Many times this error is caused when the computer is attempting to boot from a non-bootable floppy disk or
CD-ROM. First verify that no
floppy diskette or CD is in the computer, unless you are attempting to boot from a diskette.
Note: This error has also been known to occur when a memory stick is in a card reader and the computer is attempting to boot from it. If you have any card reader or flash reader make sure that no memory stick is inside the computer. Additionally disconnect all USB drives, cameras, ipods, iphones, etc. from the computer.
If you are attempting to
boot from a floppy diskette and are receiving this error message it is likely that the diskette does not have all the necessary files or is corrupt.
If you are attempting to install Windows XP or Windows 2000 and are receiving this error message as the computer is booting verify that your computer
BIOS has the proper boot settings. For example, if you are attempting to run the install from the CD-ROM make sure the CD-ROM is the first boot device, and not the hard disk drive.
Second, when the computer is booting you should receive the below prompt.
Press any key to boot from the CD
Important: When you see this message press
any key such as the Enter key immediately, otherwise it will try booting from the hard drive and likely get the NTLDR error again.