Why this configuration not working?

T

Terry Pinnell

Sorry about the length of this, but I reckon it's necessary to provide
a full picture and hence get some much-needed help please.

Following my previous posts, I have now installed a new 200GB HD to
replace the 60GB one with 4 bad blocks, as recommended.

However, although I'm sending this from a working 3-drive system, the
2-drive configuration I'm trying to achieve resolutely refuses to
work. That's after slogging at it for 3 days without success. I'd
hoped to sort it without returning here for more help, but I have to
admit defeat for the time being!

I won't attempt to describe all the details of the various
combinations I've tried. Very briefly:

- The original 2 identical 60GB disks both had a partition of about
12GB containing my XP Home OS (and around half of my program files),
and I could boot to either. That gave me a feeling of security, and
I'd like to continue that. (I also have an *image* of my OS, and I aim
to update that reasonably often, as another security measure.)

- I eventually succeeded in getting OS copies also into partitions on
the 2 identical 200GB HDs, using PowerQuest Drive Image. (That's the
200GB added a few weeks ago via an extra PCI card; and the latest
identical 200GB, bought as replacement for the faulty 60GB.)

- I am able to boot up from each of these when that is the only drive
present, and in various 3-drive configurations, including the one I
have at present.

- For simplicity, power and noise reasons, I want to get rid of the
remaining 60GB disk.

- But that doesn't work. I get a variety of errors, depending on which
one I try to boot, including for example:
"Press a key to reboot" (then cycling repeatedly)
"NTLDR is missing..."
"Some other file or other (HAL.DLL?) is missing..."
All those are presumably symptomatic of XP not finding a bootable
partition? Yet, as I said, there *is* one, and it does work in other
circumstances.

Then, late last night, with only the 200GB disks in place (as disk 0
and disk 1), I started to get panic-generating messages like:
"A problem is preventing Windows accurately checking the licence for
this computer. Error code 0x80090006"
"Windows cannot load the user's profile but has logged you on with the
default profile for this system" (But it got no further.)

Here's what my setup is right now
http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/Images/CurrentStatus1.gif

One major source of confusion for me throughout this exercise is:
which of these OSs am I 'in' right now? I think I have booted to Disk
1 Partition 1. That's the default shown in Settings > Startup. It is
also consistent with what I see in boot.ini. And that's also
consistent with the XP Disk Management display showing 'boot' in that
entry. IOW, right now I'm using the OS copy that is in H. BUT then
why is Disk 0 Partition 1 called C? I thought the boot partition
automatically got re-labeled by XP to C?

OK, bottom line. I'm sorely tempted to stick with what I have now, and
just tidy up shortcuts, reorganise files and folders, etc. But it
would be good to get down to 2 drives. 400 GB should be plenty, even
with two 12GB OS partitions, and my comprehensive backup precautions.
Can the experts here suggest a safe way of achieving that please?
 
G

Guest

What your boot.ini is showing?
Boot.ini is on your root C:\
It may show hidden. Just do a Tools/Folder options/View and unclick the
hidden files and folders to show them up
 
T

Terry Pinnell

Dixonian69 said:
Also, what is boot order in computer bios?
HD0, HD1 or HD2
Click to expand...

Thanks both.

This file C:\boot.ini, dated 09/11/2005 22:37 looks as follows.

[boot loader]
timeout=5
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C" /cmdcons
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

So you can see why I said boot.ini was consistent with default booting
from HD1 partition 1.

But *which* boot.ini is used to control booting? This file,
H:\boot.ini, dated a little earlier at 09/11/2005 10:11
has deafult at HD0 partition 1

[boot loader]
timeout=5
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(2)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #2 Disk=2
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C" /cmdcons
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

Is it important to ensure both files are identical? Or not identical?
Or does it matter?

I'm pleased that Dixonian69 has asked about the BIOS, because that's
another area that has confused me. In the course of my many tests, I
did change the boot sequence in BIOS, as well as using boot.ini and as
well as physically swapping the drives (sometimes with 2 present,
sometimes with 3). I will report back on the current BIOS sequence in
a later post. Right now I'm postponing rebooting!

I can say however that it was very ambiguous at one stage, with 2
*identical* entries in the drop-down box in BIOS under the Boot tab.
Presumably the first one implies you are selecting the *primary*, HD0,
i.e. the one connecetd to the plug at the END of the cable?

At present the two IDE options are the 60GB in the HD0 position (with
partitions C (?) and F; the HD1 position is a 200GB with partitions H
and J, as you saw from my screenshot. What I can't recall at this
moment is what order the BIOS has these in.
 
