CDBOOT: Couldn't Find NTLDR error message - Page 2

memory · 05-28-2009, 09:38 PM

What I meant by a Vista machine is a pc with Vista installed.

The XP cd does not say anything about SP2 on the disk. So I am assuming pre -SP2. Would it say if it was on the disk or just the package it came in? I do not have the original packaging.

I googled the problem and alot of the solutions I found require to boot into the Windows Recovery Console. But I can't get there because of the error message. It does not let me boot off the cd at all.

Mak213 · 05-28-2009, 09:39 PM

The Disk would say if it had SP2 or not. That will be your problem right there. The Disk is too old to recognize the newer hardware in the system and can not be used. You have to use nlite to slipstream SP2 or SP3 or both onto the CD then try to install.

memory · 05-28-2009, 09:48 PM

You say the disk is too old to recognize the newer hardware, but the pc is a Dell Dimension 4100 which is several years old also. Not to be mean or anything but I find it hard to believe that the cd is to old for this machine.

Mak213 · 05-28-2009, 10:03 PM

Sorry i missed the part in the first post saying it was a 4100. the NTLDR is a part of the boot sequence. It is what is used to boot the OS itself. As i have said twice now it is not reading the CD. It is bypassing the CD and trying to boot from the hard drive.

Does the CD have any scratches?

memory · 05-28-2009, 10:07 PM

The cd has very minor scratches. There is a small pink colored spot towards the center of the cd.

I am going to try the cd in another computer that has XP installed and see what happens.

Thanks for your help so far.

Mak213 · 05-28-2009, 10:08 PM

That spot could very well be your problem. As the CD reads from the inner tracks to the outer tracks. So since you say it is close to the center it could very well be that the CD can not be read at boot which is what the problem is.

If at all possible see if you can clean that spot off.

memory · 05-28-2009, 10:14 PM

What would be the best way to clean it off without damaging it further?

Mak213 · 05-28-2009, 10:30 PM

Are you even sure that the spot can come off? I use a very soft cloth and water. Check Google for some better tips. Without knowing what the condition of the CD is or what the substance is i cant give a good answer.

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