0138D000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\wd.sys
0x01395000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\volsnap.sys
0x013D9000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\spldr.sys
0x013E1000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\Saibad64.sys
0x013EA000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\Sahdad64.sys
0x013F5000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\NVAMACPI.sys
0x011AB000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\mup.sys
0x011BD000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\ecache.sys
0x011E9000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\disk.sys
0x01200000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\crcdisk.sys
0x00FCB000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\avgrkx64.sys
0x00FD8000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\AVGIDSva.sys
0x00DCF000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\tunnel.sys
0x01000000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\tunmp.sys
0x00DDB000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\intelppm.sys
0x00BD7000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\i8042prt.sys
0x00DEE000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\kbdclass.sys
0x00BED000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\mouclass.sys
0x00C00000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\nvsmu.sys
0x009ED000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\usbohci.sys
0x02C01000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\USBPORT.SYS
0x02C47000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\usbehci.sys
0x02C58000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\HDAudBus.sys
0x02E00000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\agrsm64.sys
0x02F31000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\USBD.SYS
0x02F33000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\modem.sys
0x0300C000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\nvmfdx64.sys
0x03178000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\cdrom.sys
0x03207000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\nvlddmkm.sys
0x03B10000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\dxgkrnl.sys
0x03194000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\watchdog.sys
0x02F42000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\AVer88xHD64.sys
0x031A4000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\ks.sys
0x03BF1000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\BdaSup.SYS
0x03BF5000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\ksthunk.sys
0x031D8000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\ohci1394.sys
0x031EA000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\1394BUS.SYS
0x02FAC000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\aqxth6yn.SYS
0x03000000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\wmiacpi.sys
0x02D45000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\msiscsi.sys
0x02FF1000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\TDI.SYS
0x02D7E000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\rasl2tp.sys
0x02DA1000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\ndistapi.sys
0x02DAD000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\ndiswan.sys
0x02DDE000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\raspppoe.sys
0x03E0D000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\raspptp.sys
0x03E2B000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\rassstp.sys
0x03E43000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\termdd.sys
0x03E56000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\swenum.sys
0x03E58000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\circlass.sys
0x03E69000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\mssmbios.sys
0x03E74000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\umbus.sys
0x03E84000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\usbhub.sys
0x03ECC000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\NDProxy.SYS
0x04A0D000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\RTKVHD64.sys
0x04B7A000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\portcls.sys
0x04BB5000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\drmk.sys
0x04BD8000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\Fs_Rec.SYS
0x04BE2000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\Null.SYS
0x04BF6000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\HIDPARSE.SYS
0x03EE0000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\vga.sys
0x03EEE000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\VIDEOPRT.SYS
0x03F13000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\USBSTOR.SYS
0x04A00000 \SystemRoot\System32\DRIVERS\RDPCDD.sys
0x04BEB000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\rdpencdd.sys
0x03F2B000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\Msfs.SYS
0x03F36000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\Npfs.SYS
0x03F47000 \SystemRoot\System32\DRIVERS\rasacd.sys
0x03F50000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\avgfwd6a.sys
0x03F5B000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\tdx.sys
0x03F78000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\smb.sys
0x03F93000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\avgtdia.sys
0x04C0E000 \SystemRoot\System32\DRIVERS\netbt.sys
0x04C52000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\afd.sys
0x04CBD000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\ws2ifsl.sys
0x04CC8000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\pacer.sys
0x04CE6000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\netbios.sys
0x04D12000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\wanarp.sys
0x04D2D000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\SaibVdAd64.sys
0x04D37000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\rdbss.sys
0x04D84000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\nsiproxy.sys
0x04D90000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\dfsc.sys
0x04DAD000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\avgmfx64.sys
0x04DB5000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\avgldx64.sys
0x04CF5000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\usbccgp.sys
0x04C00000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\hidusb.sys
0x03FE4000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\HIDCLASS.SYS
0x03E00000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\kbdhid.sys
0x05209000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\RTS5121.sys
0x0523F000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\usbcir.sys
0x05259000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\hidir.sys
0x05264000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\mouhid.sys
0x0540C000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\lvuvc64.sys
0x05A35000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\usbaudio.sys
0x05A4E000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\lvrs64.sys
0x05AA0000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\crashdmp.sys
0x05AAE000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\dump_diskdump.sys
0x05AB8000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\dump_nvstor64.sys
0x00020000 \SystemRoot\System32\win32k.sys
0x05AE4000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\Dxapi.sys
0x05AF0000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\monitor.sys
0x00440000 \SystemRoot\System32\TSDDD.dll
0x00820000 \SystemRoot\System32\ATMFD.DLL
0x00670000 \SystemRoot\System32\cdd.dll
0x05B03000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\luafv.sys
0x05B25000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\WudfPf.sys
0x05B46000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\spsys.sys
0x05BE0000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\lltdio.sys
0x0526F000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\rspndr.sys
0x05BF4000 \??\C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\Identity Protection\Agent\Driver\Platform_Vista64\AVGIDSFilter.sys
0x05287000 \??\C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\Identity Protection\Agent\Driver\Platform_Vista64\AVGIDSDriver.sys
0x052B4000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\HTTP.sys
0x05357000 \SystemRoot\System32\DRIVERS\srvnet.sys
0x05380000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\bowser.sys
0x0539E000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\mpsdrv.sys
0x053B8000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\mrxdav.sys
0x00DA3000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\mrxsmb.sys
0x09E01000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\mrxsmb10.sys
0x09E4A000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\mrxsmb20.sys
0x09E69000 \SystemRoot\System32\DRIVERS\srv2.sys
0x09E9B000 \SystemRoot\System32\DRIVERS\srv.sys
0x09F2F000 \??\C:\Windows\SysWOW64\drivers\int15_64.sys
0x09F47000 \SystemRoot\system32\drivers\peauth.sys
0x05400000 \SystemRoot\System32\Drivers\secdrv.SYS
0x053DF000 \SystemRoot\System32\drivers\tcpipreg.sys
0x0AE02000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\WUDFRd.sys
0x0AE33000 \SystemRoot\system32\DRIVERS\cdfs.sys
0x76E40000 \Windows\System32\ntdll.dll