G

Guest

Your goal is to get rid of "C" drive currenly referred to as HD(0).

Your C:boot.ini says to me that you have:
HD(0) installed as Pri Master "C" drive
HD(1) installed as Pri Slave "H" drive
HD(2) installed as Sec Master "E" drive

Default to boot to HD(1) ie rdisk(1) "H" drive
Other boot option HD(0) ie rdisk(0) "C" drive
Other boot options to Recovery Console on HD(0) "C" drive.
Other boot options to Recovery Console on HD(2) "E" drive
HD(2) ie rdisk(2) partition(1) is not referenced ie E:\Windows directory is
not referenced. If yuo wanted "Windows Home 2 HD(2)" to boot from this ini
file, yuo would ahve to add appropriate line. Since yuor goal is to get rid
of "C", this does not matter.

Your H:boot.ini says to me that you have:
HD(0) installed as Pri Master "C" drive
HD(1) installed as Pri Slave "H" drive
HD(2) installed as Sec Master "E" drive

Default to boot to HD(0) ie rdisk(0) "C" drive
Other boot option HD(1) ie rdisk(1) "H" drive
Other boot option HD(2) ie rdisk(2) "E" drive
Other boot options to Recovery Console on HD(0) "C" drive.
Other boot options to Recovery Console on HD(2) "E" drive

Since this is getting long will post another reply with suggestions


--
Dennis S.
I''m from Illinois. I hope I helped you. Good Luck.


Terry Pinnell said:
Dixonian69 said:
Also, what is boot order in computer bios?
HD0, HD1 or HD2
Click to expand...

Thanks both.

This file C:\boot.ini, dated 09/11/2005 22:37 looks as follows.

[boot loader]
timeout=5
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C" /cmdcons
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

So you can see why I said boot.ini was consistent with default booting
from HD1 partition 1.

But *which* boot.ini is used to control booting? This file,
H:\boot.ini, dated a little earlier at 09/11/2005 10:11
has deafult at HD0 partition 1

[boot loader]
timeout=5
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(2)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #2 Disk=2
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C" /cmdcons
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

Is it important to ensure both files are identical? Or not identical?
Or does it matter?

I'm pleased that Dixonian69 has asked about the BIOS, because that's
another area that has confused me. In the course of my many tests, I
did change the boot sequence in BIOS, as well as using boot.ini and as
well as physically swapping the drives (sometimes with 2 present,
sometimes with 3). I will report back on the current BIOS sequence in
a later post. Right now I'm postponing rebooting!

I can say however that it was very ambiguous at one stage, with 2
*identical* entries in the drop-down box in BIOS under the Boot tab.
Presumably the first one implies you are selecting the *primary*, HD0,
i.e. the one connecetd to the plug at the END of the cable?

At present the two IDE options are the 60GB in the HD0 position (with
partitions C (?) and F; the HD1 position is a 200GB with partitions H
and J, as you saw from my screenshot. What I can't recall at this
moment is what order the BIOS has these in.
Click to expand...
 
G

Guest

From what I see, you are booting from hd1 or the secondary hard drive but you
also installed the recovery console. Is this right?

Terry Pinnell said:
Dixonian69 said:
Also, what is boot order in computer bios?
HD0, HD1 or HD2
Click to expand...

Thanks both.

This file C:\boot.ini, dated 09/11/2005 22:37 looks as follows.

[boot loader]
timeout=5
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C" /cmdcons
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

So you can see why I said boot.ini was consistent with default booting
from HD1 partition 1.

But *which* boot.ini is used to control booting? This file,
H:\boot.ini, dated a little earlier at 09/11/2005 10:11
has deafult at HD0 partition 1

[boot loader]
timeout=5
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(2)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #2 Disk=2
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C" /cmdcons
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

Is it important to ensure both files are identical? Or not identical?
Or does it matter?

I'm pleased that Dixonian69 has asked about the BIOS, because that's
another area that has confused me. In the course of my many tests, I
did change the boot sequence in BIOS, as well as using boot.ini and as
well as physically swapping the drives (sometimes with 2 present,
sometimes with 3). I will report back on the current BIOS sequence in
a later post. Right now I'm postponing rebooting!

I can say however that it was very ambiguous at one stage, with 2
*identical* entries in the drop-down box in BIOS under the Boot tab.
Presumably the first one implies you are selecting the *primary*, HD0,
i.e. the one connecetd to the plug at the END of the cable?

