NTLDR is missing press any key to restart - laptop using Vista

[chbq]

Get this message: "NTLDR is  missing Press any key to restart" when turning laptop on. It's a Dell inspiron 1525 running Vista.  Can't find the Vista boot disk.  Please help.

[Corrine]

Hi, chbq.

Check that you don't have a CD/DVD in the drive and then try restarting.  If that doesn't help, see Startup Repair for Windows (Windows 7 / Vista) and the linked instructions within that tutorial.

If still unsuccessful, it is likely the hard drive has or is failing.  John Carrona has instructions here:  Hard Drive Diagnostic Procedure.