Processes (total 94):
0 System Idle Process
4 System
520 C:\Windows\System32\smss.exe
588 csrss.exe
628 C:\Windows\System32\wininit.exe
648 csrss.exe
656 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgchsva.exe
664 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgrsa.exe
728 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgcsrva.exe
764 C:\Windows\System32\services.exe
776 C:\Windows\System32\lsass.exe
784 C:\Windows\System32\lsm.exe
424 C:\Windows\System32\winlogon.exe
1056 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
1100 C:\Windows\System32\nvvsvc.exe
1128 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
1184 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
1216 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
1244 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
1256 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
1348 C:\Windows\System32\audiodg.exe
1376 C:\Windows\System32\SLsvc.exe
1428 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
1540 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
1768 C:\Windows\System32\spoolsv.exe
1792 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\Identity Protection\Agent\Bin\AVGIDSAgent.exe
1900 C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe
2024 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
2332 C:\Windows\System32\dwm.exe
2368 C:\Windows\System32\taskeng.exe
2392 C:\Windows\explorer.exe
2432 C:\Windows\System32\taskeng.exe
2496 C:\Windows\mHotkey.exe
2580 C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MSASCui.exe
2600 C:\Windows\System32\nvraidservice.exe
2612 C:\Windows\RAVCpl64.exe
2648 C:\Program Files\Zune\ZuneLauncher.exe
2656 C:\Windows\System32\taskeng.exe
2708 C:\Program Files (x86)\DAEMON Tools Lite\DTLite.exe
2840 C:\Windows\ChiFuncExt.exe
2864 C:\Users\Nathan\AppData\Roaming\SanDisk\Sansa Updater\SansaDispatch.exe
2988 C:\Program Files\BigFix\bigfix.exe
3012 C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\SketchBookPro2011\SketchBookSnapshot.exe
3028 C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jre1.6.0_05\bin\jusched.exe
3052 C:\Program Files (x86)\Northstar\SmartCopy\SmartCopy.exe
3068 C:\Program Files (x86)\Northstar\SmartLauncher\SmartLauncher.exe
2072 C:\Windows\CNYHKey.exe
1288 C:\Program Files (x86)\FastStone Capture\FSCapture.exe
1680 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgtray.exe
2784 C:\Program Files (x86)\Nero\Nero 10\Nero BackItUp\NBAgent.exe
2884 C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe
2244 C:\Windows\SysWOW64\WFXSNT40.EXE
1912 C:\Program Files (x86)\Sony\Reader\Data\bin\launcher\Reader Library Launcher.exe
1820 C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
2752 C:\Program Files (x86)\Roxio 2011\5.0\CPMonitor.exe
2976 C:\Program Files (x86)\Roxio 2011\Roxio Burn\RoxioBurnLauncher.exe
3616 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\Identity Protection\Agent\Bin\AVGIDSMonitor.exe
3940 C:\Windows\ModLEDKey.exe
3952 C:\Program Files (x86)\Roxio\BackOnTrack\App\SaibSVC.exe
3968 C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Photoshop Elements 7.0\PhotoshopElementsFileAgent.exe
4044 C:\Windows\System32\agr64svc.exe
4056 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgwdsvc.exe
4068 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgfws9.exe
4088 C:\Program Files (x86)\Roxio\BackOnTrack\App\BService.exe
3096 C:\Program Files\GATEWAY\Gateway Recovery Management\Service\ETService.exe
3440 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgam.exe
3464 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgnsa.exe
3692 C:\Program Files (x86)\Nero\Update\NASvc.exe
760 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
1584 C:\Program Files (x86)\Photodex\ProShowProducer\scsiaccess.exe
1916 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
1400 C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe
3932 C:\Windows\SysWOW64\WFXSVC.EXE
1832 C:\Windows\System32\SearchIndexer.exe
3036 C:\Program Files (x86)\Symantec\WinFax\WFXMOD32.EXE
2744 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgemc.exe
3364 C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NetworkAccessManager\bin32\nSvcAppFlt.exe
1440 C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NetworkAccessManager\bin32\nSvcIp.exe
4200 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgcsrvx.exe
4444 WUDFHost.exe
4648 C:\Windows\System32\SearchProtocolHost.exe
4540 C:\Windows\System32\SearchFilterHost.exe
4980 C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
1484 C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG\AVG9\avgcsrva.exe
4684 WmiPrvSE.exe
4712 WmiPrvSE.exe
5404 C:\Windows\System32\wbem\unsecapp.exe
5512 C:\Windows\System32\mobsync.exe
5788 C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmpnscfg.exe
5968 C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmpnetwk.exe
5900 C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\plugin-container.exe
5484 dllhost.exe
5540 dllhost.exe
2404 C:\Users\Nathan\Desktop\My Downloads\MBRCheck.exe

