Dual Boot Problem-Revisited

[Alex]

I'm running a dual boot system with Windows XP Pro on disk1 and Server 2003
on disk2. Windows XP is the default configuration.

If I'm sitting in front of this computer, I can easily select which OS to
boot by choosing one of the two operating systems which appear on the
screen. However, I have to make this choice by going through two separate
screens as seen below:
---------------------------------------
First Screen
Earlier Version of Windows
Microsoft Server 2003
----------------------------------------
-----------------------------
Second Screen
Windows XP Pro
Microsoft Server 2003
-------------------------------

My question why the two screens, why aren't the choices just Windows XP Pro
or Microsoft Server 2003 on the first screen?
Note: I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and then installed
Server 2003 on the second drive.

Below is my boot.ini
[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /NOEXECUTE=OPTIN /FASTDETECT
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows Server 2003"
/NOEXECUTE=OPTOUT /FASTDETECT

TIA

Alex

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I'm running a dual boot system with Windows XP Pro on disk1 and Server
2003 on disk2. Windows XP is the default configuration.

If I'm sitting in front of this computer, I can easily select which OS to
boot by choosing one of the two operating systems which appear on the
screen. However, I have to make this choice by going through two separate
screens as seen below:
---------------------------------------
First Screen
Earlier Version of Windows
Microsoft Server 2003
----------------------------------------
-----------------------------
Second Screen
Windows XP Pro
Microsoft Server 2003
-------------------------------

My question why the two screens, why aren't the choices just Windows XP
Pro or Microsoft Server 2003 on the first screen?
Note: I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and then installed
Server 2003 on the second drive.

Below is my boot.ini
[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /NOEXECUTE=OPTIN /FASTDETECT
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows Server
2003" /NOEXECUTE=OPTOUT /FASTDETECT

TIA

Alex

There is something strange in your setup. I suspect that you
have more than one file called "boot.ini". Check all partitions
on both disks and remember that boot.ini is normally hidden.
You should also run diskmgmt.msc and check which partition
is marked "active".

 

[Jerry]

Could be this: your default line ends in \WINDOWS; the lines under
[operating systems] both include \WINDOWS= (plus system info). You can't
have them both called \WINDOWS.

Change default to \WINDOWS XP and then rename the other two as applicable:
\WINDOWS XP and \WINDOWS SERVER.

Now when you boot the options should be: WINDOWS XP and WINDOWS SERVER

 

[Alex]

Pegusus,

Did a full search (hidden files & folders) and boot.ini did not show up -
only boot.ini.backup in windows\pss folder.

Alex

Could be this: your default line ends in \WINDOWS; the lines under
[operating systems] both include \WINDOWS= (plus system info). You can't
have them both called \WINDOWS.

Change default to \WINDOWS XP and then rename the other two as applicable:
\WINDOWS XP and \WINDOWS SERVER.

Now when you boot the options should be: WINDOWS XP and WINDOWS SERVER

I'm running a dual boot system with Windows XP Pro on disk1 and Server
2003 on disk2. Windows XP is the default configuration.

If I'm sitting in front of this computer, I can easily select which OS to
boot by choosing one of the two operating systems which appear on the
screen. However, I have to make this choice by going through two separate
screens as seen below:
---------------------------------------
First Screen
Earlier Version of Windows
Microsoft Server 2003
----------------------------------------
-----------------------------
Second Screen
Windows XP Pro
Microsoft Server 2003
-------------------------------

My question why the two screens, why aren't the choices just Windows XP
Pro or Microsoft Server 2003 on the first screen?
Note: I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and then
installed Server 2003 on the second drive.

Below is my boot.ini
[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /NOEXECUTE=OPTIN /FASTDETECT
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows Server
2003" /NOEXECUTE=OPTOUT /FASTDETECT

TIA

Alex

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Could be this: your default line ends in \WINDOWS; the lines under
[operating systems] both include \WINDOWS= (plus system info). You can't
have them both called \WINDOWS.

Change default to \WINDOWS XP and then rename the other two as applicable:
\WINDOWS XP and \WINDOWS SERVER.

