For many Windows users, this is a well-known scenario – you turn on your PC and wait for Windows to start…… All you get is a black screen with a mysterious “NTLDR Missing” error. This is a scary scenario for most PC users who are not very computer savvy. They panic and resort to a complete reinstall of Windows or have to seek expensive technical support. However, in reality, this error is not as bad as it sounds, and in most cases, the situation can be fixed without taking any drastic measures.
How to Fix NTLDR Missing Error? Let’s look at the possible causes of the NTLDR error. First of all, what is NTLDR and why do you need it? “NTLDR” stands for “NT BootLoader”. It is a software in the Windows operating system version, and it is based on NT kernels such as XP, NT, and 2000. It is designed to boot the Windows system from a partition on the hard drive and usually resides on the main hard drive, in the main Windows partition. In order for this to work, at least these two files must exist on your main Windows partition:-
- NTLDR
- ini
Solution to NTLDR Lost Error: As the first thing you do, you have to check whether your main Windows system partition is accessible and contains both files. This sounds easier said than done, as you may not be able to boot the problematic PC right now. But, it helps with this – there are many 3rd party boot tools available today that can boot your PC completely automatically from a CD and let you check your hard drive. As an alternative, if you don’t have any such tools on hand, you can choose to use the original Windows installation CD – you can use it to boot basic Windows and repair the primary partition.
However, even before that, you should check if the PC is actually trying to boot from the correct partition. Often, some unintentional BIOS changes or installing a new HD can cause the MBR (Master Boot Record) to point to the wrong location.
Another very basic source of NTLDR errors is that the system hard drive is not functioning properly. For example, a missing or slightly loose IDE cable (i.e., a wide cable on the back of the HD) is most likely the cause. If you’ve recently moved your PC or installed new components, you should verify that the IDE cable is still securely connected.
Some of the other possible causes of the “NTLDR Missing” error are quite simple:
How to Fix NTLDR Missing Error? Have you forgotten a CD or DVD in one of your drives? If the boot priority in the BIOS is set to boot from the CD/DVD drive first, it may be the source.
Solution to NTLDR Lost Error: Have you changed anything in the BIOS recently? Try resetting it to its default settings. This can be easily done in any BIOS. Just pay attention to the message on how to get into the BIOS on boot – usually by pressing the Del or some F8-F10 button.
If the HD is powered on, the IDE cable is connected, and everything is working fine in the BIOS, you may need to restore NTLDR and boot.ini from a Windows CD or using a third-party tool.
To repair Windows, you can use the System Repair option on the Windows boot CD or you can use a commercial tool.
If none of these work, it is possible that you are experiencing a more serious problem, such as a faulty hard drive or a faulty IDE cable. In this case, you may not be able to reinstall Windows.
