MBR on Maxtor Hard Drives

[TAZTG]

How do I remove the Master Boot Record from a Maxtor Harddrive using Windows XP Pro??

Here's why I ask:
I purchased Powerquest Drive Image 2002. Thinking that I could Image my freshly loaded C: Drive that has all my apps and tweaks done. When I clicked the OK to reboot to start the image process this error popped up at the initial startup screen. Trend ChipawayVirus has detected a Boot Virus Press Enter for more info or C to continue booting. No matter what I press I end up with a Error# 91: Disk Manager has been detected on Drive1, but Disk Manager is not running, etc etc. You eventually reboot and it start fine but not Drive Image. When I searched Powerquest this is what I came up with.


Solution: Error 91 Disk Manager has been detected on drive %lu
If you no longer need to use Disk Manager on your hard drive, you can fix Error 91 by removing the Disk Manager signature from the Master Boot Record (MBR).
If you are not sure whether you still need to use Disk Manager, contact your hard drive manufacturer. They can tell you not only if you still need Disk Manager, but also how to repair it.
If you determine it is all right to erase the Disk Manager signature, perform the following:
1. Create a DOS boot diskette. (You can create a DOS boot diskette by choosing the option to "copy system files" when you format a floppy diskette under Windows 98.)
2. Copy the FDISK utility to the boot diskette.
You can find the FDISK.EXE file in the \Windows\Command directory on any Windows 98 machine.
3. Copy the WRPROG utility to the boot diskette.
Download the WRPROG utility from ftp://ftp.powerquest.com/pub/utilities/. Once you download the file, unzip it and copy the unzipped file to the boot diskette.
4. With the boot diskette inserted in the floppy drive, boot your computer.
5. Use WRPROG to back up head 0.
IMPORTANT! If the Disk Manager signature is on a drive other than the primary master, you must change the drive's jumpers to make the drive the primary master. This is necessary because WRPROG is only able to back up the first head of the primary master drive.
The correct command line syntax for using WRPROG to back up head 0 is: WRPROG /bak head0.dat
The reason for backing up head 0 is to provide a way to restore its data if you discover later that you still need Disk Manager. The head0.dat file is written by default to the location from which you launched WRPROG (in this case, the boot diskette). You can edit or restore this file later, if necessary. For information on restoring the backup file to head 0, see PowerQuest Solution 777.
6. Run FDISK with the "CMBR" switch to clean out the Disk Manager signature from head 0 of the primary master drive.
The correct command line syntax is: FDISK /CMBR 1


Is there a better way to remove the MBR from a Maxtor HD. Do I really need the MBR and what does it actually do. I was going to do this but XP Pro doesn't have FDisk.. Any Advice would be appreciated.

[serotone9]

the MBR (Master Boot Record) allows your PC to be booted into the OS. if that's your only OS or drive, you definitely need it.

with win XP, the MBR can be repaired with the fixmbr command (or sometimes, fixboot) by using the CD repair function (boot to CD, choose R for repair, choose C for console (i think it's the C choice) ).

though it sounds super-tedious, i might try to follow the software maker's recommendations first, though, and if that failed, try the other way. maybe someone else knows more about Powerquest and can tell you exactly what is better in your case - i just don't know that Powerquest program well enough to say. AFAIK, the windows CD repair function works in most cases of a messed up MBR.

and btw, you can turn off that virus warning in the BIOS, if it starts getting on your nerves.

[TAZTG]

I don't think I worded it correctly. I need to remove the Disk Manager Section from the MBR.
Solution: Error 91 Disk Manager has been detected on drive %lu
If you no longer need to use Disk Manager on your hard drive, you can fix Error 91 by removing the Disk Manager signature from the Master Boot Record (MBR).

The Boot Virus Error only happens when trying to run the Drive Image Software. I am assuming it is using itself to reboot and run Drive Image. Thus the Drive Image detects this Disk Manager and causes Error 91. Let me surf around Maxtor some more.

[wolfe]

TAZTG,

Did you get an answer to your question? I recently installed a Maxtor hard drive using their CD. Now when I try to use drive image I get the same Error 91.

I did notice that Maxblast is in the Add and Remove programs.

I'm sure(?) that's just a utility that has nothing to do with the MBR.

Please let me know if you have solved at your dilemma and I'll do the same.

Thewolfe

[rsifford]

I have answer to your posts. I am also using Drive Image (2002) and I have been getting the same error message. After spending a day being aggravated because I couldn't "figure it out", I called Maxtor. They told me to do a low level format on the hard drive using their Powermax software (available on their website). This will erase the hard drive and the MBR. The MBR will be re-created when you install the new operating system or restore your image.
I performed the low level format and now I no longer get the Error # 91 message from Drive Image. It is restoring my image as I write this. I hope this helps!

[wolfe]

I reformated recently and have tried drive Image yet but I'll make a note of this.

Thanks for the post.

[Korne]

Had the same problem. Here is how I solved it.

Download the MBRTool from http://www.diydatarecovery.nl/

In their support section type : "disk manager signature", and they
will walk you through the steps to fix this.

Good luck !