How to Repair Missing or Corrupted Ntfs.sys in Windows XP

When you decided to convert your hard disk from FAT32 to NTFS, sometimes after restart the Windows XP you may experienced an error message like this: “Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: System32\Drivers\Ntfs.sys.”

The main cause for this problem is the Ntfs.sys file is missing or corrupted when you convert your hard disk. The other causes might be virus attack, hardware or software problems, etc. Here is the method to repair it.

1. Insert your Windows XP CD or startup disks and restart your computer.
2. Wait the reboot and when the welcome screen appears, press R button to select To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R option. The Recovery Console will appear.
3. Enter the number of Windows installation you are repairing.
4. If there is administrator password in your installation, you need to enter the password first.
5. You will lead to command prompt. Rename your previous Ntfs.sys (if it just corrupted and not missing) by typing the following command: cd \windows\system32\drivers. Press Enter. If the Ntfs.sys is missing then go to the next step.
6. Type ren ntfs.sys ntfs.old. Press Enter.
7. Type copy X:\i386\ntfs.sys Y:\windows\system32\drivers and press Enter. X represents your CD-ROM drive letter and Y represents the drive where your Windows XP is installed.
8. Type quit and press Enter to quit the Recovery Console. Remove your CD or disks.
9. Restart your computer.