At present the two IDE options are the 60GB in the HD0 position (with
partitions C (?) and F; the HD1 position is a 200GB with partitions H
and J, as you saw from my screenshot. What I can't recall at this
moment is what order the BIOS has these in.
Click to expand...
 
G

Guest

I forgot to mention that:
C:boot.ini implies you have "C" HD(0) as first boot device on computer BIOS.
H:boot.ini implies you have "H" HD(1) as first boot device in computer BIOS.
--
Dennis S.
I''m from Illinois. I hope I helped you. Good Luck.


Dixonian69 said:
Your goal is to get rid of "C" drive currently referred to as HD(0).

Your C:boot.ini says to me that you have:
HD(0) installed as Pri Master "C" drive
HD(1) installed as Pri Slave "H" drive
HD(2) installed as Sec Master "E" drive

Default to boot to HD(1) ie rdisk(1) "H" drive
Other boot option HD(0) ie rdisk(0) "C" drive
Other boot options to Recovery Console on HD(0) "C" drive.
Other boot options to Recovery Console on HD(2) "E" drive
HD(2) ie rdisk(2) partition(1) is not referenced ie E:\Windows directory is
not referenced. If yuo wanted "Windows Home 2 HD(2)" to boot from this ini
file, yuo would ahve to add appropriate line. Since yuor goal is to get rid
of "C", this does not matter.

Your H:boot.ini says to me that you have:
HD(0) installed as Pri Master "C" drive
HD(1) installed as Pri Slave "H" drive
HD(2) installed as Sec Master "E" drive

Default to boot to HD(0) ie rdisk(0) "C" drive
Other boot option HD(1) ie rdisk(1) "H" drive
Other boot option HD(2) ie rdisk(2) "E" drive
Other boot options to Recovery Console on HD(0) "C" drive.
Other boot options to Recovery Console on HD(2) "E" drive

Since this is getting long will post another reply with suggestions


--
Dennis S.
I''m from Illinois. I hope I helped you. Good Luck.


Terry Pinnell said:
Dixonian69 said:
Also, what is boot order in computer bios?
HD0, HD1 or HD2
Click to expand...

Thanks both.

This file C:\boot.ini, dated 09/11/2005 22:37 looks as follows.

[boot loader]
timeout=5
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C" /cmdcons
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

So you can see why I said boot.ini was consistent with default booting
from HD1 partition 1.

But *which* boot.ini is used to control booting? This file,
H:\boot.ini, dated a little earlier at 09/11/2005 10:11
has deafult at HD0 partition 1

[boot loader]
timeout=5
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(2)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #2 Disk=2
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C" /cmdcons
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

Is it important to ensure both files are identical? Or not identical?
Or does it matter?

I'm pleased that Dixonian69 has asked about the BIOS, because that's
another area that has confused me. In the course of my many tests, I
did change the boot sequence in BIOS, as well as using boot.ini and as
well as physically swapping the drives (sometimes with 2 present,
sometimes with 3). I will report back on the current BIOS sequence in
a later post. Right now I'm postponing rebooting!

I can say however that it was very ambiguous at one stage, with 2
*identical* entries in the drop-down box in BIOS under the Boot tab.
Presumably the first one implies you are selecting the *primary*, HD0,
i.e. the one connecetd to the plug at the END of the cable?

At present the two IDE options are the 60GB in the HD0 position (with
partitions C (?) and F; the HD1 position is a 200GB with partitions H
and J, as you saw from my screenshot. What I can't recall at this
moment is what order the BIOS has these in.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
G

Guest

Let's start with this physical configuration.
HD(0) Pri Master
HD(1) Pri Slave
HD(2) Sec Master although doesn't need to be installed at this time.
For other HDs, ensure jumpers are set correctly. Easy to do ribbon cable but
jumpers get forgotten sometimes.

Set BIOS to boot first from HD(0).
So computer should boot up with C:\boot.ini
Default is "H" drive. Press enter or allow to time out.

You may want to create a backup copy first.
My Computer>rt click, "Properties>Advanced>Startup and Recovery>Settings>Edit

Delete these lines: ie C drive
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0 Partition=1"
/fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C"
/cmdcons

Alter the other lines to look like this:
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #2 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
Note: I changed rdisk values and Home names.

Note I did not have you alter this line:
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons
I believe Windows will reassign drive letter.
"H" drive should become "C". I don't know what it will reassign "E" drive.
You will have to edit again to correct drive designation for this line.
Note: According to the boot.ini, you do not have Recovery console on current
"H" drive. If it exist, again, you will have to edit ini file.