Now when you boot the options should be: WINDOWS XP and WINDOWS SERVER

Yes, he can, because the two lines refer to different
disks in the rdisk() parameter.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Pegusus,

Did a full search (hidden files & folders) and boot.ini did not show up -
only boot.ini.backup in windows\pss folder.

Alex

Let's try a little experiment.
1. Format a floppy disk on this machine.
2. Copy the following hidden files to it:
c:\boot.ini
c:\ntdetect.com
c:\ntldr
3. Make sure that a:\boot.ini is really the file whose
contents you posted in your initial post.
4. Modify the boot order in your BIOS so that drive A:
is your primary boot device.
5. Boot the machine from the floppy disk.

Does the problem persist?
Do you get the double menu regardless of the OS you choose?

 

[Alex]

Pegasus,

I did find what appears to be a second boot.ini hidden in C:\
[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn

Note it is not the same as the one I posted which appears in
System/Advanced/etc.

What's up here?

Alex

 

[AJR]

Strictly "guess work" here - if this was the first dual boot setup, boot.ini
default setting would refer to "earlier version of windows" (XP installed
first) and not "Microsoft Windows XP Professional".

It appears as if you have a boot.ini file on each drive.with a selection on
the first referring you to the second. Probably (somehow) a result of "...I
did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and then installed Server
2003 on the second drive...".

Could be this: your default line ends in \WINDOWS; the lines under
[operating systems] both include \WINDOWS= (plus system info). You can't
have them both called \WINDOWS.

Change default to \WINDOWS XP and then rename the other two as applicable:
\WINDOWS XP and \WINDOWS SERVER.

Now when you boot the options should be: WINDOWS XP and WINDOWS SERVER

I'm running a dual boot system with Windows XP Pro on disk1 and Server
2003 on disk2. Windows XP is the default configuration.

If I'm sitting in front of this computer, I can easily select which OS to
boot by choosing one of the two operating systems which appear on the
screen. However, I have to make this choice by going through two separate
screens as seen below:
---------------------------------------
First Screen
Earlier Version of Windows
Microsoft Server 2003
----------------------------------------
-----------------------------
Second Screen
Windows XP Pro
Microsoft Server 2003
-------------------------------

My question why the two screens, why aren't the choices just Windows XP
Pro or Microsoft Server 2003 on the first screen?
Note: I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and then
installed Server 2003 on the second drive.

Below is my boot.ini
[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /NOEXECUTE=OPTIN /FASTDETECT
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows Server
2003" /NOEXECUTE=OPTOUT /FASTDETECT

TIA

Alex

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

So my initial suspicion was correct . . .

You should now tag the text on the right-hand side of the "="
so that you can work out which boot.ini file generates which
menu. And as I said before, you must find out which partition
is marked active.

Pegasus,

I did find what appears to be a second boot.ini hidden in C:\
[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn

Note it is not the same as the one I posted which appears in
System/Advanced/etc.

What's up here?

Alex

Let's try a little experiment.
1. Format a floppy disk on this machine.
2. Copy the following hidden files to it:
c:\boot.ini
c:\ntdetect.com
c:\ntldr
3. Make sure that a:\boot.ini is really the file whose
contents you posted in your initial post.
4. Modify the boot order in your BIOS so that drive A:
is your primary boot device.
5. Boot the machine from the floppy disk.

Does the problem persist?
Do you get the double menu regardless of the OS you choose?

 

[Alex]

Thanks Pegasus, will do some checking and let you know.

Alex

So my initial suspicion was correct . . .

You should now tag the text on the right-hand side of the "="
so that you can work out which boot.ini file generates which
menu. And as I said before, you must find out which partition
is marked active.

Pegasus,

I did find what appears to be a second boot.ini hidden in C:\
[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn

Note it is not the same as the one I posted which appears in
System/Advanced/etc.

What's up here?

Alex

Pegusus,

Did a full search (hidden files & folders) and boot.ini did not show
up - only boot.ini.backup in windows\pss folder.

Alex


Let's try a little experiment.
1. Format a floppy disk on this machine.
2. Copy the following hidden files to it:
c:\boot.ini
c:\ntdetect.com
c:\ntldr
3. Make sure that a:\boot.ini is really the file whose
contents you posted in your initial post.
4. Modify the boot order in your BIOS so that drive A:
is your primary boot device.
5. Boot the machine from the floppy disk.

