Computer Hope
Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows XP => Topic started by: FML2009 on September 22, 2009, 10:02:37 AM
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Hi guys,
Today I tried to boot up my laptop and was faced with a NTLDR missing scenario. I get the jist of how to overcome the problem (XP disk, repair...) but it seems that I can't go through the repair process because my Administrator's Password is unknown to me.
I'm the computer's only user and, to my knowledge, have not altered the password from my user password (yes, I have tried pressing "Enter" straight away at the prompt).
Anyway around this?
Thanks!
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Do a repair install (boot to the XP CD and choose the second repair option, allowing XP to essentially install on top of itself). This will fix the ntldr missing problem and will reset the admin password to blank.
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Allan,
I've tried this method but before the repair operation begins I'm prompted for a password. Could you detail a step-by-step guide? I may be doing this all wrong!
This is how I'm doing it:
1. Insert the Windows XP bootable CD into the computer.
2. When prompted to press any key to boot from the CD, press any key.
3. Once in the Windows XP setup menu press the "R" key to repair Windows.
4. Log into your Windows installation by pressing the "1" key and pressing enter.
5. You will then be prompted for your administrator password, enter that password.
STEP #5 IS MY DOWNFALL
6. Copy the below two files to the root directory of the primary hard disk. In the below example we are copying these files from the CD-ROM drive letter, which in this case is "e." This letter may be different on your computer.
copy e:\i386\ntldr c:\
copy e:\i386\ntdetect.com c:\
7. Once both of these files have been successfully copied, remove the CD from the computer and reboot.
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As I said above, choose the SECOND repair option, not the first.
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The topic starter should include some information about the brand and model of the laptop. Many laptop computers have different methods of doing a system repair. In Most cases, a system restore on a laptop is not the same as the repair feature in the retail version of Windows XP used on Desktop Computers.
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Thanks Geek, but I'm fine not knowing. A repair install is the same no matter what.
To be honest, most of the time I couldn't care less what the specific specs are except in certain situations.
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As I said above, choose the SECOND repair option, not the first.
As the screen shows, option #1 is re-install ("set up Windows XP"), option #2 is repair.
Choose option #1?
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Are you booting to a retail XP CD?
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The topic starter should include some information about the brand and model of the laptop. Many laptop computers have different methods of doing a system repair. In Most cases, a system restore on a laptop is not the same as the repair feature in the retail version of Windows XP used on Desktop Computers.
I'm on some crunky old Medion 2000 on XP Pro.
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Are you booting to a retail XP CD?
It's an XP Pro disk, yes.
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And it's not a repair disc but an original XP CD? Then I'm not sure what you are looking at, but here are step by step instructions with screens to view: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/operatingsystems/ss/instxprepair1.htm
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And it's not a repair disc but an original XP CD? Then I'm not sure what you are looking at, but here are step by step instructions with screens to view: http://pcsupport.about.com/od/operatingsystems/ss/instxprepair1.htm
Will I lose personal Data stored on my HDD. There's nothing special on there. Just curious!
And yes it's an installation disk.
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No. As long as you choose the repair installation it will simply install XP on top of itself (replacing all system files). All other data, programs and settings should remain intact. But of course there's never any harm in backing up any critical data in case you accidentally hit "format" during the process (which is hard to do, by the way, since you have to confirm twice).
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No. As long as you choose the repair installation it will simply install XP on top of itself (replacing all system files). All other data, programs and settings should remain intact. But of course there's never any harm in backing up any critical data in case you accidentally hit "format" during the process (which is hard to do, by the way, since you have to confirm twice).
Ok, I'm seeing I have 3 partitions. My C drive is the boot one (BOOT NTFS), and I have the following options: "ENTER=INSTALL, D=Delete".
I press enter on C and I get a warning that another OS is installed....press C to continue...now all my options read "format the partition using the NFTS/FAT file system/format the partition using the NFTS/FAT file system (quick)/leave current file system intact.
???
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Your screens should look like those in the link I posted. Did you see & select an option to repair the current Windows installation?
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Repair Install of XP (http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm)
Step by step info...
Done properly all your data and apps will remain intact...
Done improperly all your stuff will be gone but you will have a fresh install of XP...
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Your screens should look like those in the link I posted. Did you see & select an option to repair the current Windows installation?
Everything is fine up until I get to stage 6 on the guide. Whereas they had an option to repair, I only have
1) to set up windows XP on the selected item, press enter
2) to create a partition in the unpartitioned space, press c
3) to delete the selected partition, press d
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Repair Install of XP (http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm)
Step by step info...
Done properly all your data and apps will remain intact...
Done improperly all your stuff will be gone but you will have a fresh install of XP...
Actually, I've just realised that my partition does not read "Microsoft Windows" or whatever. Does this mean the whole *censored* thing is corrupted?
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You said there is nothing critical on the partition. If that's the case, just format and reinstall.
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You said there is nothing critical on the partition. If that's the case, just format and reinstall.
I sorted it last night. I "found" a re-installation disk and used that to follow your and About's instructions.
Thanks, guys!
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You're welcome
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I sorted it last night. I "found" a re-installation disk and used that to follow your and About's instructions.
Thanks, guys!
I am slightly worried.
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I am slightly worried.
The PC he has was normally bundled with XP and there are sites that sell the OEM restore disk for that model. If the PC has a COA it is perfectly legal.
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The PC he has was normally bundled with XP and there are sites that sell the OEM restore disk for that model. If the PC has a COA it is perfectly legal.
Ohh. Like if I have microsoft office, but the cd cracks, I can download a copy. (but the copy didn't ask for my code) anyway...
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The problem has been solved - let it go.