The other day while turning on my computer, I ran into a black screen saying:

Invalid BOOT.INI File
Booting from C:/winnt/
NTDETECT Failed...
(Need Solution)

WinNT provides limited options.

Assuming that the failure is the result of an installation prior to shutting down then try hitting the Space bar to start up with the Last known good configuration.

Otherwise you will need to use the Emergency Boot Disks that you would have had to have already created.

Beyond the above, as I understand it, reinstall is what is left for choices.

(I am an NT newbie so maybe another likely knows better)

Bryan

"ntdetect" errors can arise for a few reasons; standard approach is to replace the file with a fresh (known to be OK) copy...

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q242112

http://www.jsifaq.com/SUBI/tip4200/rh4267.htm

discuss it a little, and usual resolutions.

Possibly the last known config will allow - but I doubt it (doesn't hurt to try nontheless); and if no ERD to hand either (so often the case...), then a repair can be effected without the ERD. Also you can simply re-install NT over itself - in effect a repair installation. If this latter route then afterwaards you will need to re-apply the SP currently in use. Go the repair approach (restore/replace the file) first?

Another NT resource re' repairs etc. is at:

http://www.windowsitlibrary.com/Content/226/07/toc.html

- specifically:

http://www.windowsitlibrary.com/Content/226/07/2.html#3

details the various options in the NT4 recovery/repair routine.

And

http://www.windowsitpro.com/Article/ArticleID/21317/21317.html

mentions the less common virus problem that "can" cause this error...