Hiren's BootCD 16.2 Rebuild All In One Bootable CD: What It Is and How to Use It
Hiren's BootCD 16.2 Rebuild All In One Bootable CD: A Must-Have Tool for PC Repair
Have you ever encountered a situation where your PC won't boot or has serious problems that prevent you from using it normally? Maybe you have a hard drive failure, a virus infection, a partitioning error, a forgotten password, or a data loss. In such cases, you need a reliable tool that can help you fix your PC and recover your data.
Hiren's BootCD 16.2 Rebuild All In One Bootable CD
That's where Hiren's BootCD comes in handy. It is an all-in-one bootable rescue disc that contains a load of useful tools for repairing, restoring, and diagnosing your PC. It is a must-have tool for every PC user, especially if you don't have access to another working PC or the internet.
In this article, we will show you what is Hiren's BootCD, how to download and burn it, how to boot from it, what are its main features, and how to use some of its most popular tools. By the end of this article, you will be able to use Hiren's BootCD like a pro and fix any PC problem that comes your way.
What is Hiren's BootCD and why do you need it?
Hiren's BootCD is a bootable rescue disc with a collection of useful tools
Hiren's BootCD is a free software that was created by an Indian developer named Hiren Pankaj. It was first released in 2004 and was updated regularly until 2012, when the original project was discontinued. However, thanks to some fans and volunteers, the project was revived and updated with new and improved tools.
The latest version of Hiren's BootCD is called Hiren's BootCD 16.2 Rebuild All In One Bootable CD. It is based on the original Hiren's BootCD 15.2), but with some changes and additions. It includes a mini version of Windows XP that can run from CD or USB, and a Linux-based environment that can boot from CD or USB. It also contains a huge collection of useful tools that can help you with various tasks, such as:
Antivirus tools to scan and remove malware infections
Backup tools to create and restore disk images
Recovery tools to recover deleted files and partitions
Partitioning tools to create, resize, format, and manage partitions
Password tools to reset or bypass Windows passwords
System analysis tools to test hardware and software components
And many more...
You can find the full list of tools and their descriptions on the official website of Hiren's BootCD 16.2 Rebuild All In One Bootable CD.
You need Hiren's BootCD when your PC won't boot or has serious problems
Hiren's BootCD is a lifesaver when you encounter a PC problem that prevents you from booting into Windows or accessing your data. For example, you may have a corrupted boot sector, a damaged master boot record, a missing or invalid partition table, a virus infection, a hard drive failure, a forgotten password, or a data loss.
In such cases, you can use Hiren's BootCD to boot your PC from CD or USB and access the tools that can help you fix the problem. You can scan and remove malware, backup and restore your hard drive, recover deleted files and partitions, partition and format your hard drive, reset Windows passwords, test hardware and software components, and more.
Hiren's BootCD can also be useful when you want to perform some maintenance tasks on your PC, such as cleaning up junk files, defragmenting your hard drive, optimizing your registry, updating your drivers, changing your Windows settings, and more.
Hiren's BootCD is compatible with most PCs and laptops that run Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, or 10. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. It also supports various file systems, such as FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, EXT2/3/4, HFS+, and more.
How to download and burn Hiren's BootCD 16.2 Rebuild All In One Bootable CD
Download the ZIP file from the official website
The first step to use Hiren's BootCD is to download the ZIP file that contains the ISO image of the bootable disc. You can download it from the official website of Hiren's BootCD 16.2 Rebuild All In One Bootable CD. The file size is about 616 MB.
Once you have downloaded the ZIP file, you need to extract it using a free tool like 7-Zip. You will get an ISO file named HBCD_PE_x64.iso. This is the file that you need to burn to a CD or a USB device.
Burn it to a CD or a USB device using a free tool
The next step is to burn the ISO file to a CD or a USB device. You can use any free tool that can create bootable discs or drives. For example, you can use Rufus for USB devices or ImgBurn for CDs.
To burn the ISO file to a USB device using Rufus:
Download and run Rufus from its official website.
Insert a USB device with at least 1 GB of free space.
Select the USB device from the Device drop-down menu.
Select ISO Image from the Boot selection menu.
Click on SELECT and browse to the ISO file that you extracted earlier.
Click on START and wait for the process to complete.
Eject the USB device safely when done.
To burn the ISO file to a CD using ImgBurn:
Download and install ImgBurn from its official website.
Insert a blank CD into your CD/DVD drive.
Run ImgBurn and select Write image file to disc from the Mode menu.
Click on the folder icon and browse to the ISO file that you extracted earlier.
Click on the burn icon and wait for the process to complete.
Eject the CD safely when done.
Now you have a bootable CD or USB device with Hiren's BootCD 16.2 Rebuild All In One Bootable CD on it. You can use it to boot your PC and access the tools that you need.
