Where is MBR residing

2 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/where-is-mbr-residing.124915/

Hi,

I am having window xp proff sp2 in c and d partition. Due to some reason i want to re-install window xp prof sp2 in c drive again by formating c drive. Just want to know where is this MBR/ boot info residing. like if i run xp from d drive and format c drive usgin GUI, is it erase my MBR/boot info?. I dont want to lost d drive windows. thats what i am asking. i am using 400 gb seagate disk

for u r case, MBR will reside in C drive. usually MBR will be stored in first sector of a primary partition. so before formatting primary partitions please be carefull !!.

u can create max 4 primary partitions(default limit).

if u choose to install windows in d drive(logical drive) then also the MBR will be written
in c drive becoz c drive is default primary.

before formatting c drive take the backup of Boot.ini file in cdrive c:\boot.ini (it is a system hidden file) and replace it back after formatting and installing xp in c drive.