Help: NTLDR missing / BIOS setup

joe_pt · #1 03-09-2004, 05:43 AM

hello,

i am trying to install windows xp pro on a new computer and i receive the error
NTLDR is missing press CTRL-ALT-DEL to restart.

i have checked there is no disk in the floppy drive and still receive this error. i think the problem maybe that the computer isn't checking the cd drive first when booting.

is this possible?
how can i change the bios so that the computer checks the bios first?
if i am looking in the wrong direction can anyone give me some other possible solutions?

thanks

ESALADUANE · #2 03-09-2004, 06:24 AM

Are you trying to install Windows XP over 95, 98 or ME? This can happen when the original Windows 9x/ME installation was on a large capacity drive using the FAT32 file system. You'll need to overwrite the boot sector before you can upgrade to Windows XP. For instructions on how to do so, see KB article 314057 at:

http://support.microsoft.com/default...&Product=winxp

joe_pt · #3 03-09-2004, 06:39 AM

thanks for your reply ESALADUANE.
actually it is a brand new pc and there was no software installed. when i started the pc the first time it formatted the hard drive and then tried to install windows xp. i got a file error and retried to install now i get the NTLDR error.

any other tips/suggestions?

thanks

ESALADUANE · #4 03-09-2004, 06:51 AM

Check in the Bios that the "C" Drive is set to be recognised first? This setting can get lost for some reason and the result was a "NTLDR Missing" error.

Here are two articles that might help, don't worry about references to Win2000, it still applies to XP:

"HOW TO: Troubleshoot the "NTLDR Is Missing" Error Message in Windows 2000"
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;en-us;318728&

"NTLDR is Missing"
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000465.htm

Dotcoman · #5 05-18-2004, 05:13 AM

I get that same error when I tried to
use the new Western Digital Install Uility 11.0 on CD, to format a disk.

The thing is the Western Digital Utility really wants you to ahave a Win98 Boot Disk in Drive A when it does it's thing.

Then if you try to drop in either the W2K or XP install CD, you'll get that message.

To fix it, I just re run my little "disc of Death" and it breaks the MBR/partition table, then I just reboot to the installation disc, and swear never to use the WD Utility, untill the next time.
Oh!

I'm wondering if this is what might have happend to the Drive in question?

ironjellyfish · #6 05-20-2008, 06:38 PM

Dotcoman - this is the exact problem I am having what is your "disc of death"?