How to Fix “NTLDR Is Missing: Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to Restart” Error

“NTLDR” is the boot loader file that plays a vital role in boosting the device. It used to load the system’s OS when MBR calls it to load the bootable file. After loading the kernel of OS, the device executes to launch automatically. It runs on all the editions of OS and performs the task of file boot loading. In case the system is unable to find the NTLDR file, then the display flashes boot error as the “NTLDR is Missing” issue.

There are various reasons behind this error code on your device. The system is unable to boot from a proper and authenticated boot source, NTLDR file or it’s associated is corrupt, the active partition of the bootable volume is not appropriate, the root folder holds a lot of files, boot-sector code is downloaded wrongly, etc. There might be other issues like a corrupted disk or system directory, outdated edition of BIOS, damaged IDE cords, etc. The OS may get outdated or unsupported etc.

Source:- How to Fix “NTLDR Is Missing: Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to Restart” Error

NTLDR is a bootable file loader that works on internal boot records of the system.  It is initiated by a boot record of your system partition that is executed and written to your system’s disk through SYS command and Windows FORMAT. It is situated just inside the root directory of the active partition panel that is located in the main boot drive. When the NTLDR boot loader gets corrupts or not detected, then the booting process stops and stuck on your windows. In this case, the device flashes an alert message “NTLDR is missing.”

Sometimes, the system flashes a few of the associated error messages:

1. NTLDR is missing: Press any key to reboot
2. NTLDR is missing: Press Ctrl Del and Alt to reboot
3. Boot alert: System Couldn’t detect NTLDR, please insert another disk

One of the most occurring reasons behind this issue is the improper configuration of Bootable data. The NTLDR fails to boot the device as it founds a non-bootable source.

NTLDR issue is mostly related to an error in OS that prevents it from booting perfectly. Restarting your system might help you in this regard. Restarting a system removes minor glitches and viruses.

BIOS tries to execute the booting process from an external source such as CD or DVD disks, memory chip and USB cards. In this case, it is recommended to remove all external media and devices and ensure that the BIOS won’t load from any external source.

Users can check and modify the boot order of their system’s internal  BIOS. Make sure that your system executes the internal BIOS drive.

To make sure and check that the device is running with installed bootable data or OS files of Windows, follow the given points:

Note: In case, the screen displays more than one key, then search for the appropriate key that launches the BIOS setup.

In case the partition data of your PC is marked as active partitioned, and it doesn’t hold bootable files or any other OS file, then it is recommended to reset the feature. In this case, you will be unable to launch your device at all, and thus your screen will flash NTLDR missing issues.

If you have attempted all the above instructions, then it is recommended to eject and replace all the important IDE cords that attached to your system, including power cords. These cables might be corrupted as they are too old. In this case, you need to replace them with new wires for smooth functioning.

Windows reinstallation is a good way to remove all the existing issues such as viruses, malware and other hindrances occurring in your work. Before proceeding for reinstallation, it is recommended to take a full backup of all your existing data as it will remove once you reinstall the OS.

The author is a self-professed security expert. she has been making the people aware of the security threats. Her passion is to write about Cybersecurity, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet, and new media. She writes for McAfee security products at mcafee.com/activate.