NTLDR is missing__Windows XP

Question

Hi there,

I am running a Compaq Presario SR 1811nx Desktop.  I believe it was running Windows XP Home as its operating system.

A while ago it stopped being able to boot up.  When it is turned on it will give the NTLDR is missing:  Ctrl + Alt + Del to restart.

When I perform this function I am taken to the Compaq screen.  If I do nothing and wait I am returned to this prompt;  I have also tried F10 which takes me to the Bootable Portion though its regular menu is gone and it instead notes that there is problems with the portion.  I go through the okays and then it takes me to the load menu where I would usually go through the process to restore my desktop to factory condition but during the load bar it asks for my Recovery CD #2.  I have my system recovery disks and put them in.  Unfortunately it just freezes at this point.  So this avenue is a dead one it seems.

Microsoft notes to (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/320397?p=1)

obtain the Bcupdate2.exe utility as well as make a "boot disk".

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/305595/

I have never done this before and I find the instructiosn a tad confusing.  For instance;  Do I put the Bcupdate2.exe on the same disk as I am putting Ntldr and the Ntdetect.com files?  For the

[boot loader]

timeout=30

Default= multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\windows

[operating systems]

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\windows="<var><OperatingSystem></var>"

would I just put Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows XP Home?

etc. etc.

Also when I start the computer should I put this cd in or put it in before I start it?  Also what is suppose to happen when this is done, does the "Ntldr is missing" screen dissapear and something else happens?

In general my computer knowledge is not advanced, and I would really appreciate someone to help me just make a checklist of things to do to try this avenue out.

I am not the wealthiest person and buying a new computer is at this time not an option I have.

Thanks everyone for the help, and I hope you all have a great day.

Cheers,

Your friend,

Christopher

Answer 1

Thank you for the very detailed post. I am happy to give you the usual fix for "NTLDR is missing" but you will need a real XP CD, not a recovery disc, to do them. However, the information you gave about your computer freezing when you put in the recovery discs leads me to suspect that a software fix (the NTLDR fix) will not work because you have hardware failure.

I would start troubleshooting by testing the hard drive, which may have failed.

Test the hard drive with a diagnostic utility downloaded from the drive mftr.'s website or use Seagate's SeaTools For DOS. You will create a bootable CD with the file you download. You will need third-party burning software to do this such as Roxio, Nero, or the free ImgBurn. Burn as an image, not as data.

http://www.imgburn.com

http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/seatools/seatooldreg

http://seagate.custkb.com/seagate/crm/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=201271 (how-to)

Boot with the CD you made and do a thorough test of the drive. If it fails any physical tests, replace it. Let me know the results of this test before we go further. If you have any questions about how to perform the hard drive test, please let me know.

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MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!

Answer 2

Thank you Malkeleah,

I will try what you have said when I get back from work today :)

P.s.  I should have made clear in my first post;  I don't care about saving any of my data or files.

I just want to have the computer as if it was factory condition *Clean state*.

Cheers,

Christopher

Answer 3

OK. I'll keep an eye on this thread. Cheers.

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MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!

Answer 4

I followed your instructions and ended up with the "Accept" screen as shown in the tutorial.

However at this screen my mouse would not work (A standard corded USB mouse).

Any ideas on how to continue?

Thanks again Malkeleah.

Answer 5

You can use the keyboard to tab to the next field. It's awkward but can be done. Or you can try with another mouse. Make sure USB legacy devices are enabled in your BIOS, too.

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MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!