NTDetect failed

Rollingskies · 1 Sep 2009 at 08:12

On my office computer, everything is fine. I shut it down and the next morning I come and start it and I get that message. I have trawled google and they suggest using boot discs. Well I haven't got this computer's disks, but I do have another XP disc, but I couldn't succeed. However, I think the CD-Rom drive I have isn't working properly as it won't burn CDs anymore.

I have tried starting in safe mode and in all sorts of other modes available and nothing will let me in.

How can I get access to my desktop and more importantly my information on there. Most of the office stuff is backed up, but I still need access to it.

How do I get around this?

Thanks

spydermixx · 1 Sep 2009 at 08:53

I had this problem a few years ago and I think the fix either involved running a repair installation of XP or copying two files across (ntldr and ntdetect.com iirc).

When you say the CD-Rom drive isn't working, are you still able to read CD's? It should be able to boot the XP disc if you can. Also, make sure you've switched the boot order in bios to boot from CDROM before your HDDs (an option that is easily overlooked in my experience).

If this doesn't work a couple of options available to you include:

- If you have access to another computer, unplug the problem hdd and connect it to the working computer and copy the data across that way.

- Run Slax Live or a similar Linux distro in order to boot from CD, USB device etc, and copy your information that way.

Rollingskies · 1 Sep 2009 at 09:10

Hi, thanks for the reply. I have now managed to get the computer to recognise the CD. It was the order. I would never have thought of it. Well done. I'll see how I go now - not done this before.

Rollingskies · 1 Sep 2009 at 09:37

Well after it spent about 3 or 4 minutes loading stuff I reach a blue screen of death that says a problem has been detected and Windows shut down to prevent further damage. I then have to push the button in to turn it off.