XP Pro and PowerQuest Drive Image

[Ian Russell]

Hi,

I have an XP Pro machine setup as a master that was going to be cloned onto
others.
It had two partitions, C: & D: All the OS & Apps were on C: and just the
image files on D:
It turns out that it was in fact drive D: that was the active partition.
When I took an image of
C: and tried to apply it to a workstation, unsurprisingly the workstation
would not boot.

Booting from a floppy, I used Partion Magic 8.0 to make the C: drive active.
This worked and PQmagic reports that
it is a primary and Active partition. It does not mention its "bootable"
state.

I ran the XP recovery console and did a FIXBOOT and FIXMBR however it still
wont boot.
I don't get any error messages, just a flashing cursor after the POST has
finished

As there has been a lot of work setting up the master I am very keen to get
it working again.

Any ideas please ?

Ian

 

[Uncle John]

Ian

I think you have corrupt your boot.ini file. If you are familiar with boot
script syntax you cane edit the script appropriately. The systax is given in
the Windows Professional Resource Kit Documentation

Ohterwise text of the boot.ini in your next post so that we can see what is
going on.

You can open boot.ini in the root of your system drive that does boot with
Notepad select\copy the text then cancel.

Post here and paste the text in your message. I may then be able to help
you.

 

[Ian Russell]

Hi "Uncle John" !

Thanks for your swift reply.
I looked at the problem drive when it was the slave in another
computer, I got all excited as it did not exist!

So I copied one from a newly installed XP in the same machine.
I put it in the root of the problem drive.
It looked like this:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /fastdetect

Unfortunately the machine still wont boot...

Ian

 

[Ian Russell]

I have tried some more things:

Copied NTLDR & NTDETECT.com to the problem drive as both were missing.
Still no boot.

Edited BOOT.INI
trying both (1) and (2) in the partion() parameter.

Neither worked.

Also tried FIXBOOT and FIXMBR

I feel I am so close to the answer, can any one give me any other
clues please?

Hi "Uncle John" !

Thanks for your swift reply.
I looked at the problem drive when it was the slave in another
computer, I got all excited as it did not exist!

So I copied one from a newly installed XP in the same machine.
I put it in the root of the problem drive.
It looked like this:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /fastdetect

Unfortunately the machine still wont boot...

Ian

Ian

I think you have corrupt your boot.ini file. If you are familiar with boot
script syntax you cane edit the script appropriately. The systax is given in
the Windows Professional Resource Kit Documentation

Ohterwise text of the boot.ini in your next post so that we can see what is
going on.

You can open boot.ini in the root of your system drive that does boot with
Notepad select\copy the text then cancel.

Post here and paste the text in your message. I may then be able to help
you.

 

[Uncle John]

Ian

Your boot.ini script tell syour computer to load Windows from your first
disk "rdisk(0)" and the second partiton "partition(2)". In Windows the
second partition will usually be shown as D: Is that where your Windows
folder is located?

I have tried some more things:

Copied NTLDR & NTDETECT.com to the problem drive as both were missing.
Still no boot.

Edited BOOT.INI
trying both (1) and (2) in the partion() parameter.

Neither worked.

Also tried FIXBOOT and FIXMBR

I feel I am so close to the answer, can any one give me any other
clues please?

Hi "Uncle John" !

Thanks for your swift reply.
I looked at the problem drive when it was the slave in another
computer, I got all excited as it did not exist!

So I copied one from a newly installed XP in the same machine.
I put it in the root of the problem drive.
It looked like this:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /fastdetect

Unfortunately the machine still wont boot...

Ian

Ian

I think you have corrupt your boot.ini file. If you are familiar with
boot
script syntax you cane edit the script appropriately. The systax is given
in
the Windows Professional Resource Kit Documentation

Ohterwise text of the boot.ini in your next post so that we can see what
is
going on.

You can open boot.ini in the root of your system drive that does boot
with
Notepad select\copy the text then cancel.

Post here and paste the text in your message. I may then be able to help
you.

 

[Leythos]

No its on C:
as I said, I tried :
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
But still no joy.

Here is my Boot INI with my C being the sole boot partition:
[boot loader]
timeout=30
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

Ian

Your boot.ini script tell syour computer to load Windows from your first
disk "rdisk(0)" and the second partiton "partition(2)". In Windows the
second partition will usually be shown as D: Is that where your Windows
folder is located?

