How do I get around the "NTLDR is Missing" phrase?

Here's how it happened. I had linux installed on my laptop, but its kinda old, so none of the drivers worked, and it was a big mess. Recently, i decided to put XP back onto it. I obtained a working boot cd, which i ran fine the first try. I went past the partitioning option in the setup, and after wiping the present partitions, arranged for the cd to format a new partition for the windows install. This was going to take a while, so i leave, and coming back 2 hours later the thing is shut off, saying that it overheated somewhere in the middle of the job. Now, i have an unpartitioned hard drive, and from what i gather, that is the reason that the same boot cd used will not work, giving the "NTLDR is Missing" error message. I have no clue when it comes to this sort of out-of-OS work, and this laptop has been Hell on Earth for me. Could anyone tell me how to repartition the hard drive or tell me if I'm doing anything dreadfully wrong?

 

Since the install never finished you don't have that file. You either have to re-run the install or get a copy of ntldr, make a dos boot disk, boot to it and then copy the ntldr file to the root partition which should be C.
More than likely you're missing the other files needed to boot also. If that is the case a re-install is in order.

Another possible scenario is the OS was installed, but on a different drive than C If this is the case copy of the boot loader ntldr and use the dos boot disk to copy the file to C.

 

Dont walk away from an install if you do it will complete a section reboot and start again if your not careful. Boot again and install choose quick format which should only take a few moments to complete

 

Hello.

Set first boot to Floppy drive in BIOS then second to CD rom.

Download which one of these which matches the XP you are trying to install:

Download details: Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2 Utility: Setup Disks for Floppy Boot Install

Download details: Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2 Utility: Setup Disks for Floppy Boot Install


You will need 6 cleanly formateed floppy disks.

Download and save correct file to your desktop.

Then run ready with the first floppy disk.Number the floppys 1-6.

The cmd window will prompt you for each floppy in turn.

Then you need to use the 6 floppys to boot the computer and once the floppys have run you will need the XP CD.

If you get any errors running the floppys the floppy disk may need replacing and you will have to reformat all the floppys and start the cmd window again.

Are you using a XP boot disk or a full install disk?

 

I think I'd replace the power supply before I tried to reload the OS and over heated again in the process - you might need to check the electrical outlet you're using too.