Member Avatar for shanna75

ok, we built a computer, and keep getting ntldr missing message, I have no idea what to do, there is nothing installed on the computer, it's brand new. Could someone please help me out?:sad:

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— because you moved an XP-era drive into a new motherboard there are a few targeted checks and repairs to try before erasing the disk. and already pointed out basic boot/device prep; the list below gives practical, non-destructive steps and the exact Recovery Console commands often used to restore missing boot files.

  • Verify the BIOS/UEFI actually sees that hard drive and that the board’s controller mode is compatible with the old install. On many newer boards you can switch the SATA controller to "IDE/Compatibility/Legacy" so XP can access the disk without AHCI drivers.
  • Temporarily disconnect any other drives and peripherals so the system can only try to boot from the moved drive. This rules out wrong boot device order.
  • If you need to keep files, attach the drive as a secondary to a working PC and copy off important data before making repairs.
  • Use the Windows XP installation CD, enter the Recovery Console, and run these commands (replace X: with the CD drive letter and assume C: is the system partition):
fixmbr
fixboot C:
copy X:\i386\ntldr C:\
copy X:\i386\ntdetect.com C:\
bootcfg /rebuild
  • If the CD approach fails, a bootable rescue/live CD can be used to inspect partitions and copy the same files. If the board is newer and you want to keep the existing Windows install, either set the SATA controller to Compatibility or perform a repair install after slipstreaming the board’s SATA drivers (tools like nLite were commonly used for XP).

Caution: fixes that touch the MBR or repartitioning can destroy data—back up first. If these steps don’t recover booting, a fresh OS install on the new motherboard is the most reliable fallback.

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Member Avatar for TallCool1

ok, we built a computer, and keep getting ntldr missing message, I have no idea what to do, there is nothing installed on the computer, it's brand new. Could someone please help me out?

This indicates that the hard drive has a partial or corrupt installation of Windows NT, 2000, or XP. Do you consider the HD "blank?" Are you about to install a new operating system from scratch?

Member Avatar for Dani

This problem can also occur when you have a non-bootable floppy in the A:\ drive. If there's a floppy in the drive, remove it and try again.

Member Avatar for shanna75

the hard drive is from our previous computer

Member Avatar for Dani

You originally said there is nothing installed on the computer? But now you're saying there is an operating system on the drive already? I suggest reformatting and starting from scratch. That's definitely your best option - it should be done when putting the hard drive in a new machine anyways.

Member Avatar for shanna75

sorry, I'm pretty new to this. the motherboard is new, and the hard drive is from my old computer, and the cd rom is from my old computer, so I should basically erase the old hard drive? if you want, you can IM me on soullll36 on yahoo messenger

Member Avatar for TallCool1

sorry, I'm pretty new to this. the motherboard is new, and the hard drive is from my old computer, and the cd rom is from my old computer, so I should basically erase the old hard drive? if you want, you can IM me on soullll36 on yahoo messenger

I have found, from previous experience, that the best bet in a situation like this is:

* Determine the manufacturer and model number of the hard drive.
* Go to that manufacturer's web site.
* Download the appropriate utility floppy disk image. This is a file that will create a bootable floppy with the proper utilities for your HD.
* Use the utilites to test and reformat the drive.

THe HD in question is now blank and ready for whatever you want to put on it. It might take a while to run what is often called a "recertification" test, but you may as well check it fully while you can--such a test usually destroys data. In this case, that's a good thing.

While you are on the manufacturer's web site, you might want to download the manual for your model in PDF format. This can tell you useful stuff like jumper settings and more.

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