missing NTLDR?

Question

my cousin gave my other cousin her old PC an XP since she got new one.....the problem with it she told us is that the cd drve doesnt work it doesnt read cds its an eMachine i also have an eMachine....and when u turn it on it says missing NTLDR ive seen that before on a laptop, i had a windows XP installer i used on a comp. i had, when i put the cd in it doesnt read on there comp like it does nothing it doesnt work it opens but doesnt read anything, so what can i do to make it read a cd so i can install XP on there computer...would a separate usb cd drive work and use that to replace the one already in the computer?? or are those only for burning ?? if it can work like that what kind (as long as its under $100)

Answer 1

An external CD or DVD drive will work if the BIOS of that eMachine supports booting from a USB CD drive. Otherwise just replace the defective drive. DVD writers (that also read and write on CDs) cost less than $40.
Here's how to install it:
http://compreviews.about.com/od/tutorials/ss/DIYCDDVD.htm
If you are not comfortable doing it, ask some friends, especially the PC gamers or the PC hardware geeks.

Answer 2

First, the 'NTDLR' file is a network adaptor file. (THESE files, while having the same name are not the same for various network adaptors.) It is NOT needed for the CD drive, but it IS needed for the network connection to operate correctly. ((It is USUALLY loaded from the programming disk for the network adaptor, BUT if you know the adaptor can be found on the web.)

Regarding the CD drive:
I would first, Check the BIOS to see if IT finds the drive.
If so the drive is probably dirty, and you could try a cleaning disc, available at most stores that handle discs. (Wal-mart, etc.)

if NOT, then open the case and check the cables and connections and try again.
If still not found, it may have 'died'. They are mechanical devices and do wear out.
ANY standard CD drive should fit, and I would replace it with a DVD/CD multi-format recorder drive as they are not that expensive and will both read and write both CD's and DVD's. (The above steps do require a certain minor mechanical ability. If you don't feel comfortable doing this then take it to a shop to have it done.)

I would most likely ALSO replace the connecting cable at the same time, as these also 'age' and go bad occasionally.
If there is more than one drive, of ANY type, on the same cable, be sure to set the 'control' jumper on the new drive the same as it is on the old drive to prevent possible conflict problems.

Then, to be able to load from a CD, set the BIOS settings to boot from the CD BEFORE the HD. (IF there is not a bootable disc in the drive it will then proceed to the HD. My machines are set to "floppy A", "CD", then HD.)

Answer 3

A USB CD drive should work fine. I would also try cleaning the on-board CD-ROM with a cleaning disk (Walmart or other store). You might try removing the CD drive, if it is modular (removeable without opening the case), wiping the contacts, and replaceing it.

Answer 4

try checking the BIOS setup first. check if the machine recognizes your hard drives, cd/dvd rom drive, etc.


hope that helps...