Need boot.ini for dual boot XP & Vista

[erniehogan]

I have Windows XP Pro, SP2 and Windows Vista RC2 installed on my computer. I did a repair installation of XP without remembering to make and save a copy of the boot.ini file. The repair changed the boot.ini file and Vista now appears as: C:\="unidentified operating system on drive c". I can run XP as it is set as the default, however, any attempt to boot to Vista results in an unidentifiable blinking prompt on a black screen.

Can anyone provide me with a copy of a boot.ini file that will work with this setup? Hopefully, the boot.ini file is the only source of this dilemma.

 

[wolluf]

How did you install XP and Vista originally? - XP first then vista? If so, then vista would have set up its own boot sector /files - which are (unfortunately) different from XP - and don't use boot.ini. The repair has replaced vista's boot files with XPs. I haven't yet 'played' with vista's booting mechanism - so don't know, but would suspect you'll need to reinstall Vista (upgrade over itself, perhaps) to re-establish dual boot. There are some free tools to manipulate the Vista boot environment - if you look in Vista forum you'll find them. Don't know if they'd be any help repairing dual boot.

 

[erniehogan]

I installed XP first and then Vista. The boot.ini file in XP was definitely changed with the repair installation. However, I'm afraid you're right about the BCD in Vista being overwritten with the XP repair. I really don't want to reinstall Vista as it has taken me quite a while to alter the standard settings to my satisfaction. I'll keep digging for the answers and hope one of TekTip's readers can offer advice.

When I was younger, golf was my avenue to frustration. Now that I'm older, computers supply me with all the frustration I need.

 

[jimp56]

i have the same setup at hom, will check my config and report back tomorrow if i find anything of relevance, otherwise - you should try to force vista to do an upgrade install, which would(should) retain most settings

 

[erniehogan]

Thanks, I will appreciate a look at your boot.ini file. I did a backup of Vista's registry with ERUNT earlier today and know that it contains a BCD copy. I'm uncertain as to whether or not I'll actually be replacing the correct registry if I attempt to use the backup.

 

[linney]

See if you can do anything with this program?

Announcing VistaBootPRO 3.1 Beta - New & Improved

http://www.vistabootpro.org/

Otherwise you can (I'm pretty sure?), Repair VISTA booting files from the DVD.

"If you have a Windows installation disc:

Insert the installation disc. If your computer is not configured to start from a CD or DVD, check the information that came with your computer.

Restart your computer.

Click the Start button , click the arrow next to the Lock button , and then click Restart.

Choose your language settings, and then click Next.

Click Repair your computer.

Select the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next.

On the System Recovery Options menu, click Startup Repair."

 

[erniehogan]

To Linney,

I have tried everything suggested along with other attempts and it appears to be a situation fraught with futility.

The computer in question is one that I have recently assembled for the purpose of using Vista when it becomes available. My main computer and laptop will continue to serve my purposes. In the meantime I have formatted the problem computer's hard drive and will do a fresh install of both OS's.

As is the case with most travails, my education escalates as a result of their being.

My thanks to all who have rendered assistance.