How to fix error "NTLDR is Missing" in Windows XP

Sometimes we see our Windows XP computer can not boot anymore and the error message "NTLDR is Missing". This happens because it is missing or corrupt files of the following:

* NTLDR
* Ntdetect.com
* boot.ini

To overcome the error "NTLDR is Missing" can be done with the guidance provided by Microsoft. This way I have tried myself and prove it.

Microsoft : Generally there are 2 methods to resolve this NTLDR issue.

A. Manual File Re-Patching
This method attempts to copy and replace the corrupted file from the Windows Installation disc to your hard disk. To start, follow these steps:

1. Insert the Windows XP CD into your computer as default boot up media.
2. Enter Windows Recovery Console
3. At the command prompt, assuming drive D refers to your CD Drive, type in the following and hit Enter:
Press Y when prompted to overwrite any existing file.
* copy D:\i386\ntldr C:\
* copy D:\i386\ntdetect.com C:\
4. Restart the computer

If the error message still persist, it is likely that your boot.ini file is corrupted. Try to fix your corrupted boot.ini file instead. Follow the next step.

B. Manually Editing the Boot.ini File

1. Boot from your Windows XP CD in your computer
2. Enter Windows Recovery Console
3. Type in: type c:\Boot.ini
This command checks for a valid Boot.ini file. If your boot file is working fine, you should see like the following:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS

[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS=”Microsoft Windows XP Professional” /fastdetect

4. If you receive the following error messages instead of the above message being displayed, your boot.ini file is corrupted or missing:
* The system cannot find the file or directory specified
* File not found – boot.ini
5. To write a new boot.ini file, follow these steps:
* Type in: edit.com
The MS-DOS editor will launch.
* Type in the following and save it as a boot.ini

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS

[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS=”Microsoft Windows XP Professional” /fastdetect

IMPORTANT: partition(1) refers to your first partition of your hard disk which Windows is typically installed on. You may need to change the value if Windows is installed in a different partition.

6. Reboot your computer and the problem should be resolved.

Posted in Windows XP