Does the problem persist?
Do you get the double menu regardless of the OS you choose?

 

[Alex]

Jerry,
Thank you for your interesting comments. Yes, I believe I must have 2
boot.ini files but the only one I've located so far was at C:\ and none at
D:\.

The boot.ini at C:\ is responsible for the second boot screen because I can
change the timeout from 30 to 10 seconds. The time out on the first screen
(earlier version of windows) remains at 30 seconds so it must be controlled
from a different boot.ini.

I will continue the search for this other boot file but at some point I may
consider re-setting the boot file with the Windows Recovery Console - see :
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/ht/repairbootini.htm

Many thanks
Alex

Strictly "guess work" here - if this was the first dual boot setup,
boot.ini default setting would refer to "earlier version of windows" (XP
installed first) and not "Microsoft Windows XP Professional".

It appears as if you have a boot.ini file on each drive.with a selection
on the first referring you to the second. Probably (somehow) a result of
"...I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and then installed
Server 2003 on the second drive...".

Could be this: your default line ends in \WINDOWS; the lines under
[operating systems] both include \WINDOWS= (plus system info). You can't
have them both called \WINDOWS.

Change default to \WINDOWS XP and then rename the other two as
applicable: \WINDOWS XP and \WINDOWS SERVER.

Now when you boot the options should be: WINDOWS XP and WINDOWS SERVER

I'm running a dual boot system with Windows XP Pro on disk1 and Server
2003 on disk2. Windows XP is the default configuration.

If I'm sitting in front of this computer, I can easily select which OS
to boot by choosing one of the two operating systems which appear on the
screen. However, I have to make this choice by going through two
separate screens as seen below:
---------------------------------------
First Screen
Earlier Version of Windows
Microsoft Server 2003
----------------------------------------
-----------------------------
Second Screen
Windows XP Pro
Microsoft Server 2003
-------------------------------

My question why the two screens, why aren't the choices just Windows XP
Pro or Microsoft Server 2003 on the first screen?
Note: I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and then
installed Server 2003 on the second drive.

Below is my boot.ini
[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /NOEXECUTE=OPTIN /FASTDETECT
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows Server
2003" /NOEXECUTE=OPTOUT /FASTDETECT

TIA

Alex

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Why don't you run this very simple test to locate your
invisible boot.ini files?
- Click Start / Run / cmd {OK}
- Type these commands, one after the other:
md c:\boot.ini{Enter}
md d:\boot.ini{Enter}
md e:\boot.ini{Enter}
md f:\boot.ini{Enter}
If boot.ini exists then you won't be able to create
a directory of the same name. No magic here!

Jerry,
Thank you for your interesting comments. Yes, I believe I must have 2
boot.ini files but the only one I've located so far was at C:\ and none at
D:\.

The boot.ini at C:\ is responsible for the second boot screen because I
can change the timeout from 30 to 10 seconds. The time out on the first
screen (earlier version of windows) remains at 30 seconds so it must be
controlled from a different boot.ini.

I will continue the search for this other boot file but at some point I
may consider re-setting the boot file with the Windows Recovery Console -
see :
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/ht/repairbootini.htm

Many thanks
Alex

Strictly "guess work" here - if this was the first dual boot setup,
boot.ini default setting would refer to "earlier version of windows" (XP
installed first) and not "Microsoft Windows XP Professional".

It appears as if you have a boot.ini file on each drive.with a selection
on the first referring you to the second. Probably (somehow) a result of
"...I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and then installed
Server 2003 on the second drive...".

Could be this: your default line ends in \WINDOWS; the lines under
[operating systems] both include \WINDOWS= (plus system info). You can't
have them both called \WINDOWS.

Change default to \WINDOWS XP and then rename the other two as
applicable: \WINDOWS XP and \WINDOWS SERVER.

Now when you boot the options should be: WINDOWS XP and WINDOWS SERVER

I'm running a dual boot system with Windows XP Pro on disk1 and Server
2003 on disk2. Windows XP is the default configuration.

