Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: ryuu-kage on January 07, 2007, 12:45:50 PM

Title: ntldr is missing... (WinXP)
Post by: ryuu-kage on January 07, 2007, 12:45:50 PM
simple fix right? wrong...

took me forever to get past my administration password (which for the recovery console seems to be nothing at all for some reason). now that I finally have access, I can't copy files from my original install disk or any extra bootdisks/data disks. I only get an error message telling me "access is denied". And reinstalling my OS is NOT an option (as I have some files not yet backed up that i need to retrieve) unless i put in a new hd, but i don't know if i could (the current dual 500 GB hd configuration uses cables I've never seen before).

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated...

Or if someone could help me move the the files off my hd and onto an external that would be fine as well, either way.

Btw this is XP Pro w/ Media Center (can't believe I forgot to put that...)
Title: Re: ntldr is missing... (WinXP)
Post by: ryuu-kage on January 07, 2007, 02:05:30 PM
anybody? :-[
Title: Re: ntldr is missing... (WinXP)
Post by: patio on January 07, 2007, 02:12:09 PM
 From our archives (http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000465.htm)

And Here... (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421
)

patio.  8-)
Title: Re: ntldr is missing... (WinXP)
Post by: ryuu-kage on January 07, 2007, 02:21:19 PM
Quote
I can't copy files from my original install disk or any extra bootdisks/data disks. I only get an error message telling me "access is denied".

Already tried both of those... :'(
Title: Re: ntldr is missing... (WinXP)
Post by: ryuu-kage on January 07, 2007, 02:56:02 PM
If I put in a new hard drive and made a fresh install of windows to that drive, then used THIS (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421) method, would I be able to retrieve my files?
Title: Re: ntldr is missing... (WinXP)
Post by: patio on January 07, 2007, 03:06:36 PM
It's worth a shot. That or swap it as slave into a known working machine...

But hey i never need an excuse to buy a new HDD...go with your method. ;)
Title: Re: ntldr is missing... (WinXP)
Post by: ryuu-kage on January 07, 2007, 03:10:48 PM
Quote
It's worth a shot. That or swap it as slave into a known working machine...

But hey i never need an excuse to buy a new HDD...go with your method. ;)

Guess I'll put it to the test then, lol. To Fry's!
Title: Re: ntldr is missing... (WinXP)
Post by: ryuu-kage on January 07, 2007, 09:14:48 PM
 :-? *censored*?

Okay, so I get back and for some reason can't install the extra harddrive without using windows (figures), but now I magically have access to the files on the boot/install disc (no "Access is Denied" messages now). But after copying over both ntldr and ntdetect.com, the system still gives me the "NTLDR is missing" message. Trying to copy the files over again, it's now asking me if I want to overwrite the copy already on the system (didn't do that the other time), so I know the file is there...could it be because the one from the disc is prior to SP2 (possibly SP1, but I doubt it)?
Title: Re: ntldr is missing... (WinXP)
Post by: ryuu-kage on January 07, 2007, 10:37:43 PM
Okay, mysteriously the Windows repair function started working, so now the problem is (probably) resolved. Once I move off my unbacked files I'm gonna start fresh with a new install of the OS, lol. ;D
Title: Re: ntldr is missing... (WinXP)
Post by: GX1_Man on January 08, 2007, 03:54:37 AM
A good format and install solves all Windows problems for a while.

Be sure and keep your friend off of your computer.  ;)
Title: Re: ntldr is missing... (WinXP)
Post by: ryuu-kage on January 08, 2007, 04:25:25 AM
Quote
A good format and install solves all Windows problems for a while.

Be sure and keep your friend off of your computer.  ;)

Probably a better idea to keep me off it, lol. I've decided to not use it for any internet activities (aside from regular MS and other updates) and keep online stuff on my laptop...reinstalling the OS on my laptop only takes about 18 minutes anyway. ;D