How to Fix the XP Boot Manager

The Recovery Console repairs boot files in Windows XP.

The XP Boot Manager is responsible for your Windows XP function. Each time your computer boots, the NTLDR and NTDetect.com files execute and boot Windows XP on the computer. You repair these boot manager files using the Recovery Console on the Windows XP installation CD. The Recover Console is a command prompt that allows you to copy the boot files from the installation CD to the computer's hard drive.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP installation CD

Instructions

1. Insert the CD into the drive. Reboot your computer with the CD in the drive. Press the spacebar key on your keyboard when the computer detects the bootable CD.

2. Press the "R" key to start the Recovery Console option. Press "1" at the next screen to choose the operating system.

3. Enter the administrator password in the command prompt. After the administrator password is entered, you are given a command prompt to copy your files.

4. Enter "copy x:\ntldr c:" and press "Enter." This copies the first boot manager file from the CD to the hard drive. Replace "x" with the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive.

5. Enter "copy x:\ntdetect.com c:" and press "Enter." This copies the second file to your hard drive. Remove the CD and reboot your computer. Your boot files are repaired, so you can now boot into Windows XP normally.

References

• Computer Hope: NTLDR is Missing