Ntldr is missing...

I recently did the latest update for Windows XP. Not much of an update, I believe it was the one to get a legit copy of XP. When I finished the update and rebooted all I got was the error "Ntldr is missing". I did a search on google for a few days and found a lot of info but nothing seems to work. I wish I would have written everything down so I could be more specific but I didn't. I downloaded a few programs, booted from the CD, did a repair with the CD but nothing seems to bring the Ntldr file back. Any suggestions? The hard drive is only a few months old and is a WD2500 250GB.

Scott S.

ps. I don't mind starting from scratch to try to fix this problem.

 

>> Any suggestions? Scott S. <<

Was this a recent Windows update installation? If so, try using System Restore.

Go To: Start => Programs => Accessories => System Tools => System Restore to view and/or to return to any restore point from the Welcome to System Restore screen of the System Restore Wizard select "Restore my computer to an earlier time."

Then select the date when the restore point was created from the calendar in the Select a Restore Point screen [preferably prior to the Windows update, of course]. All of the restore points that were created on the selected dates are listed by name in the list box to the right of the calendar.

If you are unfamiliar with System Restore - go here first:
FAQ Regarding System Restore in Windows XP

Important Note: Most Windows Updates leave a signature in System Restore called "Software Distribution 2.0." Choose a date BEFORE that, if possible.

Good Luck!

 

That won't work, if he is receiving "NTLDR is missing" the computer will not boot to Windows.

Have you done the procedures in this thread?
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showpost.php?p=703492&postcount=3

If so, then it could be a boot sector problem. Specifically a MFT fragmentation problem. You'll need to contact MS as per this article. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320397/en-us

 

Hiren's Boot CD, isn't going to help here.

You have 3 options.

1. Create a bootable NTFS Floppy, http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showpost.php?p=372164&postcount=1, and then replace the boot.ini.

2. Follow the procedures in this post, http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showpos...92&postcount=3, which I already linked to.

3. Obtain the bcupdate2 utility from Microsoft, to correct MFT fragmentation, which is not supposed to be a problem with SP2. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320397/en-us

On a side note. There is no update from Microsoft to get a legit copy of Windows. If you do not have a legit product key I sugest you get it by eiither:
1. Purchasing a Windows XP Product Key from Microsoft.
2. Obtaining a legal product key from the system manufacturer.

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I have installed my old harddrive and reinstalled windowsXP on it. I will begin working on the problem again this week.

On a side note. KB905474 - "Windows Genuine Advantage Notification"

http://berniej.blogspot.com/2006/04/windows-xp-is-now-nagware.html

 

That's a WGA Nag, for people who are running Pirated Copies of Windows.

The way I read your post was a update to make a pirated copy legit. That isn't going to happen.

 

I can understand that. I hope you can understand my position as well. I do appreciate the help given in your post and the time you have taken to reply to my problem.

Scott S.