mkntfs doesn't install NTFS's bootcode during formatting

[Jean-Pierre André]

Domagoj Smolčić wrote:
> FreeBSD 11.2-RELEASE-p9
>      fusefs-ntfs-2017.3.23
 >
 > When slice/partition is being formatted, bootcode('; 
containsMicrosoft Windows XP/VISTA bootloader BOOTMGR') isn't applied, 
thus rendering it unbootable.
 > Under Win, after 'bootsect /nt60 ...' has been used on NTFS created 
with mkntfs, THEN it becomes bootable.
This BOOTMGR bootcode is proprietary, and it depends on the
targeted Windows version, hence mkntfs cannot insert it.
However mkntfs creates the boot sector of the partition, which
is part of the ntfs file system structure.

Nevertheless can you explain in what circumstances this would
be useful. On several occasions, I have formatted an ntfs
partition before installing Window 7 or Windows 10, and these
installers insert the boot code they want without formatting
the partition. I do not have XP or Vista any more, but I
would be very surprised if they do not insert their own boot
code as well (possibly while reformatting the partition).

 >
 > When slice/partition is being formatted directly under Win, bootcode 
IS also being applied.
No, this is not done while formatting. The Windows formatting
is limited, and the full formatting occurs when the partition
is mounted the first time. So, when upgrading Windows, you can
format with the old version before installing the new one.

 > So, if you need a bootable NTFS, why to bother in a first place with 
mkntfs, then transferring device to Win machine and using command line 
under Win to run 'bootsect' tool, when you can simply click 'Format...' 
& Start?!?
Can you explain what you want to boot into ?

Jean-Pierre