Note the default is unchanged.
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS

Shut down computer.
Setup this physical configuration.
HD(0) Pri Master old "H" drive
HD(1) Pri Slave old "E" drive
Ensure jumpers are set correctly. Easy to do ribbon cable but jumpers get
forgotten sometimes.

Computer BIOS is still set to boot first to HD(0) ie old "H" drive.

Computer should default to and boot up to old "H" drive.
I think it will now be "C" drive.
Note: I'm unsure what letter will be assigned to old "E" drive. Whatever it
is the ini file reference is still valid because it's only lookin at rdisk
and partition values.
Note: The Recovery Console will show in boot menu but unsure if drive
designation is correct.

You should have what you wanted two 200 gig HDD with XP Home on each and
bootable. If this should fail, which I don't think so, then you can always
put old "C" drive back in as HD(0) primary master sand boot with it.

Let me know!!!!!






--
Dennis S.
I''m from Illinois. I hope I helped you. Good Luck.


Terry Pinnell said:
Dixonian69 said:
Also, what is boot order in computer bios?
HD0, HD1 or HD2
Click to expand...

Thanks both.

This file C:\boot.ini, dated 09/11/2005 22:37 looks as follows.

[boot loader]
timeout=5
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C" /cmdcons
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

So you can see why I said boot.ini was consistent with default booting
from HD1 partition 1.

But *which* boot.ini is used to control booting? This file,
H:\boot.ini, dated a little earlier at 09/11/2005 10:11
has default at HD0 partition 1

[boot loader]
timeout=5
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(2)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #2 Disk=2
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C" /cmdcons
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

Is it important to ensure both files are identical? Or not identical?
Or does it matter?

I'm pleased that Dixonian69 has asked about the BIOS, because that's
another area that has confused me. In the course of my many tests, I
did change the boot sequence in BIOS, as well as using boot.ini and as
well as physically swapping the drives (sometimes with 2 present,
sometimes with 3). I will report back on the current BIOS sequence in
a later post. Right now I'm postponing rebooting!

I can say however that it was very ambiguous at one stage, with 2
*identical* entries in the drop-down box in BIOS under the Boot tab.
Presumably the first one implies you are selecting the *primary*, HD0,
i.e. the one connected to the plug at the END of the cable?

At present the two IDE options are the 60GB in the HD0 position (with
partitions C (?) and F; the HD1 position is a 200GB with partitions H
and J, as you saw from my screenshot. What I can't recall at this
moment is what order the BIOS has these in.
Click to expand...
 
T

Terry Pinnell

smiling face said:
From what I see, you are booting from hd1 or the secondary hard drive but you
also installed the recovery console. Is this right?
Click to expand...

Yes. (I installed the Recovery Consoles a couple of years ago,
following instructions by rote. I don't think they are relevant to
current discussion.)
 
T

Terry Pinnell

Dixonian69 said:
I forgot to mention that:
C:boot.ini implies you have "C" HD(0) as first boot device on computer BIOS.
H:boot.ini implies you have "H" HD(1) as first boot device in computer BIOS.
Click to expand...

Thanks for both your replies. It's late here, so I'll get back into
this tomorrow, but meanwhile want to point out one misunderstanding
you have: the third disk, disk2, is *not* an 'IDE' drive. As I think I
said in my OP, my PC already had 2 60GB IDE hard drives. I also have a
DVD writer and a CD writer, so all 4 slots are taken. So, as
mentioned, the other 200GB is cabled from a newly added PCI card.
("That's the 200GB added a few weeks ago via an extra PCI card").

IOW, HD(2), or disk2, which contains a copy of XP OS on partition E
and a large (178GB) partition D for data etc, is from the new PCI
card, not from the main motherboard.
 
G

Guest

Your supplied gif file in OP does not reference your CD/DVD.
http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/Images/CurrentStatus1.gif
Actually, it is insignificant.
Your current configuration has?
HD(0) pri master "C" drive 60 gig
HD(1) pri slave "H" drive 200 gig
HD(2) Master on PCI card "E" drive 200 gig

Your DVD/CD has to be on MB Secondary controller.

"E" drive ribboned to PCI Card as Master?

Are both 200 gig HDD identical?
Are they ATA100/133 or what?
What kind of PCI card is it? ATA100/133?

Are you going to run both 200 gig HDD from PCI card controller or MB
controller?

So you could have 4 HDDs or more. I don't know how many controllers are on
PCI card. 2 on MB Primary controller and 2 or more on PCI Card.