\\.\C: --> \\.\PhysicalDrive0 at offset 0x00000003`a9f00000 (NTFS)
\\.\J: --> \\.\PhysicalDrive5 at offset 0x00000000`00007e00 (NTFS)

PhysicalDrive0 Model Number: WDC WD6400AAKS-22A7B, Rev: 01.0
PhysicalDrive5 Model Number: WD10EACS External, Rev: 1.65

Size Device Name MBR Status
--------------------------------------------
596 GB \\.\PhysicalDrive0 MBR Code Faked!
SHA1: 639AC5CDF8A5CF3245975932C6A4215450A7B98F
931 GB \\.\PhysicalDrive5 Windows 2008 MBR code detected
SHA1: 8DF43F2BDE2D9451948FA14B5279969C777A7979

Found non-standard or infected MBR.
Enter 'Y' and hit ENTER for more options, or 'N' to exit:

Done!

Broni · Dec 5, 2010

Apparently, it didn't work. I've never seen this not working before.
Are you still getting that startup error?

Let's double check something...

Download Bootkit Remover to your Desktop.

You then need to extract the remover.exe file from the RAR using a program capable of extracing RAR compressed files. If you don't have an extraction program, you can use 7-Zip: http://www.7-zip.org/
After extracing remover.exe to your Desktop, double-click on remover.exe to run the program (Vista/7 users,right click on remover.exe and click Run As Administrator.
It will show a Black screen with some data on it.
Right click on the screen and click Select All.
Press CTRL+C
Open a Notepad and press CTRL+V
Post the output back here.

NLAlston · Dec 6, 2010

Broni said:
Apparently, it didn't work. I've never seen this not working before.
Are you still getting that startup error?

Yes...I DO get that very same start-up error message, at about 90% of the time. Sometimes from restarting, or from a cold start, the system will start up as normally as it did before this all began. But, the majority of times, it will present that message to me.

However, I am about to try the last suggestion that you gave to me, and will report back just as soon as I can get that done.

Master Boot Record Error.

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