Bootmgr missing - can't boot to OS X or Vista (with Boot Camp)

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Bootmgr missing - can't boot to OS X or Vista (with Boot Camp)

I just rebuilt my Mac Mini with OS X Leopard and fully configured with software, settings, etc. before trying to install Vista on the Bootcamp partition I created.

I tried using an Eternity Vista edition from 2 DVD's. From OS X, I rebooted the Mac Mini and started the Vista install until it asked for the second DVD. I had no way of ejecting DVD 1 from the Mini slot tray - so I had to abort.

Since abort, nothing boots on the Mini: just says Press Ctrl, Alt, Del - bootmgr is missing. Tried all the Mac boot options, holding eject, holding C, ctrl option shift delete, etc. - nothing works. Removed the DVD by taking the Mini apart. Same thing happens when trying to boot from OS X Leopard DVD or another Vista DVD. Right now I'm thinking the Mini is destined for the garbage because of this boot issues - I have nothing.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance,

...Jason.

Mac Mini, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Dec 24, 2008 8:48 AM

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Answer 1

nerowolfe

Level 6

13,090 points

Dec 24, 2008 9:25 AM in response to jrider01

Welcome to Apple Discussions:
First, reset PRAM and NVRAM
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379

Ctl-Alt-Del is a Windows command, not a Leopard or Mac command.
To boot into the Leopard DVD for repair, insert DVD, reboot and hold down "C" key.

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Answer 2

jrider01 Author

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Dec 24, 2008 9:57 AM in response to nerowolfe

Thanks - I did try holding C while booting from the Leopard DVD - same CTRL, ALT, DEL with Bootmgr missing message - thanks.

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Answer 3

nerowolfe

Level 6

13,090 points

Dec 24, 2008 10:03 AM in response to jrider01

Did you reset PRAM and NV-RAM?
That would be step 1.

Also can you boot into target mode? Holde down "T" on boot. If so, you can access the HD from another computer.
Also, if you download the Ubuntu live CD, you might be able to boot from it and look around your HD.
I don't think the HD is hosed, just the boot area.
You might also consider DiskWarrior and/or TechTools CDs. They sometimes produce near-miraculous results.

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Answer 4

jrider01 Author

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Dec 24, 2008 11:05 AM in response to nerowolfe

Thanks. My Apple aluminum keyboard (wired) didn't accept the 'holding c' on boot (forgot about that). Had to use Menu on the Apple remote control to choose Operating System to boot from.

Booted into OS X and then removed the Windows partition in Boot Camp. However on reboot, it now says Missing Operating System. I can bypass this by using the Remote Control and selecting the only thing listed - OS X. I'll have to work on this one now - thanks!

There must be a way to tell OS X to see the only boot partition now there...

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