NTLDR stands for NT Loader and is the boot manager for all Windows NT systems up to and including Windows Server 2003 from Microsoft. If you get the error message in more recent Windows versions, the old boot sector code is probably still written on the partition with the new Windows version. What the error means exactly and what methods there are to solve the problem, you will find out below.
What does NTLDR mean?
The NT Loader, or NTLDR for short, is the boot manager for old Windows systems, as already mentioned in the introduction. NTLDR has been replaced by BOOTMGR (boot manager) from Windows Vista onwards. The NT loader runs from the primary hard disk drive. However, the boot manager can also be run from removable media or external drives. These are also often a source of error for the problem. If NTLDR is missing, you will get one of two messages:
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Neustart mit Strg+Alt+Entf -
NTLDR fehlt
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Neustart mit einer beliebigen Taste
Here's what you can do about it. We have researched three possible solutions for you. Note that the NTLDR used in old versions of Windows has been replaced with the new BOOTMGR, so the error does not usually appear on newer systems. With newer Windows systems, the error only occurs if the boot code is still written on the partition of the new Windows version. Read the suggested solutions below to resolve the issue.
Solution 1: restart your PC
As simple as it sounds, restart your PC. The NTLDR error could just be a coincidence or it could have been caused by a temporary error. If the error is still displayed after restarting the system, read on..
Solution 2: remove bootable media
The error message " NTLDR is missing " is often caused by the BIOS trying to load Windows from an external, non-bootable medium. Disconnect all external drives and removable media. These include CDs, DVDs, floppy disks and USB sticks. Then restart your system.
Solution 3: check BIOS settings
Check the hard drive and other drive settings in BIOS and make sure they are correct. The BIOS configuration tells the computer how to use a drive. Incorrect settings can cause problems like the NTLDR error. There is usually an auto setting for the hard drive and optical drive configurations in the BIOS - this is actually foolproof, making it a good choice. Read here how to set your BIOS correctly..
Solution 4: change the boot order
For this solution you have to navigate into the BIOS and change the boot order. You can find out how to get into the BIOS here. In the BIOS you have to look for the boot options and there the order. Put the drive on which the Windows partition is located in the first position. Then restart your PC.
Solution 5: update the BIOS
Update your motherboard's BIOS. Occasionally, an outdated BIOS version can cause the NTLDR missing error. You can read here how to update your BIOS manually.