MBR

Master Boot Record

In plain language

The tiny section at the start of a disk that tells a computer how to start up.

The metaphor

Like the table of contents on the first page of a book: it points the computer to where everything begins.

Going deeper

How it works

It sits at the very start of the drive.
Newer computers use a different layout that replaced it.
Damage to it can stop a computer from starting.
Some malware overwrites it to lock a computer.

What can go wrong (example scenario)

A small firm's computer showed a ransom message before Windows started. The malware had replaced the start-up section, so staff could not even reach the login screen.

In practice

A computer shows a missing operating system message at start.
A technician repairs start-up with a rescue disc.
A security tool flags a change to the boot sector.

A question owners ask

Why would a computer fail to start?

Many reasons. Damage to this start-up section is one, and a technician can often repair it if the files are intact.

Where WILDCARD handles this

Enterprise
Antivirus

Stops ransomware cold
Catches fileless malware
Blocks zero-day attacks

Start with Enterprise Antivirus Meet Enterprise Antivirus →

Related terms

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