Pick which OS to use

[al]

I had a major crash when installing a Windows XP patch.
I could not start the computer and was given an NT error
message.
I was able to find solutions on my laptop but was unable
to find my XP disc which the procedure called for. I
used my HP XP disc, which allowed me to get up and
running, but now I have to choose which OS I want to use
each time I start up/reboot. This is just an annoyance
as I am accustomed to walking away and doing something
else doing these periods and I end up and the new OS
which of course has none of my software or files.
Help!
Thanks
al

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Go to Start > Run and type: MSCONFIG , and hit enter.
Click on the BOOT.INI tab and then click on "Check All Boot Paths"
to delete incorrect boot paths.

If the above does not correct the issue, then:

Right-click on MY COMPUTER and select:

Properties > Advanced > Startup and Recovery Settings > Edit

CAREFULLY edit your boot.ini file to remove the SECOND entry.
Your boot.ini file should then look similar to this:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition" /fastdetect

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------


|I had a major crash when installing a Windows XP patch.
| I could not start the computer and was given an NT error
| message.
| I was able to find solutions on my laptop but was unable
| to find my XP disc which the procedure called for. I
| used my HP XP disc, which allowed me to get up and
| running, but now I have to choose which OS I want to use
| each time I start up/reboot. This is just an annoyance
| as I am accustomed to walking away and doing something
| else doing these periods and I end up and the new OS
| which of course has none of my software or files.
| Help!
| Thanks
| al

 

[Sharon F]

I had a major crash when installing a Windows XP patch.
I could not start the computer and was given an NT error
message.
I was able to find solutions on my laptop but was unable
to find my XP disc which the procedure called for. I
used my HP XP disc, which allowed me to get up and
running, but now I have to choose which OS I want to use
each time I start up/reboot. This is just an annoyance
as I am accustomed to walking away and doing something
else doing these periods and I end up and the new OS
which of course has none of my software or files.
Help!
Thanks
al

Al, what's your question?
You have two installations of Windows on the same partition - not a good
thing. This is why you now have a boot menu at startup. Figure out what you
want to do and go from there.

Personally, I would use the working copy of XP to get my personal data off
of the hard drive. Then start over so that the system has only one solid
working version of Windows and my programs as a base.

Alternatively, you could transfer all personal files to the "good Windows."
Reinstall programs if necessary. Delete the unnecessary copy of Windows.
Repair the boot.ini file to eliminate the boot option menu.