NTLDR is missing (Win ME- no OS upgrade made)

[Ayoub22]

When switching on, my PC gives the message “NTLDR is missing”.
I checked many web advice pages and they all say this occurs when the operating system has been updated or if there are 2 operating systems on the hard disk. BUT my PC uses Windows 98ME operating system only. It is 2 years old and has never had a change or upgrade of operating system.
The machine will not boot from the A drive using a Win 98 floppy or from the CD drive using a Win 98 CD.

Any ideas on how I can get the machine started again?

 

[wolluf]

Is the drive being detected properly in the bios? Check its IDE connector is not damaged and is properly connected at both ends. Similarly, power connector is properly connected.

Disconnect the hard drive & see if it will then boot from a floppy or CD (have you tried several of both to make sure its not just bad media?). If floppy/Cd ok, then sounds like something wrong with drive

If you have access to another machine - try connecting your drive as a slave and see if you can access its filestore from there (and run scandisk if possible).

btw - what's windows 98ME?!

 

[smah]

There was a poorly written virus some time ago that would exhibit this behavior on Windows ME or Windows 98 machines. I suggest you perform an updated virus scan.

 

[jni]

if the ntldr is missing your masterboot files have become corrupt to load your os ...you need to restore your system make sure u have a valid copy of a 98 boot disk ...fdisk and format..by doing this..swipes the system clean for a new install it also makes your new partitions..then restore your os..u should have restore disks...if not call your manufacture to see if they can send you some restore disks..they should take between 7 to 10 business days to receive...
good luck

 

[JAM2]

disconect your drive unplug your pc for a few hour