From what I can see, bott.ini considers rdisk(2) "E" drive as HD(2). just
another drive.

So let me know how you are going to put this thing together!!
 
T

Terry Pinnell

Dixonian69 said:
Your supplied gif file in OP does not reference your CD/DVD.
http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/Images/CurrentStatus1.gif
Actually, it is insignificant.
Click to expand...

Agreed, they are irrelevant to current discussion. That's why I only
showed the 3 HDs. But to be sure of clarity, here is the full picture:
http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/Images/CurrentStatus2.gif
Your current configuration has?
HD(0) pri master "C" drive 60 gig
Click to expand...

Correct. 60GB HD, 3 yrs old, OK. Contains C (XP OS) and F (previously
used for backups, but unnecessary in future). As explained, do not
want to keep this drive, if I can remove it safely.
BTW, I'm not sure it's safe to label it "C" drive? I'm sure I've seen
some instance when XP seemed to change a drive letter *to* C, from
some previous letter. This seems to happen (but rarely) when XP boots
from a new copy of the OS, but I'm not sure about it.
HD(1) pri slave "H" drive 200 gig
Click to expand...

Correct. 2 weeks old, OK. Contains H (XP OS) and J (intended in future
mainly for backups, images, etc.)
HD(2) Master on PCI card "E" drive 200 gig
Click to expand...

Correct. Brand new. Contains E (XP OS) and D (main data disk)

Disk 3 is my CF Card Reader, L.

Disk 4 is my SD Card Reader, K.
Your DVD/CD has to be on MB Secondary controller.
Click to expand...

Correct. CD-ROM 0 is Secondary Master (DVD writer)

CD-ROM 1 is Secondary Slave (CD writer)
"E" drive ribboned to PCI Card as Master?
Click to expand...

Correct, as above.
Are both 200 gig HDD identical?
Click to expand...

Yes. ("I eventually succeeded in getting OS copies also into
partitions on the 2 identical 200GB HDs.")
Are they ATA100/133 or what?
Click to expand...

Yes. Both Maxtor DiamondMax 10 200GB IDE ATA/133 16MB, model 6L200P0
What kind of PCI card is it? ATA100/133?
Click to expand...

A Highpoint Rocket 133, here:
http://www.highpoint-tech.com/USA/r133.htm
Not sure if it's relevant, especially if I succeed in making it
redundant by moving this Disk 2 to the Disk 0 position. I was
surprised to find the word 'SCSI' appear in Device Manager after I
installed it, with these entries
SCSI and RAID controllers
- D347PRT SCSI Controller
- HPT302 UDMA/ATA133 Controller
Are you going to run both 200 gig HDD from PCI card controller or MB
controller?
Click to expand...

For simplicity I want to achieve the latter, getting rid of the PCI
card. Just proving very elusive said:
So you could have 4 HDDs or more. I don't know how many controllers are on
PCI card. 2 on MB Primary controller and 2 or more on PCI Card.
Click to expand...

Theoretically correct - but physically no space! During the boot
process, the PCI thing comes up at an early stage, pausing in case I
want to go to BIOS, displaying something like
Primary... Maxtor 6L200P0
No drive
No drive
No drive
From what I can see, boot.ini considers rdisk(2) "E" drive as HD(2). just
another drive.
Click to expand...

Yes, but that wasn't the difference I was asking for clarification
about. ("But *which* boot.ini is used to control booting? This file,
H:\boot.ini, dated a little earlier at 09/11/2005 10:11
has default at HD0 partition 1.")
So let me know how you are going to put this thing together!!
Click to expand...

Er - I was rather hoping to get help on that right here! ("Can the
experts here suggest a safe way of achieving that please?")
 
G

Guest

Yes, but that wasn't the difference I was asking for clarification
about. ("But *which* boot.ini is used to control booting? This file,
H:\boot.ini, dated a little earlier at 09/11/2005 10:11
has default at HD0 partition 1.")
Click to expand...

I already answered this question.
The boot order in BIOS determines which "Boot.ini" is used.

I forgot to mention that:
C:boot.ini implies you have "C" HD(0) as first boot device on computer BIOS.
H:boot.ini implies you have "H" HD(1) as first boot device in computer BIOS.


The configuration and the correct boot.ini is all contained in the very
last reply to your post. Not going to retype or cut and paste here
 
G

Guest

I don't know why you don't want to use PCI card controllers instead of MB
controllers.
MB controllers are probably ATA 33/66/100
PCI card controller ATA 133
So is your HDDs.
 
