Today, there are many cases when errors occur during the boot process of the Windows operating system, regardless of its version. A large number of articles are devoted to this problem. It is especially unpleasant when the message appears even before the operating system starts loading.
As a rule, it looks like “NTLDR is missing. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to restart ". What are the reasons for its appearance and what to do in such a situation? This is the topic of this article.
What is NTLDR?
First, a few words must be said about the very concept of "NTLDR". It is an abbreviation that is derived from the abbreviation NT Loader. NTLDR is the main component of the operating system boot, which includes three elements. They are responsible for starting the OS. Thus, these elements are:
- files ntdetect.com;
- boot.ini;
- file ntldr.
When at the beginning of the system boot it turns out that at least one of them is missing or damaged, something like "NTLDR is missing ..." appears on a black screen. In this case, users begin to think about what to do to correct the situation. Please note that the ntdetect.com file acts as a so-called startup type identifier. The ntldr file has boot code, and boot.ini, with the commands that are included in it, tries to shape the startup process, as well as the basic parameters, based on two other elements.
Reasons for loading error
When an error message like "NTLDR is missing" appears on the screen, users begin to think about what to do in such a situation and look for ways out of this situation. The main thing is not to panic. The most common reason for this error is that the hard drive is not detected. However, there are also problems with the hard drive. First of all, it is necessary to check the connection of the loop. It may simply fall out of the connector. Such problems often arise when cleaning the inside of a computer from dust. If the ribbon cable is loosely inserted into the connector, it is worth correcting the situation. The failure of the hard drive itself is a more serious problem, but it is less common.
As already mentioned, most often the causes of problems are related to the hard drive. It can simply be disabled in the BIOS as the first priority device to boot the operating system. In this case, you need to change the parameters in the Boot Device Priority menu. In addition, the above download components may be accidentally deleted or damaged as a result of infection by viruses or malicious files. How to restore them will be discussed a little later. To identify viruses, you will need to scan your computer. Sometimes there are cases when there are large files in the root directory (C: \). In this situation, the specifics of the NTFS file system are triggered. As you know, if there are a large number of files in the root directory, they are distributed across arrays. Moreover, each of them has a specific index. The files are placed strictly in alphabetical order. During startup, the system only accesses the array with the first ordinal index, where all three boot components are not necessarily present. Thus, it is advisable to use products designed to safely clean your computer from debris. As a rule, they are presented as optimization programs. It is also worth noting that in the parameters, you should set not only the removal of residual, but also unused files, empty folders.
An easy way to fix NTLDR is missing error
The time has come to analyze the situation of correcting the error programmatically. As a rule, this becomes necessary if it is repeated over and over again. Alternatively, consider a situation where the required boot components are missing in the root directory. This problem has a fairly simple solution. To do this, you need to copy files from a working computer with a similar version of the system to a floppy disk or flash drive. Then they need to be transferred to the required terminal. Before doing this, however, you must set the boot priority as a floppy disk or removable USB device. After performing all the steps correctly, there should be no problems when booting the system. Then you can copy the files to the root directory.
Using the Recovery Console
If the error “NTLDR is missing” appears on the screen again, and the first method does not help, you will have to think further about solving this problem. You must use the Recovery Console, which can be found either on the original operating system installation disc or on the system disaster recovery media. As you know, the floppy drive in BIOS is set as the priority device for booting.
When the launch is completed, you must press the "R" button, after which the recovery console will be called. Then you need to choose the appropriate option. Typically pressing the "1" key is required. Next, you should confirm your actions by clicking on "Enter". After that, automatic recovery starts. Alternatively, you can apply Boot Loader Repair by using the Command Prompt, at which you must enter "C: Windows \ fixmbr" or "C: \ Windows \ fixboot".
Usually both methods presented in the article are effective. However, you can do even easier by copying the original files from the media directly to the root directory. For example, a drive is designated in the system as the letter "E". To copy files, you need to enter: - copy e: \ i386 \ ntldr c: \; - copy e: \ i386 \ ntdetect.com c: \. The disc is then ejected from the drive and the system is rebooted.
NTLDR is missing error in Windows 7
In this version of the operating system, you can also perform the above actions. However, in practice, a simpler option has been identified. For example, when loading the operating system of the seventh version, the message “NTLDR is missing” appeared on the screen. What should be done in this case? You must use a program that is specifically designed for Windows 7. It is called Multiboot. To apply it, you must boot from any LiveCD disk to access the execution of the loaded program file. Further, when the utility is launched, a menu will automatically appear, in which you should find the item "Restore Windows 7 bootloader on all disks". After that, the "Execute" button is pressed.
