NTLDR Issue

[s_kinton]

Right, I've just replaced the backup HDD in my HTPC. I removed the old 320Gb and replaced with the 750Gb. I have the OS on a separate 80Gb drive.

My problem is that now it says it cant find NTLDR, Ive tripled the BIOS boot priorities so thats fine. Im guessing when I installed Vista it put the bootloader on the backup drive somehow.

How do I get my system to boot again? Ive tried putting in the Vista DVD and pressing repair, but it doesnt show an installation to choose to repair!!!!

Ideas? I really dont want to reinstall for such a basic thing...

[Parp]

I found this quite handy when I had to fix the Vista bootloader:

Recovering the Vista Bootloader from the DVD

Maybe steps 3 or 4 of this guide can fix your problem.

[moogle]

it's possible your pc is trying to boot from the 750GB drive, I had that problem and thought my hd is messed but my bios had the secondary drive as a boot drive. try switching the sata cables. ie 750gb sata connects to the 80 and vice versa.

[Splash]

Yep, the bootloader is installed on the first drive that the BIOS ennumerates. Step 3 of Parp's link should see you back up and running (though it may well be worth looking at amending the order that your BIOS ennumerates your drives so that it's installed on the 80Gb disk)

[s_kinton]

I cant get the screen it shows in step 2 of that link, meaning I cant choose command prompt from the list to do step 3. When I click repair it shows me a window saying select OS to repair, but there arent any to choose!!!

Do I need to put the old drive back in to get it to recognise the OS, then reapir as per step 3 using c: as the drive letter? That should put the boot loader on that drive.

I usually unplug all drives except the one Im installing the OS on to avoid this problem

[s_kinton]

Anyone got any suggests to my post above? Need to get my HTPC up and running again to record weekend programs!