NTLDR Error During XP Installation

**JasmineTF** · 31-12-2010

Here’s the sitch:

I’m working on a Dell Optiplex GX280, service tag JRHVY71, which was bought new in 2006

Dell Riptide e219542 Optiplex GX280 SFF motherboard, BIOS version A08

Intel Pentium 4 processor CPU 2.80 GHz
Processor L2 cache = 1MB
Bus Speed = 800 MHz

Two 512 MB sticks of DDR2 SDRAM - Memory Speed: 533 MHz ( PC2-6400 ) -Data Integrity Check: Non-ECC

One S2 360 GB hard drive with Sata operation set for “normal” and Smart reporting “off”

The Problem: When I try to install Windows XP Pro fresh out of the package, everything is fine through the hard drive formatting process. However, when it restarts to begin the installation, I get an NTLDR error, and it asks me to restart.

What I’ve done: I’ve tested the memory. I’ve tried different CD Roms, different hard drives, and different installation disks, all with the same result. On the chance the BIOS was corrupt or infected, I downloaded BIOS version A08 and used a USB floppy drive to boot to DOS and flash the BIOS from a write protected floppy. I used the repair function on the installation disk in an endeavor to restore NTLDR and the master boot record from the CD. The result was that I got a HAL.dll error instead of an NTLDR error.

I’m thinking the motherboard is shot. Is there anything else I can try?

**Jacek** · 31-12-2010

I was having the same issue with the Windows XP installation. While i was installing the Windows XP i am getting the same issue. The first issue i have found is that my CD which i am using for installation of Windows XP was not proper. So i have changed the same. Another solution that help me is that my CD ROM is not reading the Disc properly. I have changed the CD ROM and after that when i am trying to install the same, issue got resolved. So if you can then go through the same and see whether this is working with the issue of yours or not.