How to Fix the XP Bootloader

Fix Windows XP Boot loader issues

Power outage, improper shutdown and malware are common factors that cause Microsoft Windows XP startup to fail. Errors displayed when the computer fails to boot may state that the computer cannot find "Hal.dll" or that "ntldr is missing". Fortunately, Microsoft includes a recovery tool with Windows XP that can quickly and easily resolve boot loader issues.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Windows XP installation CD

Instructions

1. Press the power button on the computer to start the boot up process then quickly insert the Windows XP installation CD into the CD/DVD drive of the Windows XP computer.

2. Press a key on the keyboard if the "Press any key to continue..." message is displayed on the monitor.

3. Press the "R" key when prompted to "Repair a Windows XP installation by using the Recovery Console".

4. Select the Windows XP installation from the list displayed that requires boot loader repair. In most cases only one installation will be listed.

5. Type the Administrator password when requested. If the Administrator account on the computer does not have a password then leave the password blank and press the "Enter" key.

6. Type "fixboot" and press the "Enter" key.

7. Type "exit" and then remove the Windows XP installation CD and reboot the computer.

Tips & Warnings

• If the computer fails to boot from the installation CD, then reboot the computer and look for a message that instructs you to press a key such as DEL, F2 or F10 to enter "Setup". Press the specified key quickly and the motherboard Bios setup pages will display. Navigate to the boot order menu and move the CD/DVD drive to the top and then save the changes (usually by pressing the F10 key) and then boot from the Windows XP installation CD.

References

• Techrepublic: Using the Windows XP Recovery Console