If I'm sitting in front of this computer, I can easily select which OS
to boot by choosing one of the two operating systems which appear on
the screen. However, I have to make this choice by going through two
separate screens as seen below:
---------------------------------------
First Screen
Earlier Version of Windows
Microsoft Server 2003
----------------------------------------
-----------------------------
Second Screen
Windows XP Pro
Microsoft Server 2003
-------------------------------

My question why the two screens, why aren't the choices just Windows XP
Pro or Microsoft Server 2003 on the first screen?
Note: I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and then
installed Server 2003 on the second drive.

Below is my boot.ini
[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /NOEXECUTE=OPTIN /FASTDETECT
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows Server
2003" /NOEXECUTE=OPTOUT /FASTDETECT

TIA

Alex

 

[Alex]

Could not md on C:\ but could on all other drives. I guess that means it
only exists on C:\.

Alex

Why don't you run this very simple test to locate your
invisible boot.ini files?
- Click Start / Run / cmd {OK}
- Type these commands, one after the other:
md c:\boot.ini{Enter}
md d:\boot.ini{Enter}
md e:\boot.ini{Enter}
md f:\boot.ini{Enter}
If boot.ini exists then you won't be able to create
a directory of the same name. No magic here!

Jerry,
Thank you for your interesting comments. Yes, I believe I must have 2
boot.ini files but the only one I've located so far was at C:\ and none
at D:\.

The boot.ini at C:\ is responsible for the second boot screen because I
can change the timeout from 30 to 10 seconds. The time out on the first
screen (earlier version of windows) remains at 30 seconds so it must be
controlled from a different boot.ini.

I will continue the search for this other boot file but at some point I
may consider re-setting the boot file with the Windows Recovery Console -
see :
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/ht/repairbootini.htm

Many thanks
Alex

Strictly "guess work" here - if this was the first dual boot setup,
boot.ini default setting would refer to "earlier version of windows" (XP
installed first) and not "Microsoft Windows XP Professional".

It appears as if you have a boot.ini file on each drive.with a selection
on the first referring you to the second. Probably (somehow) a result of
"...I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and then installed
Server 2003 on the second drive...".


Could be this: your default line ends in \WINDOWS; the lines under
[operating systems] both include \WINDOWS= (plus system info). You
can't have them both called \WINDOWS.

Change default to \WINDOWS XP and then rename the other two as
applicable: \WINDOWS XP and \WINDOWS SERVER.

Now when you boot the options should be: WINDOWS XP and WINDOWS SERVER

I'm running a dual boot system with Windows XP Pro on disk1 and Server
2003 on disk2. Windows XP is the default configuration.

If I'm sitting in front of this computer, I can easily select which OS
to boot by choosing one of the two operating systems which appear on
the screen. However, I have to make this choice by going through two
separate screens as seen below:
---------------------------------------
First Screen
Earlier Version of Windows
Microsoft Server 2003
----------------------------------------
-----------------------------
Second Screen
Windows XP Pro
Microsoft Server 2003
-------------------------------

My question why the two screens, why aren't the choices just Windows
XP Pro or Microsoft Server 2003 on the first screen?
Note: I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and then
installed Server 2003 on the second drive.

Below is my boot.ini
[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /NOEXECUTE=OPTIN /FASTDETECT
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows Server
2003" /NOEXECUTE=OPTOUT /FASTDETECT

TIA

Alex

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Correct.
How did you go when booting the machine with the
floppy boot disk?

Could not md on C:\ but could on all other drives. I guess that means it
only exists on C:\.

Alex

Why don't you run this very simple test to locate your
invisible boot.ini files?
- Click Start / Run / cmd {OK}
- Type these commands, one after the other:
md c:\boot.ini{Enter}
md d:\boot.ini{Enter}
md e:\boot.ini{Enter}
md f:\boot.ini{Enter}
If boot.ini exists then you won't be able to create
a directory of the same name. No magic here!

Jerry,
Thank you for your interesting comments. Yes, I believe I must have 2
boot.ini files but the only one I've located so far was at C:\ and none
at D:\.

The boot.ini at C:\ is responsible for the second boot screen because I
can change the timeout from 30 to 10 seconds. The time out on the first
screen (earlier version of windows) remains at 30 seconds so it must be
controlled from a different boot.ini.