In the end, I would like to note that if an error like "NTLDR is missing" appears when the system boots, it is not difficult to restore it to start. Very often, many users start to panic, they think that the hard drive is out of order. In most cases, this is not the reason at all. Everything is much simpler, and finding a solution to the problem is not difficult. It is also worth noting that sometimes, even in case of malfunctions in the hard drive, it is possible to apply unique programs such as HDD Reanimator. They allow for its magnetization reversal and restoration of damaged sectors of the carrier surface.
Let's look at a fairly common problem with booting a computer today, when the bootloader crashes and the system gives out white on black: NTLDR is missing... Inexperienced users in most of these cases panic - still, the system suggests restarting by Ctrl - Alt - Delete, but then the same thing happens, the PC does not boot. The thing is that the system cannot detect the NTLDR file (NT Loader - the loader of the Windows NT family of OS), which is located in the root directory of the main partition from which the operating system is loaded. The reasons for this problem can be different. The solution to this issue by reinstalling the operating system, which many unknowingly resort to, is not optimal and takes a lot of time. We will figure out why this happened and how to effectively fix the problem.
NTLDR is missing error. The file is physically missing
The first reason why the system does not find the bootloader file may be commonplace - the file was simply deleted. How and why - there are a lot of options, from the consequences of a virus attack to "too thorough" cleaning of the C: drive (you should not delete files in the root of the system drive if you do not know exactly what they are responsible for). The solution is just as simple - you need to restore the bootloader file, usually along with the NTDETECT.COM file. If you have a computer with the same operating system, write the ntldr and NTDETECT.COM files to any external media. Keep in mind that the boot.ini file on computers with different configurations can be different, this archive contains the most common version. There are two ways to put files back in place:
- To install Windows by pressing the R key, enter the Recovery Console and copy the ntldr file to the boot partition using the command:
copy Z: \ ntldr C: \ (where Z is the letter of the drive to copy from)
- Boot the operating system from any available "live CD" (for example ALKID LiveCD, Bart PE, portable Linux versions, etc.) and copy the files using any file manager (FAR manager, Total Commander). In order for the NTLDR file to be visible in the file manager window, you must enable the option to display hidden and system files.
After the files are copied, we restart the computer. If the problem NTLDR is missing has not disappeared - let's understand further.
Incorrect loading due to clogged boot partition
Another reason for the appearance described above may be the "clogging" of the root directory of the boot disk. In fact, the bootloader file is present in the right place, but for some reason the OS cannot find it at this stage. Do not copy files or install various applications to the root of the system drive. Analyze your activity at the computer in the time before the appearance of the problem with the download. You can delete unnecessary files using a method similar to copying system files by booting from a "live CD".
Damaged boot record
There are times when, for various reasons, the master boot record is damaged. To restore it, you can use a utility from the developers of Windows, Microsoft - BCUpdate2. The utility should be written to the disk from which you will boot. Boot from it and enter the command in the following format: Bcupdate2.exe C: / f / y Upon completion of the program, you should see the following message: The boot code was updated successfully.
You can also use the "Recovery Console" tool, after booting from the installation disk, execute the fixboot boot recovery command c: \. But this is not always enough, you can also run the fixmbr command, although before that it is highly desirable to check the system with an antivirus program. Many antivirus developers offer absolutely free solutions in the form of regularly updated boot disk images with an antivirus scanner. There is still a chance of losing information about partitions. In this case, you will have them.
Boot partition "is no active"
The partition from which the operating system is loaded must be in the state active otherwise it will not be possible to download from it. To fix the situation, you will have to boot from a disk that has a program - hard disk partition manager (from Acronis or Paragon, for example ...), select the partition you are interested in and set its attribute as active, which in turn should eliminate the problem with NTLDR is missing in the future.
Hardware problems
Due to hardware problems, the data may simply be unreadable from the hard drive and the reason for this may be:
- Bad contact in the ribbon cable connecting the hard drive to the motherboard. If the problem either takes place or disappears, replace the loop.
- Problems with the hard drive itself in the form of poorly readable sectors, the so-called. bedov. There are checks and "treatment" of hard drives, which scan the hard drive for bad sectors and if there are any, the hard drive will need to be repaired. They mark such badly read sectors in a special way so that the operating system does not make any further calls to them during operation. But this, as a rule, is the beginning of the end of the hard drive and you need to be ready to fork out for a new one - otherwise, problems with the loss of important information cannot be avoided.
