Windows XP/2003 NTLDR Is Missing

If you get a strange error that NTLDR is missing on your Windows computer based on NT (mostly XP/2003), check out the solution below.

In order to fix the NT bootloader, you need to open a command prompt in the recovery environment. You can either boot with the Windows CD or use something like MS-DART (ERD Commander). In the command prompt:

1. Type bootrec /fixboot and hit ‘enter.’
2. Type bootrec /fixmbr and hit ‘enter.’
3. Type bootrec /rebuildbcd and hit ‘enter.’

Option 2: Boot into Ubuntu Live or GParted Live and use GParted. Make sure the boot flag is set to the correct partition.

Note: Surprising enough, you can take an entirely different approach and use a Windows 98 floppy boot disc. The commands are a bit different. I will post them once I remember them. 🙂

Option 3: Boot into Windows disc then follow the instructions below:

1. Press r to access Repair Console.
2. Press 1, hit ‘enter’ and type in the administrator password.
3. Type the following commands:
   1. copy letter:\i386\ntldr C:\
   2. copy letter:\i386\ntdetect.com C:\
   3. Note: replace ‘letter’ with your drive letter (most likely D).
4. Reboot PC.

I like option 3 as well as I have plenty of Windows media lying around.

There you go. That’s 3 ways to fix the NTLDR is missing error. Enjoy being able to boot back into your computer.

Note: If you’re using Windows 2000 and receive this NTLDR error, Microsoft have a good support article detailing how to troubleshoot this error. It’s similar but they have you messing with the Boot.ini files as well. If you’re not comfortable editing these files, at least open it up to take a look at it. Check it out.