How to boot from Hiren's BootCD 16.2 Rebuild All In One Bootable CD
Change the boot order in your BIOS or UEFI settings
The next step is to boot your PC from the CD or USB device that you created. To do this, you need to change the boot order in your BIOS or UEFI settings. This is the part of your PC that controls how it starts up and what devices it can boot from.
The exact steps to access and change your BIOS or UEFI settings may vary depending on your PC model and manufacturer. However, the general steps are as follows:
Turn on or restart your PC and press a specific key (usually F2, F10, F12, Del, or Esc) repeatedly to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. You may see a message on the screen that tells you which key to press.
Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Boot menu or tab.
Use the + and - keys or the Enter key to change the boot order and move the CD/DVD drive or the USB device to the top of the list.
Press F10 or another key (usually shown on the screen) to save and exit.
Your PC will reboot and try to boot from the CD or USB device.
If you have trouble accessing or changing your BIOS or UEFI settings, you can consult your PC manual or contact your PC manufacturer for assistance.
Select the option to boot from CD or USB
Once you have changed the boot order, you will see a menu that lets you choose how to boot from Hiren's BootCD 16.2 Rebuild All In One Bootable CD. The menu has two main options:
Mini Windows XP: This option will load a mini version of Windows XP that can run from CD or USB. You can use this option if you want to run Windows applications or access Windows files and folders.
Linux based rescue environment (Parted Magic 2012-10-10): This option will load a Linux-based environment that can run from CD or USB. You can use this option if you want to run Linux applications or access Linux files and folders.
You can use the arrow keys and the Enter key to select the option that you want. You can also press F1 for more options, such as:
DOS Programs: This option will load a DOS-based environment that can run some old DOS programs.
Kon-Boot: This option will bypass Windows login passwords without changing them.
Freedos: This option will load a free DOS-compatible operating system.
Boot From Hard Drive: This option will boot from your hard drive as normal.
Once you have selected an option, Hiren's BootCD 16.2 Rebuild All In One Bootable CD will load and display a desktop with icons for various tools that you can use. You can double-click on any icon to launch the tool that you need.
What are the main features of Hiren's BootCD 16.2 Rebuild All In One Bootable CD
Antivirus tools to scan and remove malware infections
If your PC is infected with malware, such as viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware, rootkits, ransomware, etc., you can use Hiren's BootCD to scan and remove them. Hiren's BootCD contains several antivirus tools that can run from CD or USB, such as:
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware: A popular and effective tool that can detect and remove various types of malware.
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool: A powerful tool that can scan and disinfect your PC from malware using the latest virus definitions from Kaspersky Lab.
ESET Online Scanner: A fast and easy-to-use tool that can scan and remove malware using the cloud-based technology from ESET.
Avira AntiVir Rescue System: A comprehensive tool that can scan and repair your PC from malware using the reliable engine from Avira.
You can access these tools from the Antivirus menu in the Hiren's BootCD desktop. You can also find more antivirus tools in the HBCDMenu folder on the CD or USB device.
Backup tools to create and restore disk images
If you want to backup your entire hard drive or a specific partition, you can use Hiren's BootCD to create and restore disk images. Disk images are exact copies of your hard drive or partition that can be stored on another device or location. You can use them to restore your PC to a previous state in case of a disaster or a failure.
Hiren's BootCD contains several backup tools that can run from CD or USB, such as:
DriveImage XML: A simple and user-friendly tool that can backup and restore your hard drive or partition using XML files.
Macrium Reflect: A powerful and versatile tool that can backup and restore your hard drive or partition using image files.
Acronis True Image: A popular and professional tool that can backup and restore your hard drive or partition using image files.
Clonezilla: A free and open-source tool that can backup and restore your hard drive or partition using image files.
You can access these tools from the Backup menu in the Hiren's BootCD desktop. You can also find more backup tools in the HBCDMenu folder on the CD or USB device.
Recovery tools to recover deleted files and partitions
If you have accidentally deleted some files or partitions, or if you have lost some data due to a hard drive failure, a virus infection, a formatting error, or any other reason, you can use Hiren's BootCD to recover them. Hiren's BootCD contains several recovery tools that can run from CD or USB, such as:
Recuva: A simple and effective tool that can recover deleted files from your hard drive, memory card, USB device, or any other media.
TestDisk: A powerful and advanced tool that can recover lost partitions and files from your hard drive, memory card, USB device, or any other media.
PhotoRec: A specialized tool that can recover deleted photos and other files from your hard drive, memory card, USB device, or any other media.
GetDataBack: A professional and reliable tool that can recover deleted files and partitions from your hard drive, memory card, USB device, or any other media.
You can access these tools from the Recovery menu in the Hiren's BootCD desktop. You can also find more recovery tools in the HBCDMenu folder on the CD or USB device.
