NTLDR missing when trying to install XP

[wolfe70]

NTLDR missing when trying to install XP

I tried to do it from the XP CD but it wouldn't let me delete the FAT32 partition to install the NTFS partition. So I "slaved" the drive and formatted it with NTSF.

Now when I start the orig computer I get the above message.

How do I get past it to install XP?

The BIOS is set to boot from the CD first.

[wolfe70]

Also I can see the CD from a dos bootup disk but it won't let me run "Setup.exe".

[LethalRevenge]

What do you mean by slaved.

Did you connect it to another computer?

Did you also move the jumper from CS to SL?

Make sure the jumper is set to CS.

Make sure the drive is connected to the end connector this is the master connector the middle one is the slave.

Boot to the install CD, if you get the missing file message.

You missed the hit any key to boot from CD message.

System then tries to boot to the hardrive.
If it detects the other failed install files it will continue the install.
This will cause the missing file message.

Try again and hit a button when the boot to CD message appears.




You can download drive utility tools for a floppy disk from most of the drive manufactures.
Use drive tools to delete and format the drive be for reformating with the windows installer.
If the windows formater fails select quick format and it should work the second time.

[wolfe70]

Can't boot from the CD as I could before I re-formatted HD.

I ass-u-me if I bought another HD, all would be well?

[LethalRevenge]

I have had a simular problem.

Download the drive tools from the manufactures web site.

Delete the partition, create a partition, format NTFS, use 512 sector size.

Then try to install windows.

This worked for me.



If your PC does not have a floppy drive, create a bootable CD and put the tool files on it.

[jmtjet]

You can run a diagnostics on the drive before you go to the expense of buying a new one. All of the major manufacturers of harddrives have drive tools for download on their websites. Download the proper tool, put in on a floppy, insert the floppy and reboot. The tool will start and check the drive. Also, are sure the CD-ROM drive is OK? If you put in a bootable CD it should start setup from the CD.

[wolfe70]

It worked before I re-formatted HD. As I said it booted up but wouldn't let me delete Fat32 for NTSF.

So I "slaved" it and re-formatted it.

[SuperSparks]

If you want to Run WinXP Setup from DOS, navigate to the I386 folder on the Windows CD and type "Winnt.exe", without the quotes, at the command prompt.

[wolfe70]

Well.....I changed the data cables from the original position and I changed the jumper setting from the orig. and it gave me the same NT...missing but I also got "Press any key ...from CD".

So I restarted twice and got into the XP installation.

I did not change the cables or the jumpers yesterday so I don't undersatnd it but thanks for the posts.

I'll report back when all is installed.