-I got a new "FREEBIE" computer
-I copied the HD from the original computer
-Booted up the "FREEBIE"
-I get NTLDR is missing.

I have...

-Copied a new NTLDR to the C:\
-Checked the Boot.ini file and looks correct
-Copied the original drive twice
-Looked at TechNet for an Answer
-Placed the HD back into the Original Computer and it works???

Help me Please!

well it look to me that you are using either XP or 2K. boot to the respective CD, and do a repair install, sounds like the OS needs to build the .DLL's and such for the chipset that the board is using.....just an idea

Found This:

Use your XP CD and boot your computer - choose R for repair and enter the recovery console. Make sure that you are in the C:\windows path for XP (assuming that XP installation is on C: and that your hard disk is readable). Do as follows: Change to your CD drive - by typing "d:", "e:" of "f:" etc. - whichever one is your CD drive. Change to i386 path by typing "cd i386" Copy necessary files to root path (c: in this case) of winxp installation by typing: copy ntldr d: copy ntdetect.com d: Change back to your windows path: c: cd windows Run fixboot by typing fixboot - and follow the prompts Try restarting machine - if still nothing - go back into recovery console by booting from cd and pressing r again. Then run fixmbr - and follow the prompts Restart machine again.

sorry about not specifying OS...it is XP.

Chrome_Rust: I tried a Repair Install and once it reboots...same error message.

BA: I tried almost everything you mentioned except fixmbr...I'll try that next without any success.

I will post my results soon.

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results: I did esch step BA suggested and still get the same NTLDR missing error message.

I had the same problem when I installed my new sata hd and tried to boot with a pata hd also. It booted fine when only the sata drive was installed. I had forgotten to set the bios to boot from scsi. Is that any help?

Hojo...no scsi drives installed and everything in the Bios looks correct.

what is the mobo you are using? HD size? are you on the latest BIOS revision?

chrome...all hardware is new to the OS...old Compaq Deskpro PII 733 (SFF) from an Asus PII700.

Everything is up to date, tried updating the bios.

Taz....check yer PM's