- Also, the possibility of problems with the motherboard cannot be completely ruled out. Microcracks, dried or swollen capacitors and other troubles are all quite likely. Alternatively, you can try "tossing" your hard drive onto another, obviously working motherboard. If the boot process started and went further (however, on a PC with other hardware, a full load is unlikely), this will definitely indicate a problem with your motherboard. We'll have to carry it to repair or replace it.
Today we looked at the possible causes of NTLDR is missing errors and methods of its elimination. Also, it will not be superfluous for you to study the similar (BOOTMGR is missing), which is found in Windows 7.
In this article, we will define NTLDR, explain common causes and errors associated with NTLDR, and provide several solutions to fix NTLDR errors.
Most PC users have encountered the error "NTLDR is missing". At the same time, most of the users, in fact, do not know what NTLDR is and how to solve this problem.
What is NTLDR?
NTLDR, an abbreviation for NT Boot Loader, is the boot loader for all editions of operating systems. The NT boot loader is usually started from the main hard drive, however it can also use a CD, DVD, or flash drive to boot.
The NT bootloader contains three files. So, let's give you which ones:
- ntldr, the main bootloader.
- NTDETECT.COM required to boot an NT-based OS, detects the basic hardware information required to boot successfully.
- boot.ini, contains the boot configuration (if not present, NTLDR will default to \ Windows on the first partition of the first hard drive).
NTLDR starts with the boot record of the system partition volume, which is usually written to disk using the Windows FORMAT or SYS command.
Typical causes of "NTLDR is missing" error
Sometimes users may receive the following messages when they try to start their computer.
NTLDR is missing
Press any key to restart ".
Figure 1. First example of NTLDR error.
Boot: Couldn’t find NTLDR
Please insert another disk ".
NTLDR is missing
Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to restart "
Figure 3. Third example of NTLDR error. Do you know what to do in such a situation, why NTLDR is missing and how to fix NTLDR error?
In general, there are many possible factors contributing to the absence of an NTLDR problem.
Often the problem with the NTLDR error is that your computer started to boot from a different source. For example, it can be a DVD inserted into an optical drive, a CD-ROM, or a USB drive.
In addition, this problem may appear due to the fact that the system contains corrupted and incorrectly configured files related to the boot (NTLDR, NTDETECT.COM and Boot.ini).
Now all we need and can do is spare no effort to try to figure out the real cause and find an appropriate solution.
How to fix NTLDR is missing error?
In general, if you encounter NTLDR error, you can try the following methods to fix the problem.
Solution 1. Restart your computer
Reboot your computer. The NTLDR error can be accidental.
Solution 2. Disconnect all removable media
Since the error "NTLDR is missing" often occurs because the BIOS is trying to boot from an external drive, you can try unplugging all external drives and ejecting all removable media such as CDs, DVDs, memory sticks and USBs.
Solution 3: Change boot priority in BIOS
In addition, you can check the BIOS boot order to ensure that the OS hard drive is in the first position in the boot priority. To check the boot order, follow these steps:
Note. Make sure the selected device has Windows boot files.
- Step 1. Reboot your computer.
- Step 2. Press the required key to open the BIOS menu. All key names are usually displayed on the first screen when starting the PC. Basically the keys to enter the BIOS menu: Esc, Del, F2, F8, F10 or F12.
- Step 3. If more than one key is shown on the screen, find the key to open "BIOS", "Setup" or BIOS menu.
- Step 4. Use the arrow keys to select a tab "Boot"... Move your hard drive to the top of the priority list. (An example BIOS bootloader configuration screen is shown below.)
Figure 1. Changing and setting the hard drive to the first position in the BIOS boot priority. Solution 4. Resetting the active partition
When using the built-in Windows disk management tool to determine the active partition, you may encounter problems starting your computer. Thus, your PC may boot with a similar error:
NTLDR is missing
Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to restart.
It should be noted that only one system partition can be active. If you select a partition from a different OS, you must first mark its system partition as active before restarting your computer.
Now, to fix this problem, you can reset the active partition. To do this, you can use the utility MiniTool Partition Wizard.
MiniTool Partition Wizard Is a smart choice for most casual users to set a partition active, as this tool offers wizard-based work, high security, and excellent performance.