I will continue the search for this other boot file but at some point I
may consider re-setting the boot file with the Windows Recovery
Console - see :
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/ht/repairbootini.htm

Many thanks
Alex

Strictly "guess work" here - if this was the first dual boot setup,
boot.ini default setting would refer to "earlier version of windows"
(XP installed first) and not "Microsoft Windows XP Professional".

It appears as if you have a boot.ini file on each drive.with a
selection on the first referring you to the second. Probably (somehow)
a result of "...I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and
then installed Server 2003 on the second drive...".


Could be this: your default line ends in \WINDOWS; the lines under
[operating systems] both include \WINDOWS= (plus system info). You
can't have them both called \WINDOWS.

Change default to \WINDOWS XP and then rename the other two as
applicable: \WINDOWS XP and \WINDOWS SERVER.

Now when you boot the options should be: WINDOWS XP and WINDOWS SERVER

I'm running a dual boot system with Windows XP Pro on disk1 and
Server 2003 on disk2. Windows XP is the default configuration.

If I'm sitting in front of this computer, I can easily select which
OS to boot by choosing one of the two operating systems which appear
on the screen. However, I have to make this choice by going through
two separate screens as seen below:
---------------------------------------
First Screen
Earlier Version of Windows
Microsoft Server 2003
----------------------------------------
-----------------------------
Second Screen
Windows XP Pro
Microsoft Server 2003
-------------------------------

My question why the two screens, why aren't the choices just Windows
XP Pro or Microsoft Server 2003 on the first screen?
Note: I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and then
installed Server 2003 on the second drive.

Below is my boot.ini
[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /NOEXECUTE=OPTIN /FASTDETECT
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows Server
2003" /NOEXECUTE=OPTOUT /FASTDETECT

TIA

Alex

 

[Alex]

Sorry, did not get around trying the floppy yet.

Alex

Correct.
How did you go when booting the machine with the
floppy boot disk?

Could not md on C:\ but could on all other drives. I guess that means it
only exists on C:\.

Alex

Why don't you run this very simple test to locate your
invisible boot.ini files?
- Click Start / Run / cmd {OK}
- Type these commands, one after the other:
md c:\boot.ini{Enter}
md d:\boot.ini{Enter}
md e:\boot.ini{Enter}
md f:\boot.ini{Enter}
If boot.ini exists then you won't be able to create
a directory of the same name. No magic here!


Jerry,
Thank you for your interesting comments. Yes, I believe I must have 2
boot.ini files but the only one I've located so far was at C:\ and none
at D:\.

The boot.ini at C:\ is responsible for the second boot screen because I
can change the timeout from 30 to 10 seconds. The time out on the first
screen (earlier version of windows) remains at 30 seconds so it must be
controlled from a different boot.ini.

I will continue the search for this other boot file but at some point I
may consider re-setting the boot file with the Windows Recovery
Console - see :
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/ht/repairbootini.htm

Many thanks
Alex

Strictly "guess work" here - if this was the first dual boot setup,
boot.ini default setting would refer to "earlier version of windows"
(XP installed first) and not "Microsoft Windows XP Professional".

It appears as if you have a boot.ini file on each drive.with a
selection on the first referring you to the second. Probably (somehow)
a result of "...I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and
then installed Server 2003 on the second drive...".


Could be this: your default line ends in \WINDOWS; the lines under
[operating systems] both include \WINDOWS= (plus system info). You
can't have them both called \WINDOWS.

Change default to \WINDOWS XP and then rename the other two as
applicable: \WINDOWS XP and \WINDOWS SERVER.

Now when you boot the options should be: WINDOWS XP and WINDOWS
SERVER

I'm running a dual boot system with Windows XP Pro on disk1 and
Server 2003 on disk2. Windows XP is the default configuration.

If I'm sitting in front of this computer, I can easily select which
OS to boot by choosing one of the two operating systems which appear
on the screen. However, I have to make this choice by going through
two separate screens as seen below:
---------------------------------------
First Screen
Earlier Version of Windows
Microsoft Server 2003
----------------------------------------
-----------------------------
Second Screen
Windows XP Pro
Microsoft Server 2003
-------------------------------

My question why the two screens, why aren't the choices just Windows
XP Pro or Microsoft Server 2003 on the first screen?
Note: I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and then
installed Server 2003 on the second drive.

