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Recover from NTLDR Missing Error

Observations


You power up your computer and receive the following message(s):


  • NTLDR Is Missing
  • Couldn't find NTLDR

Possible Causes


This problem occurs when one of more of the following boot up files are missing:


  • NTLDR
  • Ntdetect.com
  • Boot.ini

Resolution


Generally there are 2 methods to resolve this issue.


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:


  • Insert the Windows 2000 or Windows XP CD into your computer as default boot up media.
  • Enter Windows Recovery Console
  • 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:\

  • 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.

Using Windows Repair Install


This Windows Repair Install overwrites all system files in your computer, leaving your installed applications, data files and settings intact. However, you will lose previously saved system restore points and service pack updates. You may need to re-apply the system updates after this procedure.