I have tried some more things:

Copied NTLDR & NTDETECT.com to the problem drive as both were missing.
Still no boot.

Edited BOOT.INI
trying both (1) and (2) in the partion() parameter.

Neither worked.

Also tried FIXBOOT and FIXMBR

I feel I am so close to the answer, can any one give me any other
clues please?


On Thu, 27 Jan 2005 19:59:23 +0000, Ian Russell


Hi "Uncle John" !

Thanks for your swift reply.
I looked at the problem drive when it was the slave in another
computer, I got all excited as it did not exist!

So I copied one from a newly installed XP in the same machine.
I put it in the root of the problem drive.
It looked like this:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /fastdetect

Unfortunately the machine still wont boot...

Ian

On Thu, 27 Jan 2005 18:17:16 -0000, "Uncle John"

Ian

I think you have corrupt your boot.ini file. If you are familiar with
boot
script syntax you cane edit the script appropriately. The systax is given
in
the Windows Professional Resource Kit Documentation

Ohterwise text of the boot.ini in your next post so that we can see what
is
going on.

You can open boot.ini in the root of your system drive that does boot
with
Notepad select\copy the text then cancel.

Post here and paste the text in your message. I may then be able to help
you.

 

[Ian Russell]

No its on C:
as I said, I tried :
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
But still no joy.

Ian

Your boot.ini script tell syour computer to load Windows from your first
disk "rdisk(0)" and the second partiton "partition(2)". In Windows the
second partition will usually be shown as D: Is that where your Windows
folder is located?

I have tried some more things:

Copied NTLDR & NTDETECT.com to the problem drive as both were missing.
Still no boot.

Edited BOOT.INI
trying both (1) and (2) in the partion() parameter.

Neither worked.

Also tried FIXBOOT and FIXMBR

I feel I am so close to the answer, can any one give me any other
clues please?

Hi "Uncle John" !

Thanks for your swift reply.
I looked at the problem drive when it was the slave in another
computer, I got all excited as it did not exist!

So I copied one from a newly installed XP in the same machine.
I put it in the root of the problem drive.
It looked like this:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /fastdetect

Unfortunately the machine still wont boot...

Ian

On Thu, 27 Jan 2005 18:17:16 -0000, "Uncle John"

Ian

I think you have corrupt your boot.ini file. If you are familiar with
boot
script syntax you cane edit the script appropriately. The systax is given
in
the Windows Professional Resource Kit Documentation

Ohterwise text of the boot.ini in your next post so that we can see what
is
going on.

You can open boot.ini in the root of your system drive that does boot
with
Notepad select\copy the text then cancel.

Post here and paste the text in your message. I may then be able to help
you.

 

[Ian Russell]

Thanks for that, mine looks very much the same except for the
/NoExecute=OptIn
I will try that.

I have a feeling that its not getting as far as reading the BOOT.INI
I dont think NTLDR is being run. I have tried FIXMBR and FIXBOOT
from the recovery console but no luck. Is there any other way to test
this theory?

Ian

No its on C:
as I said, I tried :
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
But still no joy.

Here is my Boot INI with my C being the sole boot partition:
[boot loader]
timeout=30
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

Ian

Your boot.ini script tell syour computer to load Windows from your first
disk "rdisk(0)" and the second partiton "partition(2)". In Windows the
second partition will usually be shown as D: Is that where your Windows
folder is located?



I have tried some more things:

Copied NTLDR & NTDETECT.com to the problem drive as both were missing.
Still no boot.

Edited BOOT.INI
trying both (1) and (2) in the partion() parameter.

Neither worked.

Also tried FIXBOOT and FIXMBR

I feel I am so close to the answer, can any one give me any other
clues please?


On Thu, 27 Jan 2005 19:59:23 +0000, Ian Russell


Hi "Uncle John" !

Thanks for your swift reply.
I looked at the problem drive when it was the slave in another
computer, I got all excited as it did not exist!

So I copied one from a newly installed XP in the same machine.
I put it in the root of the problem drive.
It looked like this:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /fastdetect

Unfortunately the machine still wont boot...

