Reformated now can't install XP (error NTLDR is missing)

[Denvers Dawgs]

Ok I had winME on an old computer I just reformated the hard drive so there is nothing on it. I went to install WinXP and when restarting the computer I got a message saying NTLDR is missing,hit CLR ALT DLT to restart. This happens everytime and XP won't install. Anyone know what I can do to get xp to install?

[crazy14muzic]

change bios settings to boot from cd or use fdisk to clear the partitions from the hd, exit fdisk without creating new partitions, then it should boot from the cd

[Denvers Dawgs]

I can't get past the missing ntdlr. It tells me to reboot then I get the same message. How can I get around this?

[crazy14muzic]

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/results.aspx?freetext=setup+disk&productID=4C937A02...DisplayLang=en

[lumis]

i used to get this error when i had drives attached to my ide controller card, after about 15 minutes of messing with it (connecting, moving disconnecting) i was able to get it working.. i could never figure out exactly what went wrong, but whenever it gave me that error, messing with it for a while worked.

i scoured the internet (and mskb) for fixes, nothing worked.. tried bios upgrades for the mobo, firmware upgrade for the cards, nothing..

[reboot]

Enter the bios (cmos) setup and turn OFF the boot sector anti-virus or whatever it's called.
This is preventing the XP install from writing the boot sector it needs, to the hard drive.

[lumis]

in the previous computer i had, a name brand that i do not wish to mention, there was very limited bios options. only playing around with it was i able to get it working. (sorry if i mini-hijakced)

[Denvers Dawgs]

how do I enter the bios. on start up i get this error. The drive has absolutely nothing on it. New formated drive.

[Denvers Dawgs]

I used the fixntldr zip file. started working then I got this error. missing or corrupt <windows root>\system32\hal.dll

[Denvers Dawgs]

Ok here is what I have done......started with a dell dim 4100 computer. Reformated the hd (swiped clean) want to install win xp (previous version with comp was Win ME) So right now I have a computer with 37.1GB hd with nothing on it. Can't get it to read cd-roms to install win xp?

[VCDHunter]

You have to enable boot from cd in bios or select the order in which your pc boots. Otherwise it keeps trying to boot from your HD which has nothing on it.

[reboot]

Hit F2 to get into BIOS during boot up.
Change boot sequence to CD-ROM first, IDE-0 second.
Alternatively, hit F12 to get a boot selection menu.
You still have to turn off the boot-anti-virus-crap.
RTFM that came with the Dell (if you have it).

[Denvers Dawgs]

Okchanged the cd-rom to 1st IDE to 2nd, where do I find the boot-anti-virus stuff?

[reboot]

I have no idea, I don't have a Dell here to look at, and can't see what's on YOUR screen.
What do you mean you "changed the cd-rom to 1st IDE to 2nd"?
You can't just arbitrarily change their sequence in BIOS, you only change what order you want them to boot in. If the BIOS doesn't let you specify boot sequence, then you hit F12 while booting, and select #4 to boot from CD-ROM.

Edit: I think this process may be beyond your capabilities with your Dell.
I would suggest you dig up the manual and start reading, or take it to a shop.

[Denvers Dawgs]

Hit F2 to get into BIOS during boot up.
Change boot sequence to CD-ROM first, IDE-0 second.

I did this from what you said. I know can boot from cd-rom, still can't find boot-anti-virus crap yet?

I can install from my winME cd that came from dell, but i can't install the winxp cd?

[redwudz]

I've had the 'Ntldr is missing' problem in the past. Usually means the computer can't read the disc for whatever reason. It happened a couple of times with a backup copy of XP. NT loader is what the file is. It's the basic boot to install XP. Without it, the install won't work.

Here's a link to some solutions if none of the above ideas work. http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000465.htm

It's a fairly common problem. Do a Google search for 'Ntldr is missing' and you will find some other links. I have also had luck with unplugging the other optical drives and just having the one with the XP disc connected, along with just the boot HD. Seems like the computer can't decide which disc has the XP files on it.

[Denvers Dawgs]

OK got it all to work. Had to change Bios to have cd-rom 1st boot sequence. Unfortunately the xp installation discs don't seem to be bootable....looks like back to winME for now.....

[reboot]

All retail and OEM versions of Windows XP, Home, Pro, MCE, and Corporate, are bootable.
Maybe you have a really crappy pirated copy.

[Denvers Dawgs]

Got it to work, It's a store bought one, returned it and got another. Works fine now....thanks