NTLDR is missing???

[saqi2000]

Hi Guys,

I don't know what I was thinking when I installed Windows XP Professional, I have installed in on D: (2nd Partition). It was only 10bg and C was 20GB and recently I ran out of space and using Norotn Ghost I copied it to C: drive. When I rebooted the PC I got following message:
NTLDR is missing
Press CTRL+ALT+DEL to restart

I have created a boot disk that has NTLDR and NTDETECT.com and also Boot.ini but it still does not boot up.

Using floppy it loads keyboard and other stuff but when I type c: and hit enter it comes up Invalid drive specification. When type d: and hit enter same probelm.

Try to boot using windows XP CD but no luck,

Can anyone help please?

TIA

Saqi

Knowledge is something no one can steal from you and it increase as time goes by. Saqi

 

[gpalmer711]

See if this helps you

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

Greg Palmer
Freeware Utilities for Windows Administrators.

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[saqi2000]

Gpalmer,

Thank you for getting back to me so quick, I will try tonight and let you know if ithas worked.

TIA

Saqi


Knowledge is something no one can steal from you and it increase as time goes by. Saqi

 

[linney]

Sounds like your Boot.ini file is pointing to the wrong partition (the old Windows instead of the new one).

How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307654&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

A Discussion About the Bootcfg Command and Its Uses

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q291/9/80.asp

The Bootcfg command with the rebuild switch might work for you.

HOW TO: Edit the Boot.ini File in Windows XP (Q289022)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q289/0/22.asp

 

[firewolfrl]

hey Linney,
saqi2000 installed the OS on the D:\ on the second partition...SO....all the registry entries to make the OS run right will refer to the D:\ versus C:\...I don't think the BOOT.INI fix is gonna work..saqi2000 is going to boot the system then the system is going to hang either on the loading windows or the windows for loading the profiles.

its a whole lot easier just to install the OS fresh on one drive (install with only one drive in system as C:\) then transferring the data over to the new install....

ghost and drive image software work OK but they have their moments when it is not worth the hassle

 

[linney]

Good point "firewolfrl", glad someone is thinking straight.

 

[saqi2000]

Hi Guys,

Thank you very much for you help, I managed to start Windows XP but every programme I try to run it kicks off Wondows Installer and waits for few seconds and the launches the program. Any reason why would it do that?

I have got all the software, do you guys think it's best to format the hard drive and reinstall everything? Or is there any other quick way to fix it?

Many thanks for your help.

Saqi



Knowledge is something no one can steal from you and it increase as time goes by. Saqi

 

[gpalmer711]

It's like firewolfrl said. The windows registry has most of it's settings pointing to d: as that was the place windows was originally loaded.

You may well run into further problems along the way. There are applications out there that can help you, but in my opinion if you can do a fresh install I would go for that.

Greg Palmer
Freeware Utilities for Windows Administrators.

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[saqi2000]

Greg,

I have re-installed Windws XP this time C: drive I still have windws on D: drive and there is data in there. I can access all folders accept one which is mine and I have password protected it because it has some confidential data as I do alot of community work and we have 4 users in the house and I had to password protect it as a part of Clients confidentiality.

How can I access that folder?

Regards

Saqi

Knowledge is something no one can steal from you and it increase as time goes by. Saqi

 

[stduc]

If you encrypted that folder you are in big trouble - if not simply take ownership of it.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

Knowledge is something no one can steal from you and it increase as time goes by. Saqi

- Except time LOL

[navy]When I married "Miss Right" I didn't realise her first name was 'always'. LOL[/navy]

 

[saqi2000]

StDUC,

Thanks for prompt reply, I will give a go tonight update you. Thank you again for your help.

Saqi

Knowledge is something no one can steal from you and it increase as time goes by. Saqi