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General discussion

NTLDR Missing error message at start up system will not boot

Oct 10, 2004 6:48AM PDT

I have a 3 year old computer running WInXP OS. I had an email problem which turned out to be what I had suspected a server issue, not anything wrong with my computer. However, in the process of convincing my email subscription folks I had several heated conversations with their tech support. After one very heated discussion with their tech support where the guy insisted that I had too many DLL's running at startup so he was absolutely convinced that one DLL contained a worm & it should be destroyed which I stupidly did against my better judgement (I deleted said DLL). Now I cannot get my computer to boot it starts goes to the PCI device listing screen & the text ends with the message that there is a NTDLR missing to press any key to restart. This does not work at all the message repeats itself everytime you press the key any key. I can access the Bios Screen. but have just set it to original stuff as I am not real familiar with how it should be. I do not want to run a system restore CD supplied with the computer as it says clearly that it will delete all information on the hard drive, not an option. I do have a second computer which runs WINXP media Editon and it should have the intact missng NTLDR, but I do not know how to copy this & install it into the broken computer so I can get that one to start up again. The computers are connected with a KVM switch, but are not networked together. Any ideas I tried on the Computer help forum, but am not sure if someone on this forum might have an idea & not look at the computer help forum so thought I needed to post here too. I use the information on the broken computer in my home business so am desperate to get the old computer to operate as soon as possible. Thanks for any help!!

Discussion is locked

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What hardware issue is suspect?
Oct 10, 2004 6:51AM PDT
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Re: NTLDR Missing error message at start up system will not
Oct 10, 2004 7:40AM PDT

it is a known issue with microsoft and they have a possible solution, make a start up disk with only 3 files
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;314079
this link to microsoft KB explains how to make the disk and what files to use, it is not real informative.
i have tried it and it works using the same system but i have not had a chance to test it using files from a different pc.
also if you dont have a floppy drive just burn them to cd and boot with cd instead of floppy.
if it works then it should start you into windows like you never used them.
it may be worth a try.
i'm still exploring it and also working on a program that makes the disk for you.