Hey folks... THX in advance for any help you can provide...

I have been trying to install ubuntu on an old compaq presario. I had problems with the original ubuntu install, created a windows xp boot disk, and reformatted the HARD drive. Now, have a bootable ubuntu cd, set my bios up to boot from cd, and get "ntldr is missing". Same for windows xp recovery disk. I don't have the original setup disks from LONG ago.

Any suggestions? try to COMPLETELY wipe the harddrive? if so, any utility recommendations?

Arghhhh..You're getting a "ntldr is missing" because the computer is trying to boot from the hard drive instead of the CD.
Are you sure you set it up to boot from CD?
Is the CD drive functioning properly? Can you try another one?
i am having pretty much the same issue, I am getting this message

Boot from ATAPI CD-ROM :
No Emulation

Press any key to boot from CD.....

NTLDR is missing
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart


I have tried this over and over and nothing Hi Puterilliterate welcome to the CH forums.
Please start your own topic. Although you and juanzo007 problem sound a like on the surface the cause and solution can be very different. Besides, helping two users in the same thread gets confusing.
And Please read this post before starting a topic. It makes it easier to assist you.