NTLDR missing after post screen!!!?!?!?!?

osirisdon · 09-25-2003, 12:56 AM

Anyone know how to fix this? Everytime I boot up now, my desktop gives me that error message. NTLDR missing, press cntrl, alt, delete to restart.

Any ideas how to fix it?

Seraph · 09-25-2003, 01:17 AM

I assume you are running XP or 2k. Get into safe mode and copy it from another running machine?

digitallexus · 09-25-2003, 01:26 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Seraph

I assume you are running XP or 2k. Get into safe mode and copy it from another running machine?

Just boot from the XP/2k cd and do a repair.

Are you running FAT32? maybe your drive got corrupted. It can also happen on NTFS too, but is less likely since journaling will usually repair things.

I think the automated repair will run a disk check as part of its tasks.

osirisdon · 09-25-2003, 01:40 AM

Yup running win2k. I cant boot into safe mode. Tried it already no joy.

Im running NTFS and nothing has happened.

osirisdon · 09-25-2003, 01:41 AM

oh hey now double post. "Thanks retardnet"

Ill definatley try out the boot with cd thing and try a repair. Ill keep you posted on this.

GTC · 09-25-2003, 10:43 AM

Have you flipped the IDE channels for your HDD/CD ? You can get this error (and another one) by switching the order of the connected devices (physically, not in bios). If so, try switching them around again, then modify your boot.ini file to reflect how you would like your system set. It's bit of a stab in the dark, since you generally get a different error (still can't remember what it is off the top of my head) ...

osirisdon · 09-25-2003, 11:27 AM

No nothing has been changed internally in the pc. As of now im trying to use the repair console with no luck. Im gonna restart and use the emergency repair option.

GTC · 09-25-2003, 12:04 PM

Another thought - check that all your devices will identify properly in BIOS. As a second option, disconnect everything but your HDD - if your devices are attached using the Cable-Select (CS) feature on the drives, it sometimes goes a little screwy. It's easy always ensure that the devices are selected as MA or SL ... and avoids the CS choosing the wrong MA/SL device ...

I have also heard that there is a recent virus that was replacing the NTLDR file (virus scan time?).

cheers,

GTC

guitar333 · 09-25-2003, 12:21 PM

this just happened to me yesterday, i installed a fresh version of Win XP, some misc programs (winamp, win dvd, nero etc.) on my carputer, and i got ntldr was missing error, i dont know what causes this cause i have gotten it in the past, and i dont think I did anything wrong, I just backed up files and reformatted, good luck! i hate ntldr error

osirisdon · 09-25-2003, 01:12 PM

Welp as of right now. I tried the repair thing. Did not do anything. I have been noticing in the event viewer before this error occurred drive errors. Bad sectors in the hard drive. So if you guys think a reformat will fix it? or a entirely new HD? wich one?

I really dont want to reformat and go through the entire trouble, then get the errors again. I prefer to purchase a new hard drive and start all freaking over again.

Although I definatley want to try out GTC recommendation. I have till saturday to troublshoot this problem.

tejesh83 · 09-25-2003, 01:20 PM

Have you tried plugging the drive into a working system and copying over the missing file? You could probably also do this with a dos boot disk with NTFS for dos and a copy of the missing file if you don't have hardware access to another pc.

Once, you're up and running or its plugged into a working pc, run a S.M.A.R.T utility to see what it has to say about your harddrive. SpeedFan has a tab dedicated to SMART features, but there may be some standalone utilities. Sometimes they come bundled with the drive or downloadable at the manuf. site. If it says the drive is on its last limbs, take it as a sign from god to buy a WD Raptor.