Windows Error NTLDR is Missing
So you have received the infamous NTLDR Is Missing – Windows Error. No need to fret, we will have a solution for you shortly.
Why are you receiving this error?
Most likely this problem is in direct result of the following:
- Computer is booting from a non-bootable source
- Hard drive is not properly setup in BIOS.
- Virus or Spyware Related.
- Mis-configuration with the boot.ini file.
- New hard disk drive being added.
- Windows OS has become corrupt.
- Corrupt boot sector / master boot record.
- Loose or Faulty IDE/EIDE hard disk drive cable.
Things to Check Before Proceeding
- Computer is booting from a non-bootable source. Make sure you do not have anything plugged into the computer other than what is essentially needed. For example, no external devices; flash drives, external hard drives, printers, mobile phones, etc.
- Hard rive is not properly setup in bios. If you feel comfortable enough to dabble around your computer BIOS then make sure your hard drive is 1. recognized by your computer, and 2. that the computer knows to boot to it.
- Virus or Spyware Related. Ask yourself what you were doing before this error occurred. Did you install a new program? Perform a Windows update? Install new hardware? Was your computer displaying any false infection alerts?
- Windows OS has become corrupt. The Windows OS can become corrupt by a few things. Normally this wont happen by exercising caution when on the internet, nor by keeping your computer up-to-date with Windows updates and anti-virus software updates. This will happen if your computer was or currently is infected with a virus or spyware infection. Also, the Windows OS can become corrupted due to a failing hard drive.
- Loose or Faulty IDE/EIDE hard disk drive cable. It’s possible that the hard drive cable has become disconnected from the hard drive. Open the computer and verify that this cable is connected. If your brave, disconnect the cable and reconnect it back into the hard drive.
If you are still experiencing issues with the NTDLR than please proceed with the following solutions.
How to Resolve NTDLR is Missing Windows Error
- You will need to preform a Windows Recovery using either the recovery console or Windows installation CD. Please see the following links below. Depending on your Windows OS, 1 of the 3 links will apply to you.
- Windows XP Recovery Console
- Windows Vista Recovery Options
- Widows 7 Recovery Options
If all else fails, than this would be the last resort.
- Wipe and Reload your Windows operating system. This WILL fix the error if it is Windows software related issue. Please note: if the NTLDR Error your receiving is due to a hardware malfunction, than this will NOT repair your computer. Please see the following link below to preform a Windows re-install. Please remember to backup any of your data before proceeding! To do this, pull your hard drive, and connect it to a IDE/SATA to USB adapter. Plug your hard drive in to a working computer and go to My Computer. You will see your hard drive show up in the list of connected drives. Choose your hard drive, and copy your files over. Once you have copied your files over, than re-insert your hard drive back into your computer and proceed with the Windows re-installation. Please see how to reinstall windows for further information.