How to Fix NTLDR in XP

The Windows XP NTLDR file is required by the operating system to boot to the Windows desktop. If the file corrupts or it is accidentally deleted, you cannot boot Windows. To repair the file, you must copy the original file from the Windows XP installation CD to the hard drive. You can perform the task using the system recovery console, which is available when you boot from the Windows CD.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP installation CD

Instructions

1. Insert the installation CD into your computer's drive and reboot. When the DOS prompt asks if you want to boot from the CD, press Enter. The first Windows installation screen displays.

2. Press R to select the "Recovery Console" option. Press Enter on the next screen to select the first menu option. The Windows MS-DOS command prompt opens. Type the administrator password and press Enter.

3. Type the following text into the command prompt to copy the installation CD's version of the NTLDR file:

   xcopy d:\i386\ntldr c:

   The statement copies the NTLDR file from the CD's "i386" directory to the root of the C drive.

4. Press Enter to run the statement. A "Success" message appears after the file successfully copies to the drive. Remove the installation CD and reboot the computer.

References

• Computer Hope: How to Use the Windows Recovery Console