NTLDR missing: tried re-copying, fixboot, fixmbr

[Udunno13]

One day I was online and all of a sudden things started acting screwy.

When I started internet explorer a window would pop up that said that there were files missing that were needed to install microsoft money. And then another window popped up that said some files were replaced and it needed to replace them to maintain system integrity so i needed to insert the windows cd.

I inserted the cd, and the windows went away, so I figured things were fine. Then I turned off the laptop and the next time I turned it on, I got the message "NTLDR missing"

So I tried doing the usual things... copying NTLDR and NDetect.com to the c drive... i tried running fixboot and fixmbr...

..but i still get the same message "NTLDR missing"

can someone help? I have some files on the computer that I need for school so I'd rather not use the system restore disks that came with the computer.

[Jason425]

sounds like a virus wrecked havoc. Try booting off another drive and see if you can get the files off of the messed one. Let this be a lesson that you should have stuff backed up.

[khal]

Is there anyway to stop the NTLDR is missing thing from happening, after doing the FIXMBR and FIXBOOT and putting the ntdetect.com etc on the PC, and it still doesn't work? I try to reinstall Windows XP, but right around 20% it starts to not be able to install certain files. Can anyone provide me with some help??

[vee_ess]

Did you format your drive?

[khal]

Did you format your drive?

Yes. I deleted the partition on there, and reformatted. When I go in to install Win XP, it seems to work fine, but then around the 20% mark, it comes up file after file of it not being able to install it. I don't know what to do!

edit: I tried it with an older Windows XP cd, and I got to 70% before it started erroring on me.

[vee_ess]

Are the CD's burned? Or could they be scratched? If different CD's make a difference, that's just weird.

[khal]

Are the CD's burned? Or could they be scratched? If different CD's make a difference, that's just weird.

CDs are the ones that came with my tower(s). They don't appear to be scratched. I was able to get through the initial file copy thing, with a few files not being able to copy, and the PC restarted --- I got the "Windows XP Home Edition" screen to come up, but when it goes to the screen to start the installation, it errors. Has anyone seen this before?

[khal]

After searching multiple forums/sites, some people say this might be a problem with either the RAM or the motherboard on the infected PC. Could this be true? Do you have any idea how much replacing either the RAM or the motherboard would cost?

I'm on a Dell 8200 right now, and anytime I have talked to Dell about this problem, they give me the runaround, so I don't want to go through them.

[vee_ess]

It could possibly be the RAM, but I'd set the BIOS to default or fail-safe settings first, and try re-partitioning and re-formatting before installing Windows again with the new settings.

[james]

unfortunately, i don't have any insight to your problem, but huey is the shit!

[TWalter]

I too have the same problem, on TWO computers. I posted my own thread with no results.
I feel that it must be a virus but there seems to be no way to get it out of the system. I have TWO computers down and I have tried all of the suggestions that I have read here, on this website, with no results.
It is possible that Windows XP has a problem? I am unable to update that in which I cannot re-install.
God ol reliable Pentium 133mhx with Win98 still keeps on going... just like the energizer bunny!
The Pentium 4's with Windows XP, well a little virus knocked them totally out of the game!]
But seriously, I really need HELP!
Thanks TWalter.

[karl0318]

I do not guarantee that this will fix every boot problem, you may want to give it a try. Please read this completely before attempting to follow this method.

Before you spend your hard-earned money on a new motherboard and memory, try removing the CMOS battery from your motherboard and waiting a few minutes. Re-install the battery and enter the BIOS. Be sure that the date and time have been totally forgotten, along with any special settings that you should know about already (BEFORE YOU REMOVE THE BATTERY). Select the default BIOS settings, and have the BIOS save and restart the PC. Sometimes the virus writes itself to the CMOS, and so you get reinfected everytime you reboot the PC. By removing the battery for a period sufficient to kill such a virus, you might find yourself back in business.

[Omega]

I would like to think you've already tried these things, but a quick google turns up some results (just in case):

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;320397
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;318728
http://www.tinyempire.com/shortnotes/files/ntldr_missing.htm
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000465.htm