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0
Votes
Not a typical "NTLDR is missing" issue....
A friend has a Compaq Presario desktop. S.M.A.R.T has indicated that the HDD is damaged and will inevitably fail. I purchased a new HDD and installed WinXP Pro. After the installation, upon turning it on, I receive the error "NTLDR is missing". Considering its a brand new install, this thoroughly confused me. I proceeded to load up the Recover Console and performed both fixmbr and fixboot, with no luck. I know the XP setup disk is good because if I place the HDD in another PC (other than a Compaq), it loads with no problems. Suggestions?
1st Nov 2009
Answers (3)
0
Votes
Was the operating system
installed while the hard drive was connected to the Compaq?
If it was you may have to update the BIOS.
How to troubleshoot the "NTLDR Is Missing" error message in Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318728
If it was you may have to update the BIOS.
How to troubleshoot the "NTLDR Is Missing" error message in Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318728
1st Nov 2009
Replies
It was a brand new HDD and I installed it in the Compaq and then installed Windows.
M4rc
2nd Nov 2009
0
Votes
Install with the HDD in the intended PC ...
NOT in another PC then transferred after the install.
1st Nov 2009
Replies
It was a brand new HDD which I installed in the Compaq and then installed Windows.
M4rc
2nd Nov 2009
And what is the model of this HDD ?
Also, is this XP Pro install disc a full retail one?
Also, is this XP Pro install disc a full retail one?
OldER Mycroft
2nd Nov 2009
a Compaq Presario SR2170NX, HDD model 160GB Western Digital, and yes, it is a full retail XP setup disc.
M4rc
2nd Nov 2009
0
Votes
Not a typical "NTLDR is missing" issue....
Check this link
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318728
I also faced this problem but i was having this problem because of booting device selection.
When i selected primary boot device as DVD drive and started booting from my xp cd, it solved.
Hope this may help you.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318728
I also faced this problem but i was having this problem because of booting device selection.
When i selected primary boot device as DVD drive and started booting from my xp cd, it solved.
Hope this may help you.
2nd Nov 2009
Replies
the CD-ROM drive, but don't press anything when prompted "Press any key to boot from cd...", it freezes at that screen and won't even attempt to load from the HDD.
M4rc
2nd Nov 2009
Clear and reset Bios, make sure you do not add a password to bios yet until after installation of windows. Once you have completed the bios clear and reset, reinstall windows.
riskyone101@...
2nd Nov 2009
after I attempt to update the BIOS.
M4rc
2nd Nov 2009
if the System is locking up. You may do irreparable damage. Try this first.
Clearing the BIOS settings
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00864922&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=3340210#N1447
Check the memory.
You can test the memory by running Windows Memory Diagnostic that can be downloaded from http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp. If memory problems are found, try re-seating the RAM. If it doesn't work, replace the defective RAM.
Clearing the BIOS settings
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00864922&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=3340210#N1447
Check the memory.
You can test the memory by running Windows Memory Diagnostic that can be downloaded from http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp. If memory problems are found, try re-seating the RAM. If it doesn't work, replace the defective RAM.
Jacky Howe
2nd Nov 2009
You can use the Hard Drive Makers Testing Utility to Test the Drive which can be downloaded from below.
Hitachi / IBM The result code for a good drive, which should be displayed, is 0X00.
Western Digital
Fujitsu
Seagate
Samsung
Hitachi / IBM The result code for a good drive, which should be displayed, is 0X00.
Western Digital
Fujitsu
Seagate
Samsung
Jacky Howe
2nd Nov 2009
I just re-installed Windows. It now boots properly with no issues, so I'm assuming all the hardware is fine. Probably overkill, but at least its working now. Thank you all for all your help and suggestions.
M4rc
5th Nov 2009
that you have it sorted out. 
Jacky Howe
5th Nov 2009