Below is my boot.ini
[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /NOEXECUTE=OPTIN /FASTDETECT
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows
Server 2003" /NOEXECUTE=OPTOUT /FASTDETECT

TIA

Alex

 

[Andy]

What files do you see when you execute dir /ah at C:\?
The first boot screen resembles what's seen with the Vista boot
manager.

Jerry,
Thank you for your interesting comments. Yes, I believe I must have 2
boot.ini files but the only one I've located so far was at C:\ and none at
D:\.

The boot.ini at C:\ is responsible for the second boot screen because I can
change the timeout from 30 to 10 seconds. The time out on the first screen
(earlier version of windows) remains at 30 seconds so it must be controlled
from a different boot.ini.

I will continue the search for this other boot file but at some point I may
consider re-setting the boot file with the Windows Recovery Console - see :
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/ht/repairbootini.htm

Many thanks
Alex

Strictly "guess work" here - if this was the first dual boot setup,
boot.ini default setting would refer to "earlier version of windows" (XP
installed first) and not "Microsoft Windows XP Professional".

It appears as if you have a boot.ini file on each drive.with a selection
on the first referring you to the second. Probably (somehow) a result of
"...I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and then installed
Server 2003 on the second drive...".

Could be this: your default line ends in \WINDOWS; the lines under
[operating systems] both include \WINDOWS= (plus system info). You can't
have them both called \WINDOWS.

Change default to \WINDOWS XP and then rename the other two as
applicable: \WINDOWS XP and \WINDOWS SERVER.

Now when you boot the options should be: WINDOWS XP and WINDOWS SERVER

I'm running a dual boot system with Windows XP Pro on disk1 and Server
2003 on disk2. Windows XP is the default configuration.

If I'm sitting in front of this computer, I can easily select which OS
to boot by choosing one of the two operating systems which appear on the
screen. However, I have to make this choice by going through two
separate screens as seen below:
---------------------------------------
First Screen
Earlier Version of Windows
Microsoft Server 2003
----------------------------------------
-----------------------------
Second Screen
Windows XP Pro
Microsoft Server 2003
-------------------------------

My question why the two screens, why aren't the choices just Windows XP
Pro or Microsoft Server 2003 on the first screen?
Note: I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and then
installed Server 2003 on the second drive.

Below is my boot.ini
[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /NOEXECUTE=OPTIN /FASTDETECT
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows Server
2003" /NOEXECUTE=OPTOUT /FASTDETECT

TIA

Alex

 

[Alex]

Pegasus,

I did you floppy boot experiment and got the proper (single) start up
screen.

Alex

Could be this: your default line ends in \WINDOWS; the lines under
[operating systems] both include \WINDOWS= (plus system info). You can't
have them both called \WINDOWS.

Change default to \WINDOWS XP and then rename the other two as
applicable: \WINDOWS XP and \WINDOWS SERVER.

Now when you boot the options should be: WINDOWS XP and WINDOWS SERVER

Yes, he can, because the two lines refer to different
disks in the rdisk() parameter.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Good! This means two things:
a) There is nothing wrong with a:\boot.ini
b) You can start repairing your boot environment without
fear. If something goes wrong then you can still boot
into Windows with your boot diskette.

I would now do this:
- Run diskmgmt.msc and make sure that the correct
partition is marked "active".
- Boot the machine into the Recovery Console, using
your WinXP installation disks, then run these commands:
fixboot{Enter}
fixmbr{Enter}

Pegasus,

I did you floppy boot experiment and got the proper (single) start up
screen.

Alex

Could be this: your default line ends in \WINDOWS; the lines under
[operating systems] both include \WINDOWS= (plus system info). You can't
have them both called \WINDOWS.

Change default to \WINDOWS XP and then rename the other two as
applicable: \WINDOWS XP and \WINDOWS SERVER.

Now when you boot the options should be: WINDOWS XP and WINDOWS SERVER

Yes, he can, because the two lines refer to different
disks in the rdisk() parameter.