Ian

On Thu, 27 Jan 2005 18:17:16 -0000, "Uncle John"

Ian

I think you have corrupt your boot.ini file. If you are familiar with
boot
script syntax you cane edit the script appropriately. The systax is given
in
the Windows Professional Resource Kit Documentation

Ohterwise text of the boot.ini in your next post so that we can see what
is
going on.

You can open boot.ini in the root of your system drive that does boot
with
Notepad select\copy the text then cancel.

Post here and paste the text in your message. I may then be able to help
you.

--

 

[Ian Russell]

It just occured to me that its a Dell and there is a utility partion
on the drive, so that should make my "partion()" parameter 2 but it
still does not work.

No its on C:
as I said, I tried :
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
But still no joy.

Here is my Boot INI with my C being the sole boot partition:
[boot loader]
timeout=30
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

Ian

Your boot.ini script tell syour computer to load Windows from your first
disk "rdisk(0)" and the second partiton "partition(2)". In Windows the
second partition will usually be shown as D: Is that where your Windows
folder is located?



I have tried some more things:

Copied NTLDR & NTDETECT.com to the problem drive as both were missing.
Still no boot.

Edited BOOT.INI
trying both (1) and (2) in the partion() parameter.

Neither worked.

Also tried FIXBOOT and FIXMBR

I feel I am so close to the answer, can any one give me any other
clues please?


On Thu, 27 Jan 2005 19:59:23 +0000, Ian Russell


Hi "Uncle John" !

Thanks for your swift reply.
I looked at the problem drive when it was the slave in another
computer, I got all excited as it did not exist!

So I copied one from a newly installed XP in the same machine.
I put it in the root of the problem drive.
It looked like this:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /fastdetect

Unfortunately the machine still wont boot...

Ian

On Thu, 27 Jan 2005 18:17:16 -0000, "Uncle John"

Ian

I think you have corrupt your boot.ini file. If you are familiar with
boot
script syntax you cane edit the script appropriately. The systax is given
in
the Windows Professional Resource Kit Documentation

Ohterwise text of the boot.ini in your next post so that we can see what
is
going on.

You can open boot.ini in the root of your system drive that does boot
with
Notepad select\copy the text then cancel.

Post here and paste the text in your message. I may then be able to help
you.

--

 

[Uncle John]

Ian,

Use the recovery consol to see what boot folders are on the PC. If you look
at all the commands there is one that searches the disk for Windows
installations and their boot scripts Then you may be able to selct the one
you want. I cannot remember the command since it is some time ago that i did
it but typing Help at the command line in the consol will show them all

Uncle John
Umum_Mudir
--
Uncle John

It just occured to me that its a Dell and there is a utility partion
on the drive, so that should make my "partion()" parameter 2 but it
still does not work.

No its on C:
as I said, I tried :
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
But still no joy.

Here is my Boot INI with my C being the sole boot partition:
[boot loader]
timeout=30
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

On Fri, 28 Jan 2005 14:18:18 -0000, "Uncle John"

Ian

Your boot.ini script tell syour computer to load Windows from your
first
disk "rdisk(0)" and the second partiton "partition(2)". In Windows the
second partition will usually be shown as D: Is that where your Windows
folder is located?



I have tried some more things:

Copied NTLDR & NTDETECT.com to the problem drive as both were
missing.
Still no boot.

Edited BOOT.INI
trying both (1) and (2) in the partion() parameter.

Neither worked.

Also tried FIXBOOT and FIXMBR

I feel I am so close to the answer, can any one give me any other
clues please?


On Thu, 27 Jan 2005 19:59:23 +0000, Ian Russell


Hi "Uncle John" !

Thanks for your swift reply.
I looked at the problem drive when it was the slave in another
computer, I got all excited as it did not exist!

So I copied one from a newly installed XP in the same machine.
I put it in the root of the problem drive.
It looked like this:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP
Professional" /fastdetect

Unfortunately the machine still wont boot...

Ian

On Thu, 27 Jan 2005 18:17:16 -0000, "Uncle John"

Ian

I think you have corrupt your boot.ini file. If you are familiar
with
boot
script syntax you cane edit the script appropriately. The systax is
given
in
the Windows Professional Resource Kit Documentation

Ohterwise text of the boot.ini in your next post so that we can see
what
is
going on.

You can open boot.ini in the root of your system drive that does
boot
with
Notepad select\copy the text then cancel.

