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    Sony VAIO Pro VGN-B100B NTLDR Missing Error

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by reddragon3668, Jan 28, 2014.

  1. reddragon3668

    reddragon3668 Newbie

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    I recently purchased used Sony Vaio Pro VGN-B100B laptop.It was running WinXP Sp3 when I got it. Not long after purchasing it, upon rebooting, I got the NTLDR missing error. Since it did not come with any of the original recovery software or disk, I pretty much had to install a new copy of WinXP. I did so and things seemed fine, but not long after getting things set back up, it happened again. So, this time, I decided to swap out the HDD with another one I had lying around that was twice the size of the one that came in the machine. Loaded XP onto the new drive... got things set up, reboot led to the same error. All in all, this has happened numerous times on different hardrives, using different XP installation media. So, I know the HDD is good, the system ram is good and the only thing I can think of that could be causing this reoccurring problem is the BIOS needing updating. It has a Phoenix Bios...

    Any ideas as what might be causing this? If I'm correct and it may be the BIOS needing updating, any suggestions as to where to find an update? It isn't listed on the Sony support page for this laptop series...
    9
    Laptop Info:

    VAIO Pro VGN-B100B
    MODEL: PCG-5B1L
    SERIAL NUMBER: 28398515-3000025
    CURRENT PHOENIX BIOS SETUP UTILITY VERSION: RK031G

    Any help would be appreciated! Recovering thus far has been fairly easy, but a constant hassle.
     
    reddragon3668, Jan 28, 2014
    #1
  2. ngvuanh

    ngvuanh Notebook Deity

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    Have you checked and replaced different RAM?
    Otherwise, I am afraid HD controller (motherboard) issue.
     
    ngvuanh, Feb 1, 2014
    #2
  3. next4nextel

    next4nextel Notebook Consultant

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    1.try updating the bios, there maybe an update available, I haven't found one yet 2. Check the hard drive settings in the bios to whether or not they are set to ACHI or compatibility if this setting exists if so set it to compatibility. 3. check the links below for more info

    1. https://us.en.kb.sony.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/30721/c/65,66/
    2. https://us.en.kb.sony.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/38336/c/65,66/p/48903,49902,51379,51381/
    3. Sony eSupport - VGN-B100B - Support

    I also recommend you try windows 7 on this ancient machine!
     
    next4nextel, Feb 2, 2014
    #3
    anytimer likes this.
  4. anytimer

    anytimer Notebook Virtuoso

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    Don't forget to check the cables. I've encountered a similar problem in a desktop which was being caused by a loose HDD power cable.
     
    anytimer, Feb 2, 2014
    #4