Tech Handbook: Troubleshooting NTLDR Issues

Troubleshooting NTLDR Issues
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techpro5238 on 01/05/2009 02:38:00
 
Troubleshooting NTLDR Issues
by techpro5238
1. NTLDR is Missing or Corrupt
Important Note: Please ensure that there are NO CD/DVD's inserted in the
Drives, or External Drives connected to the computer.
For Windows(R) 2000.
If the computer is using Microsoft Windows(R) 2000 and encounters a NTLDR
error, type the text quoted below into a text editor such as Notepad; save it as
boot.ini, then copy the Notepad file onto an empty formatted floppy disc. 
Quote:
[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
Copy the NTLDR and NTDETECT.COM files from another computer using the same
Operating System onto the floppy disc that has the boot.ini file on it.
These files should be located in the root directory of the primary hard disk
drive so that C:NTLDR and C:NTDETECT.COM should be the locations of these files
on most computers.
Please Note: The NTLDR and NTDETECT.COM files are both hidden. It will
necessary to make hidden files and folders unhidden. If you need help with this
please go HERE to learn how.
Once these files have been copied to the floppy disc insert the floppy disc in
the dmaged computer and reboot; copy the NTLDR, NTDETECT.COM and boot.ini files
from the floppy disc to the root directory of the primary hard disk drive.
These are the commands that need to be performed from the A:> drive.
copy ntldr c: (ENTER)
copy ntdetect.com c: (ENTER)
copy boot.ini c: (ENTER)
Once the files are copied onto the computer; remove the floppy disc, and reboot
the computer; the issue should now be resolved. For Windows(R) XP
*Insert the Windows(R) XP CD into the computer.  	*When prompted to press any
key to boot from the CD, press Any key.  	*Once in the Windows(R) XP Setup Menu
press the R key to repair Windows.  	*Log into your Windows installation by
pressing the 1 key then, Enter.  	*You may be prompted for your Administrator
Password, enter that password. (If there is no password just leave it blank and
press Enter)  	*Copy the two files, ntldr and ntdetect.com to the root directory
of the primary hard disk by typing the following commands.
In this example it is presumed that the CD-ROM Drive is E:; however, it will be
necessary to type in the correct Letter for the corresponding Drive.
copy e:i386ntldr c: (ENTER)
copy e:i386ntdetect.com c: (ENTER)
Once the two files are copied;reboot the computer. Upon restart the system
should be normal.
Corrupted boot.ini File (Step 2 Fix)
*Insert the Windows(R) XP CD into the computer.  	*When prompted to press any
key to boot from the CD, press Any key.  	*Once in the Windows XP Setup Menu
press the R key to repair Windows.  	*Log into the Windows(R) installation by
pressing the 1 key and pressing enter.  	*You will then be prompted for your
Administrator Password, enter that password. (If there is no password just press
Enter)
At the command prompt type in the following commands:
chkdsk /r (Please note the space after chkdsk and the /r) (ENTER)
fixboot (ENTER)
exit (ENTER)
Then remove the disk, and reboot the computer.
Important Note: Should the computer "detect and repair" any bad sectors when
running the first chkdsk /r command, it is usually a sign that the Hard Disc
Drive (HDD) is failing and may need to be replaced.
2. NTLDR is Compressed
The fix for this error message is much easier than the previous "Ntldr is
Missing or Corrupt" Error Message.
To resolve issues such as this, follow these guidelines:
*Insert the Windows(R) XP CD into the computer.  	*When prompted to press any
key to boot from the CD, press Any key.  	*Once in the Windows XP Setup Menu
press the R key to repair Windows.  	*Log into the Windows(R) installation by
pressing the 1 key, then enter.  	*You will then be prompted for your
Administrator Password, enter that password. (If there is no password just leave
it blank and press Enter)
Use the following commands:
compact /u C:ntldr (ENTER)
exit (ENTER)
Important Note: Replace C:with the drive letter that applies to the specific
computer setup if this is different. Also please note the spaces in the Command
Prompts.
Remove the disk, and reboot the computer. Upon restart all should be normal.
It's simple as that!
In conclusion the writer would like to thank Eneles - TSF Hardware Moderator
and JohnthePilot (JtP) - TSF Articles Assistant Manager for helping create this
article with their guiding comments. (c) 2008 techsupportforum.com