i recently built my system, and everything works fine except when trying to install windows xp pro, or windows 2000. i keep getting ntldr is missing, press ctrl, alt, and delete to restart. now i have tried reinstalling each o/s, tried to add ntldr and ntdetect.com but nothing works. strangely enough if i leave the installation cd in, through the boot process then it go through and boot into windows. can any explain why this works but nothing else will? and please give instructions on trying to resolve........thanks

"NTLDR Is Missing" Error Message When You Upgrade or Install Windows XP Over Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows Millennium Edition http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314057

Repairing the Boot Sector If WinXP will not start it may be due to a damaged boot sector or a missing or corrupt ntldr or ntdetect.com files. To replace access the recovery console and enter: 1. Copy X:\i386\NTLDR C: (X is your CD Rom drive letter) 2. Copy X:\i386\NTDETECT.COM C: See www.sft-cyber.com for additional info and helpful sites

unfortunately chuck, i have already been through this over the weekend, for some reason it doesn't work. everything copies fine, but no change in the error.

sorry djd, that didn't work either. i am so lost with the issue, i have worked on this for over 4 days now, i have barely slept over this. it is getting very frustrating.

another thing with that document chuck, is that it was referring to upgrading to windows xp from 95, 98 or me. i wasn't doing that.................i do appreciate the help though. if you have any other suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated.

sorry about the confusion with the names. i am the dude. none the steps you all provided worked, it was tried over the weekend. thanks though.