NTLDR missing

I am having a similar issue as the OP. I posted a thread here, searched the web all over the place, etc. It just seems there are too many issues that can cause the same problem. Basically, my PC is freezing like every hour or so forcing me to manually restart. If I leave it be, it will restart itself with the boot error: "NTLDR is missing, press ctrl alt del". I tried tweaking my boot options in BIOS. The thing is I have an SSD internal drive which runs my Windows 7 and also I have an external USB drive for storage. This all started when a 3rd drive (internal SATA) was giving me a lot of problems/crashed. I formatted my SSD and re-installed Windows, removed the failed drive completely, re-installed all my drivers, etc and I am still getting this system freezing issue. I really think it has something to do with my hard drives or boot options/order/etc. It seems as if both of my disks are FINE (not corrupt or anything). But I can't pinpoint what the issue is. I am also getting a red LED light on my case once it freezes and/or the NTLDR error forcing my manual restart which will give me another hour or so of perfect computer use until another freeze/crash.

Kaktussoft said:

With no USB attached system boots fine? always?
With usb attached, system boots fine.... but not always?

My system boots up fine either way. Windows runs perfect and after about an hour or so the system freezes forcing a manual restart. If I leave it frozen, it will restart on it's own after a min or so with the red LED on and that is when I have the boot errors. "NTLDR is missing.." forcing me to manually restart anyway.

You may have multiple issues manifesting solely as a boot issue. Per my earlier post, I strongly recommend you try Partition Wizard and rebuild the boot sectors on your drives. Note that this area lies outside the first partition, so other disk operations may not repair it.

PW is not complicated, can be operated direct from a CD or USB stick, so its a convenient tool for any time you have boot problems.

Mat's - Set Win7 HD first HD to boot in BIOS setup, unplug external.

When it boots plug back in External and take a screenshot of your maximized DIsk Mgmt drive map and listings, using the Snipping Tool in Start Menu, attach using paper clip in Reply box.

Altec - What do you mean you "installed all my drivers?" Win7 is driver complete in the installer and quickly updated from optional Windows Updates. You should only import drivers then missing in Device manager, from the SUpport Downloads webpage for your model PC or device.

Reinstall according to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.
If problems persist test your hardware and work through these other Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

RogerR said:

You may have multiple issues manifesting solely as a boot issue. Per my earlier post, I strongly recommend you try Partition Wizard and rebuild the boot sectors on your drives. Note that this area lies outside the first partition, so other disk operations may not repair it.

PW is not complicated, can be operated direct from a CD or USB stick, so its a convenient tool for any time you have boot problems.

I downloaded PW when I seen your earlier post, but I am not exactly sure what to do with it (?). Rebuild boot sectors on my drives?

gregrocker said:

Altec - What do you mean you "installed all my drivers?" Win7 is driver complete in the installer and quickly updated from optional Windows Updates. You should only import drivers then missing in Device manager, from the SUpport Downloads webpage for your model PC or device.

Reinstall according to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.
If problems persist test your hardware and work through these other Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7

I have to install CPU and GPU drivers from disks when I am done installing.

Why did you have to install these drivers to an OS which supplies most drivers in the installer and via optional Windows Updates? Were they missing in the Device Manager? I explained to you that this is not necessary in WIn7. After install run all Important and Optional Updates, then any drivers missing can be imported from a fresher source which is the Support Downloads webpage for your model PC or device.

To try Roger's idea, run Partition Wizard Rebuild MBR - Video Help.

I need to install motherboard drivers so I can use my ethernet to get onto the internet to get Windows Update.

I am going to mark the external partitions inactive and some other things I have been reading about. My external has been unplugged now. I am only running my SSD primary with Windows 7 on it but I am still getting crashes. Instead of the NTLDR is missing, I am getting "Please select boot device and restart". Very similiar to another guy. When his external was plugged in, he got the NTLDR error, when unplugged the "Select boot device". I might just do a clean install and see if that will finally fix it.