 

[Alex]

Pegasus,

Will give it a try but It may be a few days till I am able to do it.

Thanks again.

Alex

Good! This means two things:
a) There is nothing wrong with a:\boot.ini
b) You can start repairing your boot environment without
fear. If something goes wrong then you can still boot
into Windows with your boot diskette.

I would now do this:
- Run diskmgmt.msc and make sure that the correct
partition is marked "active".
- Boot the machine into the Recovery Console, using
your WinXP installation disks, then run these commands:
fixboot{Enter}
fixmbr{Enter}

Pegasus,

I did you floppy boot experiment and got the proper (single) start up
screen.

Alex

Could be this: your default line ends in \WINDOWS; the lines under
[operating systems] both include \WINDOWS= (plus system info). You
can't have them both called \WINDOWS.

Change default to \WINDOWS XP and then rename the other two as
applicable: \WINDOWS XP and \WINDOWS SERVER.

Now when you boot the options should be: WINDOWS XP and WINDOWS SERVER

Yes, he can, because the two lines refer to different
disks in the rdisk() parameter.

 

[Alex]

Pegasus,

I followed your fixboot,fixmbr suggestion and that solved the problems of
two boot screens.
However, Windows XP loaded properly but Server 03 would not boot.
Rather than fooling around (limited time), I decided to re-install Server
03. Now everything works as it should.

I can now do what I originally set out to do, control the booting remotely
through the Advanced, Startup and Recovery settings menu.

Many thanks for all your help and suggestions.

Alex

Correct.
How did you go when booting the machine with the
floppy boot disk?

Could not md on C:\ but could on all other drives. I guess that means it
only exists on C:\.

Alex

Why don't you run this very simple test to locate your
invisible boot.ini files?
- Click Start / Run / cmd {OK}
- Type these commands, one after the other:
md c:\boot.ini{Enter}
md d:\boot.ini{Enter}
md e:\boot.ini{Enter}
md f:\boot.ini{Enter}
If boot.ini exists then you won't be able to create
a directory of the same name. No magic here!


Jerry,
Thank you for your interesting comments. Yes, I believe I must have 2
boot.ini files but the only one I've located so far was at C:\ and none
at D:\.

The boot.ini at C:\ is responsible for the second boot screen because I
can change the timeout from 30 to 10 seconds. The time out on the first
screen (earlier version of windows) remains at 30 seconds so it must be
controlled from a different boot.ini.

I will continue the search for this other boot file but at some point I
may consider re-setting the boot file with the Windows Recovery
Console - see :
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/ht/repairbootini.htm

Many thanks
Alex

Strictly "guess work" here - if this was the first dual boot setup,
boot.ini default setting would refer to "earlier version of windows"
(XP installed first) and not "Microsoft Windows XP Professional".

It appears as if you have a boot.ini file on each drive.with a
selection on the first referring you to the second. Probably (somehow)
a result of "...I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and
then installed Server 2003 on the second drive...".


Could be this: your default line ends in \WINDOWS; the lines under
[operating systems] both include \WINDOWS= (plus system info). You
can't have them both called \WINDOWS.

Change default to \WINDOWS XP and then rename the other two as
applicable: \WINDOWS XP and \WINDOWS SERVER.

Now when you boot the options should be: WINDOWS XP and WINDOWS
SERVER

I'm running a dual boot system with Windows XP Pro on disk1 and
Server 2003 on disk2. Windows XP is the default configuration.

If I'm sitting in front of this computer, I can easily select which
OS to boot by choosing one of the two operating systems which appear
on the screen. However, I have to make this choice by going through
two separate screens as seen below:
---------------------------------------
First Screen
Earlier Version of Windows
Microsoft Server 2003
----------------------------------------
-----------------------------
Second Screen
Windows XP Pro
Microsoft Server 2003
-------------------------------

My question why the two screens, why aren't the choices just Windows
XP Pro or Microsoft Server 2003 on the first screen?
Note: I did do a clean re-install of XP a few weeks ago and then
installed Server 2003 on the second drive.

Below is my boot.ini
[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /NOEXECUTE=OPTIN /FASTDETECT
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows
Server 2003" /NOEXECUTE=OPTOUT /FASTDETECT

TIA

Alex