[mary8747]

My Windows XP Professional is missing the NTLDR file. It was deleted by accident. Can I use my new Windows Vista to replace the file in the XP? Also does anyone know what the Bios Setup Utility is supposed to be set to for the XP Professional? I had a friend try to help with the problem and I think he messed up the Bios Setup. Also, when I was given the XP it came with a disk but I do not have the numbers for the code it asks for. Does anyone know how I can get the code? I can not get into the XP Professional because all that comes up is a black screen that says the NTLDR file is missing. If anyone can help with this I would really appreciate the help.

 

[elf]

You cannot use the NTLDR file from the Vista cd they are different. Your BIOS shouldn't affect your screen too much, if you think it is messed up you can reset the BIOS to fail-safe defaults.

If you have a windows XP cd then you should be able to boot to the recovery console to replace the file. http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000465.htm

1. Insert the Windows XP bootable CD into the computer.
2. When prompted to press any key to boot from the CD, press any key.
3. Once in the Windows XP setup menu press the "R" key to repair Windows.
4. Log into your Windows installation by pressing the "1" key and pressing enter.
5. You will then be prompted for your administrator password, enter that password.
6. Copy the below two files to the root directory of the primary hard disk. In the below example we are copying these files from the CD-ROM drive letter, which in this case is "e." This letter may be different on your computer.

copy e:\i386\ntldr c:\
copy e:\i386\ntdetect.com c:\


7. Once both of these files have been successfully copied, remove the CD from the computer and reboot.

 

[mary8747]

I tried setting my BIOS to the fail safe defaults and I still get a black screen saying the file is missing. I tried putting in the disk that came with the computer and nothing happens. Do you think I should take it to a professional? I don't know much about computers and don't want to mess it up even more than what it is. Please Help!!

 

[mary8747]

I just checked my finances and I will not be able to take the computer to a professional. Can anyone tell me how to correct this problem by myself?

 

[dai]

http://tinyempire.com/notes/ntldrismissing.htm

 

[mary8747]

I went to the site you gave me. It looks like I have to get a copy od the disk to reboot the computer. Do you know where i can get the disk? Also is there a reason why I have a black screen that says the file is missing. It also says to press control, alternate and delete to restart. The problem is it wont let me do anything except to get into the BIOS menu. Can anyone give me any advice?

 

[mary8747]

My husband just told me that the computer will not let him get in. He got an XP disk and tried to put it in. The computer is not letting him in at all. The only thing he can get into is the BIOS. I know I am being a pain about this, but I know very little about computers and I really need some help. Thanks.

 

[elf]

In your BIOS you can set the primary boot device. Make sure it is set to boot from the CD rom drive first. Once you have that set you can follow the instructions below.

If you have a windows XP cd then you should be able to boot to the recovery console to replace the file. http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000465.htm

1. Insert the Windows XP bootable CD into the computer.
2. When prompted to press any key to boot from the CD, press any key.
3. Once in the Windows XP setup menu press the "R" key to repair Windows.
4. Log into your Windows installation by pressing the "1" key and pressing enter.
5. You will then be prompted for your administrator password, enter that password.
6. Copy the below two files to the root directory of the primary hard disk. In the below example we are copying these files from the CD-ROM drive letter, which in this case is "e." This letter may be different on your computer.

copy e:\i386\ntldr c:\
copy e:\i386\ntdetect.com c:\


7. Once both of these files have been successfully copied, remove the CD from the computer and reboot.

 

[mary8747]

elf,
Thank you for trying to help. I have done everything you said to do, but I am still unable to get the computer working. Thank you for your advice and sorry I wasted your time doing this. Your advice was greatly appreciated. I guess I will have to take the XP to a professional to have it fixed. Thanks again!