How to fix NTLDR is missing using Windows Recover Console – How to troubleshoot the “NTLDR is Missing” error message in Windows Xp / 2000 – How to Troubleshoot the “NTLDR is Missing” Error Message

by: Revengsky Joseph D. Reyes (a.k.a rjdreyes – jcyberinux.com)

If happens that a message shown on your computer while boot up your Operating System,

NTLDR is missing
Press any key to restart

This problem may occur if the Windows boot files are missing or damaged: Ntldr, Ntdetect.com, Boot.ini

To fix or resolve the issue, you need a Windows XP / 2000 CD-ROM, This is what you’re need to fix or resolve the NTLDR is missing message on Windows XP / 2000.

Here are the steps or instructions on how to troubleshoot / fix NTLDR is missing on Windows XP / 2000 (Using the Windows Recovery Console):

1. Setup your BIOS to the boot first priority on CD/DVD-ROM optical drive. (By pressing DEL or F2, depends on the model of your computer / notebook / netbook)

Note: Do not yet restart or exit to the BIOS, after you save the settings. Please forward to second step.

2. Insert the Windows XP / 2000 CD Setup disc to the CD/DVD-ROM optical drive. (Save the BIOS Setup and exit, it will restart and will boot on your Windows XP / 2000 CD Setup disc).

Note: In order to save the settings of your BIOS, it will only be save after you choose to Save and Exit option, it depends on the model your computer / notebook / netbook

3. Press any key to enter Setup will appear, press enter key or any key (I think) 🙂

4. At the welcome to setup screen, from there, an option to press R to repair Windows XP / 2000 installation. (Press R to repair) – Windows 2000 installation, Press C to proceed repair by using the Recovery Console (if ask).

5. Type the number that corresponds to the Windows installation that you wish to repair, then press Enter. (Note: Usually type number 1, where C:\ is where the default location of Windows installation).

6. Type administrator password, then press Enter.

7. On command prompt, copy the NTLDR and NTDETECT.COM from the I386 folder from the Windows Setup CD disc, then to the root folder of the hard drive. For example : C:\ is the root drive,

and the Windows Setup CD disc is the D:\, the CD/DVD-ROM Drive.

Type the following commands on command prompt, For example:

copy D:\I386\NTLDR C:\

copy D:\I386\NTDETECT.COM C:\

(Note: if you are prompted to overwrite the file, just type Y and press Enter, to overwrite the existing file. Put spaces between copy and D:\, and NTLDR,NDETECT.COM and C:\, while typing those commands.)

8. Afterwards, remove the Windows Setup CD disc from the CD/DVD-ROM drive and restart you computer.

(Note: if you experience following error message, Boot.ini may be missing or damaged:

The system cannot find the file or directory specified.), Do the following:

1. Create a new Boot.ini using notepad, or edit.. Then do the similar boot loader on below:

[boot loader]

timeout=30

default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT

[operating systems]

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT=”Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional” /fastdetect

2. Save it as Boot.ini then copy and paste to your C:\

For example: copy D:\Boot.ini C:\ (Note: observe the space between Boot.init and C:\)

I hope this helps you out. 🙂

Related Entries / References:

Microsoft Support Knowledge Base Official Site