Post here and paste the text in your message. I may then be able to
help
you.

--

 

[Ian Russell]

Hi again,
I used the recovery console, it finds only one installation and I can
log on to it and see all the files on that partition.
When you say "boot scripts" do you mean the boot.ini files ?
If so then its those that I have been working with...

Ian

 

[Uncle John]

Ian,

Yes that is what I meant.
Have you got more than one hard drive on that machine?

 

[Ian Russell]

Hi, No just the one physical disk.

in the recovery BOOTCFG /LIST reports that Windows is in C:\WINDOWS
which is correct.

I have got rid of the Dell utility partion and tried setting
partition(1) in Boot.ini but I still cant get it to start.

I have a strong feeling that the OS is not getting to read boot.ini
I think that there is a problem with the boot sector so it does not
start NTldr

If this is so any idea why FIXMBR has no effect?

Ian

 

[Uncle John]

If you have got two or more HDD's then your problem could be that you have
got to change the boot order in your bios. If the boot order is set to boot
disk 0, disk 1 set it to boot disk 1, disk 0 [or if it is set disk 1, disk 2
go disk2, disk1]

Uncle John

 

[Ian Russell]

I know what you mean, but there is only one drive. If I replace it
with one that has a clean install of XP it works fine without any
changes to the BIOS.

If you have got two or more HDD's then your problem could be that you have
got to change the boot order in your bios. If the boot order is set to boot
disk 0, disk 1 set it to boot disk 1, disk 0 [or if it is set disk 1, disk 2
go disk2, disk1]

Uncle John

Hi again,
I used the recovery console, it finds only one installation and I can
log on to it and see all the files on that partition.
When you say "boot scripts" do you mean the boot.ini files ?
If so then its those that I have been working with...

Ian

 

[Uncle John]

Ian,

You said earlier

"I don't get any error messages, just a flashing cursor after the POST has
finished"
You seem to have checked most error sources but you did create the system
disk in an unorthodox way. If the boot.ini is correct and the boot sector
is OK then it must be corrupt in the system files. You could recover tehm
using the management consol. It is a lengthy process and if there is a
fundamental error it still won't work. However take a look at
http://www.digitalwebcast.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=8658

Myself, to save time I would run a repair install from the Windows CD
--
Uncle John

I know what you mean, but there is only one drive. If I replace it
with one that has a clean install of XP it works fine without any
changes to the BIOS.

If you have got two or more HDD's then your problem could be that you have
got to change the boot order in your bios. If the boot order is set to
boot
disk 0, disk 1 set it to boot disk 1, disk 0 [or if it is set disk 1, disk
2
go disk2, disk1]

Uncle John

Hi again,
I used the recovery console, it finds only one installation and I can
log on to it and see all the files on that partition.
When you say "boot scripts" do you mean the boot.ini files ?
If so then its those that I have been working with...

Ian

On Fri, 28 Jan 2005 16:11:54 -0000, "Uncle John"

Ian,

Use the recovery consol to see what boot folders are on the PC. If you
look
at all the commands there is one that searches the disk for Windows
installations and their boot scripts Then you may be able to selct the
one
you want. I cannot remember the command since it is some time ago that i
did
it but typing Help at the command line in the consol will show them all

Uncle John
Umum_Mudir

 

[Ian Russell]

I will check that out in the morning, thanks

 

[Lester stiefel]

Hi, No just the one physical disk.

in the recovery BOOTCFG /LIST reports that Windows is in C:\WINDOWS
which is correct.

I have got rid of the Dell utility partion and tried setting
partition(1) in Boot.ini but I still cant get it to start.

I have a strong feeling that the OS is not getting to read boot.ini
I think that there is a problem with the boot sector so it does not
start NTldr

If this is so any idea why FIXMBR has no effect?

Ian

The normal start partition is usually (0) for the OS.

 

[Ian Russell]

I tried a Repair install form the XP CD but the situation has not
changed, still just a blinking cursor after the POST ends.

A also tried Listers comment and put Partition(0) in Boot.ini, still
the same.

One other clue I noticed is that in the recovery console when I type
FIXBOOT on its own it asks if I want to fix the boot on D: I think it
should be on C:

Doing a FIXBOOT C: does not work and I just get the blinking cursor
again.

I feel sure the answer lies near here, any ideas?
Ian