Invalid Boot.ini

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

Hi guys,

This I'm sure is a quick and easily solved problem. I'm just after
verification before I edit the above file.

To be brief, the computer I recently built and installed XP Pro SP2 on,
suddenly presented me with the message 'Invalid boot.ini' just after post. It
also said continuing to load C:\Windows so this seemed to be of no great
consequence, although I'd rather correct this error now of course.

I've visited http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;330184
and while I'm not against the Recovery Console, I am sure there's an even
easier Windows way!

So, according to http://support.microsoft.com/kb/289022/ I wanted to confirm
that the boot.ini sample located at the top of the article is sufficient for
me to place in my (somehow empty) boot.ini file? (Just to confirm, I have one
OS installed on C:)

Of more concern to me is how this might have occurred in the first place. I
don't recall installing any software nor am I even likely to start changing
hardware on my two week old computer, so what could the cause be? Any clues
would be much appreciated.

Regards,
 
Well, I've since replaced the file with what I assume to be the standard SP2
boot.ini format. Suddenly after MSCONFIG would crash whenever I tried to do
anything with my empty boot.ini it now works fine again, so barring a reboot
which I will do shortly, it seems I have fixed the problem, the traditional
notepad way.

I've since discovered how to search this newsgroup; does anyone know why
there are so many people having problems with boot.ini? It seems a common
problem but it must have a cause and perhaps permanent resolution. I don't
want to constantly find the file's contents erased!
 
Hi Carl,

Boot.ini is related to msconfig and msinfo32. One specific issue that was
noted was the multiple "operating systems" sections. Once that is cleared,
all is well.

--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com

In memory of those lost during Katrina &
Prayers and Hope for the remaining displaced.
 
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