Anti virus (AVG - free version) says that boot sector on C cannot be read. Still, 
I am able to boot my computer, load Windows, the browser (IE 6) works fine, but Window 
Explorer often freezes the computer. 
Scandisk also doesn't work well running under Win (although it runs in DOS) and defrag 
claims that the "drive contents keep changing" altho I'm running it in Safe Mode, 
with nothing else running. 
How can I fix this boot sector (reading) error without damaging the content of the 
hard drive ? Thanks. 

2 years ago, JmC suggested to someone else with a similar problem: 
Restart your computer using a Win98 boot disk, select option 2 on the Startup 
menu and then press ENTER.

At the A:\> prompt, type: SYS C: (note the 1 space) and press ENTER. 
The following files will then be copied to the drive:

*  IO.SYS
*  MSDOS.SYS
*  COMMAND.COM

If the procedure is successful, a 'System transferred' message will appear. If 
it is not successful, check to be sure you are typing the correct drive letter for 
your Host Drive.

Remove the boot disk and restart your system.

I tried this, but it didn't help - the AVG still claims there are errors in the MBR.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

|[...]2 years ago, JmC suggested to someone else with a similar problem:
| rena
|
Not so similar, I believe.

|SYS C:
|[...]I tried this, but it didn't help
|
Typically used for **Operating system missing** type messages.
Your problem is at a lower level.

|AVG still claims there are errors in the MBR.
|
If none of the gotchas apply, this is the standard fix:
http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/win98/1131430464

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

You're teleling me to use the Fdisk /MBR command? (No, my disk doens't have partitions, etc) this is safe in that case? Is this done in a comand prompt or restarting in Dos mode?

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

|(No, my disk doens't have partitions, etc)
|this is safe in that case?
| rena
|
If there are no non-MS-DOS peculiarities in your master Boot Record,
this technique will replace your (corrupted) MBR with the backup copy on that drive.

|You're teleling me to use the Fdisk /MBR command?
|Is this done in a comand prompt or restarting in Dos mode?
|
This works the same, no matter where are when you do it.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

I did the reformat of boot sector as you suggested and it seemed to cure the probelm as far as AVG was concerned. However, the freezing of the computer when opening folders persists. Meanwhile, AVG again started reporting an error in reading the boot sector. What's going on?

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

(was: AVG claims reading error in boot sector)

|I did the reformat of boot sector as you suggested
| rena
|
If you are going to put words in my mouth, at least use the CORRECT words.

|and it seemed to cure the probelm as far as AVG was concerned.
|
That would be FDISK/MBR.

|However, the freezing of the computer when opening folders persists.
|
We are not clairvoiants.  *I* don't remember most people's names well at all.
SOME kind of hint as to WTF you are talking about would be good.
If you are going to reference another post or another thread,
http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum_search?user=1187546409&requested=win98
then REFERENCE it with a link to it.
http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/win98/t1187546049 

|Meanwhile, AVG again started reporting an error in reading the boot sector. 
|
Boot-sector viruses are particularly nasty.

|What's going on?
|
In your previous thread, Steve has already suggested that you are INFECTED
and that you should find a Malware Forum and take this up with them.
DO THAT.

It is likely that they will advise you to change your computing behavior.
Do that as well. 
Leo’s Laporte's Six Rules for Safe Computing

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