Replace NTDETECT.COM
If your system is rebooting or some other error, try replacing the NTDETECT.COM file
To replace the file do the following
- Put your Windows XP CD in the top CD-ROM drive
- Set the BIOS to boot to the CD-ROM drive
- When you see the "Press any key" message press the spacebar (if you miss it, reboot and try again)
- When you get to the windows install screen, it will tell you to press "R" or "Enter" Press the letter R
- It may ask you what windows install you want to boot to. On most systems the choice will be number (1) but if you have a dual boot system or a second drive in the system, it may be different. Press the number that correlates to Windows XP.
- You will be asked for a password. Leave the password blank and press Enter.
- You should be at a command prompt. Type "Copy #/I386\NTDETECT.COM C:\" (without the " ". Substitute the drive letter for the #. Depending on the system, the drive letter may be different. It will usually be drive D but can be different. There is a space between COM and C)
- Press Enter
- When its done, reboot the computer (The CD drive will not open till after you reboot)
NOTE: If it still requires a password and you have a password, enter the password. If it will not let you get passed the password screen, then either you are not entering the password correctly or there is an issue with windows. If you can't get passed the password screen, you won't be able to copy the NTDETECT.COM file.
If this doesn't work, try the Software Troubleshooter.