T

Terry Pinnell

Terry Pinnell said:
- I eventually succeeded in getting OS copies also into partitions on
the 2 identical 200GB HDs, using PowerQuest Drive Image. (That's the
200GB added a few weeks ago via an extra PCI card; and the latest
identical 200GB, bought as replacement for the faulty 60GB.)
Click to expand...

Correction: I have so far only copied the OS to the H partition, not
E. In view of the problems I was having, I'm a little reluctant to
make that extra copy for the moment. Although of course that is
precisely the arrangement I had for over 3 years, with the two
original 60GB disks both having an XP OS partition as well as a data
partition. And that never gave me any problems at any time (apart from
those due to the bad blocks).
 
T

Terry Pinnell

Dixonian69 said:
I don't know why you don't want to use PCI card controllers instead of MB
controllers.
Click to expand...

Simplicity. And tidiness inside PC case.
MB controllers are probably ATA 33/66/100
PCI card controller ATA 133
So is your HDDs.
Click to expand...

From my last tests and general observation, I don't believe there's
any significant difference in performance. Large volume copying times
to/from PCI HD seem very similar to those to/from the MB-controlled
drives.

Given that I want to do it the way I described, anyone here have any
practical suggestions please?
 
G

Guest

Your H:\boot.ini references HD(2) in 2 ways:
1) recovery console "E" drive
2) HD(2) ie rdisk(2) XP Home #2 Disk=2

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(2)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #2 Disk=2
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

Your story is getting rather complex!!!

What is true? What is not?
What do you want to do?
 
T

Terry Pinnell

Dixonian69 said:
Your H:\boot.ini references HD(2) in 2 ways:
1) recovery console "E" drive
2) HD(2) ie rdisk(2) XP Home #2 Disk=2

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(2)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #2 Disk=2
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons
Click to expand...

Not sure I follow, or how is that relevant to my questions?
I am booting to Disk 1, Partition 1. From the System Properties >
Advanced > Start Up dialog, boot.ini is shown as:

[boot loader]
timeout=5
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C" /cmdcons
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

That is identical to the file C:\boot.ini. Whereas the file
H:\boot.ini is:

[boot loader]
timeout=5
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(2)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #2 Disk=2
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C" /cmdcons
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

That seems somehow counter-intuitive to me! Seems odd that the current
(and next) boot-up sequence is apparently based in the boot.ini file
on the *other* OS partition, not the one you are in. Anyway, it's
working OK...

Your story is getting rather complex!!!
Click to expand...

It's a complex situation said:
What is true? What is not?
What do you want to do?
Click to expand...

Already described ad nauseam. If there's some specific issue you don't
understand (after reading my posts throroughly - you missed several
point earlier), I'll cheerfully elaborate.
 
G

Guest

Yes. You are booting to HD(1) only because that it is the default.
Select HD(O) Win XP Home 0, and you will boot to "C" drive.
You are using C:boot.ini.
your boot menu is sending you to HD(1) ie default.

Your BIOS and cables and jumpers are Set to HD(O) first. Therefore, you
reading C:\boot.ini!!

I still insist that WIN XP Home 2 is on "E" drive.

Look at "E" drive!!!
Is there a Windows directory?


--
Dennis S.
I''m from Illinois. I hope I helped you. Good Luck.


Terry Pinnell said:
Dixonian69 said:
Your H:\boot.ini references HD(2) in 2 ways:
1) recovery console "E" drive
2) HD(2) ie rdisk(2) XP Home #2 Disk=2

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(2)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #2 Disk=2
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons
Click to expand...

Not sure I follow, or how is that relevant to my questions?
I am booting to Disk 1, Partition 1. From the System Properties >
Advanced > Start Up dialog, boot.ini is shown as:

[boot loader]
timeout=5
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C" /cmdcons
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

That is identical to the file C:\boot.ini. Whereas the file
H:\boot.ini is:

[boot loader]
timeout=5
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(2)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #2 Disk=2
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C" /cmdcons
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

That seems somehow counter-intuitive to me! Seems odd that the current
(and next) boot-up sequence is apparently based in the boot.ini file
on the *other* OS partition, not the one you are in. Anyway, it's
working OK...

Your story is getting rather complex!!!
Click to expand...

It's a complex situation said:
What is true? What is not?
What do you want to do?
Click to expand...

Already described ad nauseam. If there's some specific issue you don't
understand (after reading my posts throroughly - you missed several
point earlier), I'll cheerfully elaborate.
Click to expand...
 

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