Problem installing OS

[Hockeekidd98]

Trying to install XP on a system, I keep getting the error ntldr cannot be found, use ctrl alt delete to reboot. The xp cd is a valid and working, works in another computer just fine. Any help as to what to do?
Yes the cd rom has the boot priority.

I googled but can't find a relative issue like mine, most of the results are for a system with the os already installed.
One thing I noticed when It's posting it says:

Fixed Disk 0: (name of drive)

[Mister Natural]

Floppy disk in the drive?

[Hockeekidd98]

No floppy drive.
The fixed disk is the HD by the way.

[lAciDl]

when exactly are you getting the error?

[Hockeekidd98]

I'll see the mobo start up screen, than it will go directly to the error.
I never see a boot from cd press button.

[lAciDl]

even though you say the cdrom has boot priority it doesn't seem like it does. please double check you should be getting the message to boot to the cd before that error comes up. which is when it tries to boot to the HD.

edit: also make sure that the bios is seeing your cdrom.

[Hockeekidd98]

Positive cd rom has boot priority. Bios recognises the dvd drive.

[lAciDl]

do you have another cdrom to try?

[Catweazle]

I'll see the mobo start up screen, than it will go directly to the error.
I never see a boot from cd press button.

I've seen systems which don't generate the onscreen "Press a key to boot from CD-ROM" message either.

The general sequence is:


BIOS error checking screen. This is the one where the 'Press Delete for Setup' message is presented.
Hardware identification screen. This is where you'll see your drives and add-in cards etc listed.
Operating system boot procedure. The initial stages of this will occur whilst the previous screen is still delaying. Usually the 'Press a key to boot from CD' message will appear below the list of cards and controllers.


So if your system is set to boot from CD, but is always trying to boot from the hard drive instead (that's what is happening - the NTLDR message demonstrates that.) then the simple answer is to begin pressing a key steadily and repeatedly after the hardware identification list appears. It'll most likely go to the CD-ROM boot if you do.


I'm not sure why this happens, and I've only seen it on budget brand motherboards, but in my experience it stops happening when you disable every boot device other than the CD-ROM. Leave only that one listed as a boot device and you get the "Press a key" message.


Remember, I'm only relating what could be happening here, from personal experience gleaned from servicing numerous systems. I've seen this happen on several occasions. I can't speak to the "why" of it because I'd only be speculating.


Of course, it could simply be, as others have intimated, that your optical drive isn't reading properly :)