How to Recover a Missing NTLDR

NTLDR stands for New Technology Loader, a crucial boot element of NT-kernel based operating systems, such as Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. If an element of the boot sector is corrupt or missing, Windows cannot boot. However, every NT-based operating system has a built-in tool to restore and repair the NTLDR.

Things You'll Need

• Windows OS Disc for Windows XP

Instructions

Windows XP NTLDR Repair

1. Insert the Windows XP Installation disc and restart the computer. Hit any key when you see the "Boot from CD" prompt. When the utility loads, hit "R" to begin a repair installation. Press "1" to select your current Windows XP installation.

2. At the command prompt, type: "copy x:\i386\ntldr y:copy x:\i386\ntdetect.com y:\"

   Replace x with the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive and Y is the drive letter of your boot drive containing Windows.

3. Remove the CD and reboot.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 NTLDR Repair

1. Reboot your computer and hit "F8" until the Advanced Boot Options appear. Select "Repair Your Computer" at the top.

2. Click "Next" to scan for startup problems. This will find and replace the NTLDR.

3. Click "Restart" when the system prompts you to do so.

References

• NTLDR is Missing
• Windows 7 - Startup Repair

Resources

• Microsoft Windows Resource Center