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Multiple XP installations

Last answer on Jul 10, 2009 12:57:03 am BST Desert FISH, on Aug 13, 2008 2:22:21 pm BST 
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Hello,
I have a computer that had Windows XP installed, replaced or repaired multiple times. Like a multi-boot/multi-OS system, it gives me the option of selecting which Windows XP to choose during boot/startup. Only the third option listed is functional and if I don't select it with the down arrow key and enter, the system tries to continue with the first instance of Windows XP which is non-functional, resulting in a forced restart. My question is how do I get the system to boot into the one good instance of Windows XP on its own. All instances are on the same C: partition.

Thanks

Configuration: Windows XP
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1

sreddy_6, on Aug 13, 2008 2:34:55 pm BST
  • +2

Hi try this,

go to run and type c:\boot.ini txt file will opens like this

boot loader]
timeout=0
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
1)multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect

2)multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect

delete 1&2 lines. save it and close and restart.(be care when u r trying delete


shyam sunder reddy(sreddy_6@yahoo.co.in

   
Reply to sreddy_6

2

Desert FISH, on Aug 13, 2008 6:34:54 pm BST
  • +1

Thanks sreddy_6!

That did the trick. Another approach I have found in the meantime is:

Rename the Windows folders that are not desired to something like "NotWindows"

go to run and type msconfig and Enter

Select BOOT.INI tab

Click Check All Boot Paths

Select and choose to delete the lines that are not identified as valid.

Close and restart.

Afterwards, I deleted everyting I could in the "NotWindows" folders to free up disk space. Two Macromedia Flash files cannot be deleted. Otherwise, i would have deleted the entire folder. If you have a way of deleting the Macromedia Flash files form within System32, I would like to know how.

Thanks again!

   
Reply to Desert FISH

3

sreddy_6, on Aug 14, 2008 1:40:25 pm BST

Hi

u can't delete directly in system32 try this,

go to run type regedit and then find that two pertical file names in entire registry and delete them.

shyam sunder reddy.

   
Reply to sreddy_6

4

Dangela, on Mar 30, 2009 4:39:23 pm BST

Wish I would have read a bit further on this thread, I deleted lines one and two now the screen is black, what do I do now? I had to xp installations that asks me which one do I want to work with it used to be 98 and xp now its 2 versions of xp can you assist me?

   
Reply to Dangela

5

nolte1964, on Apr 2, 2009 10:23:29 pm BST

Put your xp install disk back in, run repair when it comes to the prompt your going to run bootcfg /rebuild

you will need to name it something disticntive, you can follow the above instructions to repair it.

   
Reply to nolte1964

6

Dayle, on Jul 10, 2009 12:34:43 am BST

Hi i had a similar problem to this except my xp professional had a virus but i didn't have the CD so i put Home edition on instead.

I deleted the Professional line in in the c:\boot.ini so now i only boot onto Home Edition

But i still have two operating systems on My C: drive

One says "WINDOWS" and the other "WINXP"

I've checked out the files and the only difference is that "WINDOWS" doesn't have system32 unless it is hidden

Which folder should i delete and how?

thanks alot

Dayle

   
Reply to Dayle

7

 Dayle, on Jul 10, 2009 12:57:03 am BST

Sorry ignore the bit i said about the difference in files

'WINDOWS" is considerably larger

3.56GB 18,185 files

"WINXP" is

2.38GB, 11,772 files

how do i differenciate

   
Reply to Dayle
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