Detailed steps and instructions for using this utility are described below.
- Step 1. The first thing you need to do is boot your computer with MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable Disc to enter boot mode. Here please select the first option Partition Wizard to enter the main interface of the MiniTool markup wizard.
Figure 1. Click on the first section of the Partition Wizard. - Step 2. Now select or right click on the active partition and select function "Set Inactive" on the left action bar or pop-up menu.
Figure 2. Select the active section and set the Set Inactive function to it. - Step 3. Select the target partition you want to set as active and then click on "Set Active".
Figure 3. Set the target partition to Set Active. - Step 4. In this window, you can view the target section that has been marked as active. After that you need to click on the button "Apply" in the upper left corner and click "Yes" to perform a preview effect.
Figure 4. Preview the target section, then click the Apply button to apply all changes and go to preview. - Step 5. Ready! Thus, we have eliminated the error related to NTLDR. Your computer will now boot as before.
Solution 5. Update your motherboard BIOS
You can get NTLDR related error even if the version of the basic input / output system (BIOS) is out of date on your computer.
So, make sure the latest BIOS is installed on your computer. If not, check with your computer manufacturer to find out how to obtain a new BIOS version, and then install the latest BIOS update available for your computer.
Solution 6: Replace all IDE cables
Error "NTLDR is missing" It can also appear if the IDE cables that go to hard drives are damaged inside your computer. Thereby, replace the IDE cables if you suspect it may be faulty.
Note. Before installing / replacing the IDE cable with a new one, you need to turn off the computer and the power supply suitable for it, and then open the processor case.
Solution 7: Repair the MBR boot record
The NTLDR problem can also appear if the Master Boot Record (MBR) is corrupted. In this situation, the only solution is to restore the Master Boot Record (MBR).
- In the main interface of MiniTool Partition Wizard, select the disk whose MBR is damaged and then click "Rebuild MBR".
Figure 1. Right-click on the partition that has a corrupted MBR boot record and then select Rebuild MBR. - Finally, press the button "Apply" to perform MBR recovery. When the partition wizard completes all operations, exit the program and boot from the local hard drive again.
Solution 8: reinstall Windows
If none of the solutions listed and described worked for you, it is safe to assume that the only solution that will fix the error is "NTLDR is missing" Is a complete reinstallation of Windows. This solution will almost certainly resolve any NTLDR errors, but it will delete the data. Therefore, it is recommended that you back up all necessary data before reinstalling Windows. The Disk Backup feature provided by MiniTool Partition Wizard will help you copy all partitions and data from one disk to another in several steps as shown below.
- Step 1. First of all, boot your computer using the MiniTool Partition Wizard boot disk.
- Step 2. Then, in the main interface, select the drive you want to copy and select the function Copy Disk... In the image below, we choose Copy Disk from the left action pane to show how to clone an MBR system disk to GPT.
Figure 1. Click on the required hard disk with the right mouse button, then select the Copy Disk item. - Step 3. Then select the drive that will save a copy of the source drive as the target drive and then click "Next".
Note: The target disk must be large enough to contain all the content on the source disk, and you also need to save all important data on that target disk beforehand, as all data on it will be deleted.
Figure 2. Select the disk where you want to save the contents of the target partition, then click Next. - Step 4. Then select the appropriate copy method to determine the destination disk location, and then click "Next".
Figure 3. Select the copy method and click Next. - Step 5. Then press the button "Finish" to return to the main interface.
- Step 6. Finally, press the button "Apply" in the upper left corner to perform 7 pending operations.
Figure 4. Click on the Apply button to confirm all changes. Solution 9: Replacing the hard drive
If you still get the error "NTLDR is missing" after reinstalling Windows, chances are you will run into a hard drive hardware problem. In this situation, the only way to resolve the error is to install a new hard drive as the system one.
After reading our article, you will notice that many factors can lead to the problem " NTLDR is missing "... And this article describes several methods to help you fix the error " NTLDR is missing "... You can choose the appropriate option to fix this problem. We hope you can solve this error without any obstacles.
Advice. In order to avoid the loss of important data caused by various factors such as NTLDR errors, you are better off backing up this data to any of your external storage devices.
What's more, if you have any questions or suggestions about the problem "NTLDR is missing" please leave comments below.
Video: How to fix NTLDR is missing error?
Video: NTLDR is missing - What to do?
