How to Remove a NTLDR Is Missing Error

Repair your Windows boot file.

The NTLDR file is used by Windows XP machines to load the operating system. The NTLDR file is an integral part of the Windows operating system. Without it, you receive the error "NTLDR is missing" error as soon as you start the machine. This occurs when you accidentally delete the file or it corrupts from a computer virus. Using the Windows XP installation CD, you can repair and replace the file onto your hard drive and remove the error.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP installation CD

Instructions

1. Insert the installation CD into your computer's drive and reboot the machine. The computer detects that a boot CD is inserted and brings you to the installation window for Windows XP. There is an option to repair instead of install Windows XP. Press the "R" key to start the recovery process.

2. Press the "1" key to boot into the Windows XP installation. A prompt is shown asking for the administrator password. Enter the password and press "Enter." This brings you to a Windows command prompt.

3. Enter the following commands into the command prompt:<br /><br /><br /><br />copy e:\i386\ntldr c:copy e:\i386\ntdetect.com c:<br /><br />Replace "e" with the drive letter for your CD-ROM drive. These commands copy the NTLDR and NTdetect.com boot files from the CD to your hard drive, repairing them when they become corrupted.

4. Remove the installation CD from the drive and reboot your machine. The "NTLDR is missing" error is repaired and Windows loads normally.

References

• Computer Hope: NTLDR is Missing.