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NTLDR missing


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#1
Dustyshouri

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I just got a new tower and it had Windows 98 on the harddrive.
I wanted to put my old harddrive on it, which as all my files, as well as it's bigger.
When I put it in, I get a "NTLDR missing" error. I've read around, but none of the other things I've read included what to do in this situation.

Is there any way I can get my old harddrive to work in the new computer without having to format my harddrive?
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#2
Retired Tech

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Did you try this

http://support.micro...kb;en-us;314057

or here for right files

http://www.bestprice...ldr_missing.htm
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#3
Tyger

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On some machines you'll get that error when a floppy is still in the drive.
:tazz:
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#4
Dustyshouri

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I have. And there are no floppy disks in the drive.

I read pages like those alike, but none of them seemed to fit my problem, of installing an old harddrive. Yet there are many different solutions, so I'm not sure what to do exactly.
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#5
Retired Tech

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If you use the right files procedure, you replace NTLDR
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#6
Dustyshouri

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So which would be the right solution to try to attempt with my situation?

And the harddrive I'm trying to get to work has those files in the C: directory, at least when I take a look in Windows. Or is that not the same?

Edited by Dustyshouri, 19 June 2005 - 07:30 PM.

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#7
Retired Tech

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Replace NTLDR with the right files procedure
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#8
Dustyshouri

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Well, I followed those steps but with no luck. Any other advice to getting this to work without formatting my hard drive?
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#9
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You can look at Windows Installation CD to repair the current installation

http://www.theelderg..._windows_xp.htm

Note that when you perform a repair of a current installation you will be asked to enter the Product Key that came with the CD. In essence you are installing a fresh copy of XP over the existing copy. While data and settings are not destroyed, any Service Packs will have to be reinstalled after the repair process has completed. Repairing a current installation is not a substitute for reformatting a drive and doing a clean installation. It may help clear up some problems with the current installation, but it will not restore an ailing system to like new condition and performance that a clean installation will provide.
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