Almost everyone has encountered a similar error, but not every computer or laptop user can fix it. The most popular solution is to format the hard drive and install a clean operating system. This method has two big drawbacks: loss of all accumulated data and loss of time. In this article, we will consider not complicated, but at the same time effective ways.
While loading OC you receive a warning:
NTLDR is missing
Press CTRL + ALT + DEL to restart.
Let's consider the main reasons for the error:
1. A large number of files in the root of the system drive - in the Windows folder. Because of this, there is a strong fragmentation of the MFT table in the root folder. If the root folder MFT contains a large number of files, it can become so fragmented that an additional allocation index needs to be created. Since the files are listed alphabetically in the allocation indexes, the NTLDR file can be placed in the second allocation index. This will display an error message.
Basically, data is not copied to the root folder. The indicated problem will appear if a program constantly creates and deletes temporary files.
2. Conflict of bootloaders of heterogeneous systems (Windows and linux) installed on the same computer.
3. Loader NTLDR Ntldr and Ntdetect.com can be deleted or damaged for various reasons as a result of user actions or software errors.
4. The "NTLDR Is Missing" error message may appear after changing the active partition. For stable operation of the Windows boot loader, it is necessary that the system files that it uses are located on the active partition.
5. I want to note that the error "NTLDR Is Missing" can be not only software, but also hardware. This is a malfunction of the hard disk, and an outdated BIOS version on the motherboard (extremely rare, but it happens), connecting another disk with an existing OS to the computer.
6. As well as other cases that are less popular.
Elimination of the problem:
First solution. If you or a good neighbor who has a computer with the same operating system, you can copy the Ntldr and Ntdetect.com files or use the Windows Recovery Console.
If you do not have a computer, then you can copy these files using programs: Windows LiveCD, Linux LiveCD, or other programs (for example, Acronis Disc Director, etc.) that can work without an operating system, booting from the BIOS by setting the boot from CD -ROM.
Second solution: In the system file boot.ini (Location: c: \ boot.ini - by default it is hidden, so you need to configure Windows to display such files.) Check the correct path to the operating system. To fix this file, you can also boot using the programs that are written in the first solution.
The structure of the "Boot.ini" file with one operating system on disk should look like this:
timeout = 30
default = multi (0) disk (0) rdisk (0) partition (1) \ WINDOWS
multi (0) disk (0) rdisk (0) partition (1) \ WINDOWS = "Windows XP Professional" / fastdetect
Third solution. Each PC user must have a distribution kit with an operating system installed on his computer. The method given below is rightfully considered the fastest and easiest.
Insert the disk with your operating system (in my case Windows XP) into the drive, and do not forget to set the priorities in the BIOS - CD-ROM. After booting from the disk, press the R key to open the recovery console.
Now we will restore. If one OS is installed on the computer, then the following text will be output:
1: C: \ WINDOWS
Which copy of Windows should you sign in to?
Type 1, press Enter.
A message will appear:
Enter admin password:
If your account did not have a password set, then just press Enter.
- Now we enter the fixmbr command and press the Enter button.
- A notification will pop up:
**A WARNING**
This computer contains a non-standard or invalid Master Boot Record. Using FIXMBR may damage the existing partition table. This will result in the loss of access to all partitions of the current hard disk.
If there are no problems with disk access, it is recommended to terminate the FIXMBR command.
Are you confirming the recording of the new MBR?
- Enter the letter Y (yes, yes) to confirm and press Enter.
- The message appears again:
A new MBR is made to the physical disk \ Device \ Harddisk0 \ Partition0.
The new master boot record has been successfully completed.
- After the system prompt appears: C: \ WINDOWS>
- Enter fixboot and press Enter.
- After that, a message will appear:
End section: C :.
Do you want to write a new boot sector to the C: partition?
- Enter the letter Y (yes, yes) and press Enter.
- A message will appear:
File system in the boot partition: NTFS (or FAT32).
The FIXBOOT command writes a new boot sector.
The new boot sector was written successfully.
- The system prompt C: \ WINDOWS>
All that was needed was done, now you can exit the recovery console, for this we enter the exit command and press Enter. After that, the computer will reboot.
Do not forget to remove the boot from the CD-ROM in the BIOS by setting the boot from the HDD (hard disk).
The fourth solution is for older computers. We disassemble the system unit (it's not that scary, you just need a screwdriver) and replace the loop slot or connect a new loop.
This is what the hard drive cable looks like: 
If you have any questions about the article or have not solved your problem, then go to our computer forum and we will definitely help you.