Computer problem: "NTDLR missing" cant boot.

[maveric]

I go through my normal boot process, hit F1 like usual, then in the boot window it shows NTDLR missing, hit Ctrl-alt-del. Which I do and the same message comes up. I ran my XP disc and loaded all that the screen offered, but when it came for me to agree with the terms, hit F8 to agree, it wont do anything. Nothing! Only the "I do not agree = esc" works, which send me right back to the boot screen with "NTDLR missing hit ctrl-alt-del".
So I'm spinning my wheels here.
F8 to start in safe mode does not work.
HELP!!

[no name no slogan]

1. sounds like you need a boot disk

NTLDR = "NT Loader"
it's a utility that loads the operating system, basically
here's a link to more info: http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/n/ntldr.htm

ON EDIT: here's a better link http://www.tinyempire.com/shortnotes/files/ntldr_missing.htm

if you made some hardware changes recently, this may be causing your problem. or it could be the BIOS.

[CBGLuthier]

2. TRy this procedure here

http://www.ntfs.com/missing-corrupted-system-files.htm


What you need to do is boot from your XP cd, choose repair console and follow the directions on the bottom of the web page.

Repair console is before the license so you should be OK.

Oops, they don;t have the procedure there. Try this instead.

Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD.
At the first R=Repair option, press the R key
Press the number that corresponds to the correct location for the installation of Windows you want to repair.
Typically this will be #1
Enter in the administrator password when requested
Enter in the following commands (X: is replaced by the actual drive letter that is assigned to the CD ROM drive.
COPY X:\i386\NTLDR C\:
COPY X:\i386\NTDETECT.COM C:\
Take out the CD ROM and type exit


Usually there is no administrator password. Just hit enter.

[maveric]

3. What administrator password? Where do I get that?

What administrator?

[no name no slogan]

4. all NT/XP systems have an administrator account

but most people (unless they're geeks) don't really know about it. it's the "super user" who has complete rights to the machine and has complete authority to make any kind of change to its software and/or configuration.

back in the day when not everybody had their own computer, many different users had to "time-share" on each machine. hence, each end-user had her/his own "account" with her/his own configuration settings, security permissions, etc.

The XP operating system, unlike DOS, has its roots in multi-user computing environments. thus, it is possible to have more than one account on the machine.

most users, however, just use the "root" account (or "administrator" in WinSpeak) for every user, and most users don't use a password for it, either. however, it is possible to set up different users on an XP machine and give them each different levels of permission. For example, the Admin account has complete rights to the machine, while "User1" may only have permission to run programs and edit files (can't install new software), etc.

Hope this makes sense. :silly:

[maveric]

5. So if I type in "user1"?

[no name no slogan]

6. unless you set up an account named "user1", nothing would happen

and to do that, you need to be logged into the machine as the administrator, as only the machine's administrator(s) have the power to add/change users.

you could set up an account as "user1", and then restrict that account's priviledges-- for example, you could only allow it to run programs, not install new ones. this is pretty SOP for most multi-user environments, or at companies where you don't want everybody to have über-control over their workstations.

[maveric]

7. When I bought my system I plugged it in and it ran. I never set up

anything to my recollection. Where do I find the administrator password? Can I find it somewhere? Can I get a new one? Or do I have to junk my computer, lose all my shit, and buy a new one?
I apologize if I'm short here but I very frustrated.

[no name no slogan]

8. no worries. you probably don't have an administrator password

in that case, just follow the instructions, above. leave the password blank and just hit enter. that will probably fix the problem.
:hi:

[maveric]

9. Did that and it wont budge without the password.

[no name no slogan]

10. i would call the place where you got it

and see if they have any ideas. i'm a web geek by trade (not a sys admin), so i'm fresh out of ideas. sorry. :shrug:

[maveric]

11. Thanks, I appreciate the help.

It aint going anywhere without that damn password!
This is a 5 yr old system that I bought at Best-Buy, five years ago.
I call them and they'll say drop it off and we'll take a look at it (probably take a week), then give me an estimate.
I HATE this shit!

[miss_kitty]

12. Goddamnit

I ran into the Password bullshit on my PC, too (XP Pro) a couple weeks ago. It had to do with the task scheduling. I AM the Admin. I don't have a password.

Good Luck.

[lastknowngood]

13. take out the floppy

n/t

[swag]

14. Answer heartily endorsed.