What does NTLDR missing mean?
What is an NTLDR missing message mean? I have a reformatted hdd with no windows xp and I get it when I try booting up, is this some kind of problem with the hdd or is it just cuz there isn’t an OS? Like if I buy windows xp and try booting it, will it work or is there some hdd problem?
It means the master boot record is missing or corrupted.
I know this is probably a dumb question, but what exaclty is the master boot record, what does it translate to or what do I need to do to fix it?
[QUOTE=JollyGreenGiant]
I know this is probably a dumb question, but what exaclty is the master boot record, what does it translate to or what do I need to do to fix it?
[/QUOTE]
Well, you could install a legally obtained version of XP, or even get an operating system for free legally. Either way, your problem would be solved.
Hint: You already told us you want support for a pirated version of Windows. We’re not going to support it! 
lol, well thanks for giving me a little help at least even though I’m an evil pirat. And I really wouldn’t mind trying linux since I like the idea of open source, but I have no idea how to use it and don’t think I’d know my way around. Is there a way I can like download it and save to a disc or something so I can always try it later, or maybe I’d even try using it now on my hdd and then reformat later.
In actuality, you’re not a pirate unless you are bootlegging and selling that software illegally. As it currently stands, you seem to be a copyright infringer, which isn’t any more legal but it’s not piracy. If you think XP is good enough to own, why not buy it? If it’s too expensive, there still isn’t much excuse; my point with the Linux links is that there are ways to have a powerful & modern OS without spending a bunch of cash.
I realize that XP is what pretty much everybody runs, and that it’s really easy to get a copy of it. But we can’t support your actions here, for the reasons stated in our posted rules. Realize that this site is only administrated by a few guys, for no pay and in their spare time. All they need is legal troubles for trying to help people, right? If you go out and buy a legal copy of Windows, I’ll be more than happy to help you out with any questions you might have. Conversely, if you choose to try a free operating system, you’ll have my full support there as well.
-AT
Fair enough, I actually told my dad my computer issues yesterday and he agreed to buy me XP Home (300 bucks for pro is ridiculous) so if that STILL doesn’t work then I’m completely stumped, but maybe my ram would have something to do with it cuz I ran it and got close to a thousand errors.
[QUOTE=JollyGreenGiant]
Fair enough, I actually told my dad my computer issues yesterday and he agreed to buy me XP Home (300 bucks for pro is ridiculous) so if that STILL doesn’t work then I’m completely stumped, but maybe my ram would have something to do with it cuz I ran it and got close to a thousand errors.
[/QUOTE]
Good deal. As for your problems, I think you’ll find that a legit version of Windows will not present you with that particular difficulty. Let’s cross that bridge when we get to it.
All the best,
-AT