On 5 Jan 2006 00:16:25 -0800, "JT" <jtnet0@netzero.net> wrote:

>I got a 30Gig hard drive my brother no longer needed. I copied
>everything off of my old drive onto the new one, but when I try to boot
>I get the "NTLDR is missing" error message. I can only boot using a
>floppy disk. I researched the NTLDR message and have tried everything
>I saw including using the XP CD to create and format the partition;
>using the Recovery Console with fixboot, fixmbr, and bootcfg; and
>copying ntdetect.com and ntldr off of the CD.
>
>Nothing works except to use the floppy. I even tried copying the
>working files off of the floppy onto the hard drive. Any ideas? I
>know that everything is correct in the BIOS setup and the "NTLDR is
>missing" message is coming from the boot sector of the hard drive in
>question.
>
>Thanks.
>-JT

It means the boot block that initiates the Windows OS is damaged or missing.

Repair the Boot Sector using the Recovery console on the CD.
<http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm#How to Repair the Boot Sector:>

To repair a damaged Boot Sector, run the Recovery console from the CD. At
the command prompt type FIXBOOT and press Enter. Then answer "Y"

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm

How to fix: NTLDR is missing, press any key to restart
http://www.tinyempire.com/shortnotes...dr_missing.htm


Microsoft resources:

HOW TO: Troubleshoot the "NTLDR Is Missing" Error Message in Windows 2000
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=318728

You Receive an "NTLDR Is Missing" Error Message When You Start Your Computer
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=320397

"NTLDR Is Missing" Error Message When You Upgrade or Install Windows XP
Over Windows 9x, or Windows ME
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=314057