Ntdetect Fails When Computer Starts

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you start a computer running Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, the boot process may not succeed, and you may receive the following error message:

NTDetect Failed

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the Ntdetect.com file is missing or damaged.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use the Emergency Repair Disk (ERD) to restore the boot files:

1. Use Windows NT 4.0 Setup Disk 1 to start the computer.



2. When you are prompted, insert Windows NT 4.0 Setup Disk 2.



3. When the Windows NT Server Setup screen appears, press R to begin the repair process.



4. Use the arrow keys to select Inspect Startup Environment from the repair options, press ENTER, and then cancel the selection of all other repair options.



5. Select Continue, press ENTER, and then follow the instructions to detect mass-storage devices.



6. When you are prompted, insert the ERD.



7. When you are prompted, insert the Windows NT Server 4.0 CD-ROM.



8. When the repair process is completed, remove the ERD from the floppy disk drive, and then press ENTER to restart the computer.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about using an ERD, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q103280 Using an Emergency Repair Disk Created by Windows NT

Q129037 Windows NT 3.5x and 4.0 Emergency Repair Process Screens

Additional query words: nt 4.0 fail emergency repair

Keywords : nt 4.0
Version : winnt:4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbprb