On a HP Media Center I tried to install a distribution of Linux SUSE 9.2 from Linux Format magazine on a new external USB 2.0 drive, but during the install for dual boot the Master Boot Record was changed. I tried many different options in the boot section and have corrupted the original MBR beyond use. I am able to boot into Linux from the CD, but no matter what options I use the dual boot menu never appears. The original MBR is corrupted and I need to replace it. The "recovery console" does not come up while pressing F10 at the HP splash screen, like it is supposed to. Only F1 works for entering SETUP. I tried a "non-destructive system recovery from CD's, but I guess it doesn't touch the MBR. How do I get into recovery mode to run "fixmbr". I have looked on many forums for help, but they all say I need to get into the recovery console.
I contacted HP and they say I need to do a complete destructive recovery and then bring the system up to date service packs and patches. In Linux the Windows file systems all appear to be present. I tried the quick boot disk solution suggested by swoolgrove in "http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3423&highlight=fixmbr" but I get an error saying that the file "hal.dll" is missing or corruprt from "windowsboot\system32" and to reinstall it or replace it. In Linux I can see that the file exists in c:\windows\system32.
I don't feel that anything other than the MBR on the windows side is missing or corrupted and if need be I am not looking forward to doing the HP solution. Beware Magazine disks with no support.
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