Im running a Compaq computer running windows xp. I had taken the computer apart to do some custom painting on the case. when i put it back together it started giving me this error message.


ntldr is missing

crtl+alt+del to reboot

i have ever encountere this error before and i am unsure as to how to handle it. any suggestions?

Repairing an XP installation


XP Repair install

Please read carefully and make sure you followed the warning links before initiating the Repair Install. You can print a text version for reference. repair.txt

Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot order in the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check your system documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot order.
When you see the "Welcome To Setup" screen, you will see the options below
This portion of the Setup program prepares Microsoft
Windows XP to run on your computer:

To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.

To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.

To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.

Press Enter to start the Windows Setup. do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation using the Recovery Console, press R", (you Do Not want to load Recovery Console). I repeat, do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation using the Recovery Console, press R".
Accept the License Agreement and Windows will search for existing Windows installations.
Select the XP installation you want to repair from the list and press R to start the repair. If Repair is not one of the options, END setup. and Post here again to let me know.

Setup will copy the necessary files to the hard drive and reboot. Do not press any key to boot from CD when the message appears. Setup will continue as if it were doing a clean install, but your applications and settings will remain intact.

the only problem with that it it wont boot from the cd an it dosent give me the option of going into the bios.

copy windows booting files ntldr to system root , from windows bootable cd

F2 and DEL are the 2 most common setup keys. try pressing either of them as soon as you turn on your PC. not the combination of keys just either or

I find it strange that ntldr is missing all of the sudden. Unless you deleted it yourself last time it was on, that should indicate a problem with HD, HD cable, BIOS settings or motherboard.

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