"Tip: If you are asking for help to troubleshoot a computer-related problem, please be sure to include all the necessary information (ie: operating system, model number, hardware, software, etc) that will help others identify your problem for a speedy resolution."

You supplied the following clues:

"PC running on windows 2k. Few days earlier, I got
ntldr missing press ctrl alt del to restart

Searched and searched but nothing on the net was able to help.

Took off the HP printer cable, restarted and the PC went fine."

With so little to work with, I can only guess and a guess it would be. Said HP printer might be connected with USB. Some PC's need motherboard drivers or the OS may fail as the USB device is plugged in. It matters not if it worked before for far too many reasons. So that's the only item that I'll guess on.

Consider that the information and story you tell is what the forum has to work with. The better information you supply, the more a possibility an answer can be found.

Bob