Partitioning tools to create, resize, format, and manage partitions
If you want to create, resize, format, or manage partitions on your hard drive, you can use Hiren's BootCD to do so. Partitions are logical divisions of your hard drive that allow you to organize your data and optimize your performance. You can use partitions to install multiple operating systems, separate system files from user files, create backups, etc.
Hiren's BootCD contains several partitioning tools that can run from CD or USB, such as:
GParted: A free and open-source tool that can create, resize, format, move, copy, check, label, and manage partitions on your hard drive.
EaseUS Partition Master: A popular and easy-to-use tool that can create, resize, format , move, merge, split, wipe, and manage partitions on your hard drive.
MiniTool Partition Wizard: A powerful and professional tool that can create, resize, format, move, copy, convert, align, explore, and manage partitions on your hard drive.
Paragon Partition Manager: A comprehensive and reliable tool that can create, resize, format, move, merge, split, convert, backup, and manage partitions on your hard drive.
You can access these tools from the Partition/Boot/MBR menu in the Hiren's BootCD desktop. You can also find more partitioning tools in the HBCDMenu folder on the CD or USB device.
Password tools to reset or bypass Windows passwords
If you have forgotten or lost your Windows password, or if you want to access a Windows account that you don't have the password for, you can use Hiren's BootCD to reset or bypass it. Hiren's BootCD contains several password tools that can run from CD or USB, such as:
Offline NT Password & Registry Editor: A free and open-source tool that can reset Windows passwords by editing the registry.
Kon-Boot: A paid tool that can bypass Windows passwords by modifying the kernel.
Active Password Changer: A professional tool that can reset Windows passwords by changing the SAM database.
NTPWEdit: A simple and user-friendly tool that can reset Windows passwords by editing the SAM database.
You can access these tools from the Password/Keys menu in the Hiren's BootCD desktop. You can also find more password tools in the HBCDMenu folder on the CD or USB device.
System analysis tools to test hardware and software components
If you want to test your PC's hardware and software components for errors, performance, compatibility, or information, you can use Hiren's BootCD to do so. Hiren's BootCD contains several system analysis tools that can run from CD or USB, such as:
CPU-Z: A free and popular tool that can display detailed information about your CPU, such as name, model, speed, cores, cache, voltage, etc.
HWiNFO: A comprehensive and professional tool that can display detailed information about your hardware components, such as CPU, motherboard, memory, disk drives, video card, sound card, network card, etc.
MemTest86+: A free and open-source tool that can test your memory for errors and defects.
HDDScan: A free and versatile tool that can test your hard drive for errors and performance.
You can access these tools from the Testing menu in the Hiren's BootCD desktop. You can also find more system analysis tools in the HBCDMenu folder on the CD or USB device.
Mini Windows XP to run Windows applications from CD or USB
One of the most useful features of Hiren's BootCD 16.2 Rebuild All In One Bootable CD is the Mini Windows XP option. This option allows you to run a mini version of Windows XP from CD or USB without installing it on your hard drive. You can use this option if you want to run Windows applications or access Windows files and folders when your PC won't boot or has serious problems.
The Mini Windows XP option has a familiar Windows interface with a Start menu, a taskbar , a desktop, and a file explorer. It also has a network connection and a web browser that you can use to access the internet. It also has some built-in Windows applications, such as Notepad, Paint, Calculator, WordPad, etc.
Moreover, the Mini Windows XP option has many of the tools that are included in Hiren's BootCD, such as antivirus tools, backup tools, recovery tools, partitioning tools, password tools, system analysis tools, and more. You can access these tools from the HBCDMenu icon on the desktop or from the Programs menu on the Start menu.
The Mini Windows XP option is very convenient and handy when you need to run Windows applications or access Windows files and folders without installing or booting Windows. However, it is not a replacement for a full Windows installation. It has some limitations and drawbacks, such as:
It is based on an old and unsupported version of Windows (Windows XP SP3).
It may not be compatible with some newer hardware or software.
It may not have all the drivers or features that you need.
It may not be secure or stable enough for some tasks.
Therefore, you should use the Mini Windows XP option only as a temporary solution or a last resort. You should always backup your data and try to fix your PC or install a new Windows version as soon as possible.
How to use some of the most popular tools in Hiren's BootCD 16.2 Rebuild All In One Bootable CD
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to remove malware from your PC
One of the most common and annoying PC problems is malware infection. Malware is any malicious software that can harm your PC or compromise your privacy. It can include viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware, rootkits, ransomware, etc. Malware can cause various symptoms, such as slow performance, pop-ups, redirects, errors, crashes, data loss, etc.
If you suspect that your PC is infected with malware, you can use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to scan and remove it. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a popular and effective tool that can detect and remove various types of malware. You can find it in the Antivirus menu in the Hiren's BootCD desktop.
To use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to remove malware from your PC:
Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware from the Antivirus menu in the Hiren's BootCD desktop.
Click on Scan Now to start scanning your PC for malware.
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