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Summary: In Windows XP removing boot choices is as simple as editing a hidden configuration file. Fortunately finding that file is relatively easy.
I have a annoying problem on my PC. I have 2 partitions on my computer. On the main partition I have Windows XP Pro and I tried to install Windows XP Media Center on my second partition.
All went well until my installation froze, so I had to reboot.
Now every time I boot my PC, I keep having the choose to start with my original Windows XP Pro or Windows XP Pro Setup. And if I choose for the setup, my computer crashes.
Is there a way to remove that choose and all the other installation files from Windows Media Center? I've already formatted the second partition.
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It sounds like you've already gotten rid of the installation files by reformatting, so all that's really left is getting rid of your boot choice. If the installer worked as I expect it did, it should be easy to fix.
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There's a hidden file in the root of your boot drive that not many people know about, called "boot.ini". It controls what happens at boot time. In the past the thing to do was to edit this file manually, but that's no longer necessary.
Right click on My Computer, and select Properties. Now click on the Advanced tab. In a section labeled Startup and Recovery click on the button labeled Settings. You should now be looking at a dialog like this:
Click on Edit to edit the startup options file (aka boot.ini) manually. That should open Notepad with something similar to the following from my machine:
[boot loader] timeout=5 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 /NoExecute=OptOut C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Microsoft Windows Recovery Console" /cmdcons
In this example, you can see that I have two options to choose from when I boot: Windows XP, and the Recovery Console. I'm guessing you have an additional line for the XP Pro Setup that you had trouble with it. You can simply delete that line.
And if you're tired of having the computer wait 30 seconds for you to choose an operating system, you can also change the timeout value, as I have in my example.
Save that file, and when you next reboot you should no longer have that additional option.
Article C2514 - January 7, 2006
Hi there,
I have the same boot choices problem, but I have vista. I followed your steps, but mine does not give me an edit option. Any thoughts?
Posted by: migueleltoro at May 26, 2010 9:41 AMi install xp with flashdisk before, unfotunately after install i cant get in to xp, i dunno why.
Posted by: John at June 8, 2010 9:45 AMafter i test install xp again but now wtih dvdrom.
and i see 2 option boot microsoft xp, one can get in, other cannot.
its annoying every time boot must choose.
thanks to you, i follow your guide and then my problem solbved
Hi,
I have windows vista and windows XP in partition drives.After windows vista i installed windows XPin different drive.Now window XP loading default there is no option for dual boot.I required to remove XP and i need my previous vista.I tried every way.but i can't,Please suggest me.
Posted by: Joseph at July 6, 2010 3:59 PMI have a similiar problem with XP.
When I turn on my computer it gives me choices to start up both saying Windows (default) and counts down from 28 seconds. No matter which one I choose it still works, but its annoying.
I have gone in and edit the "System Start-up" section to what you is default, but I dont have a choice on the "Default Operating System" drop down box. Actually, nothing is there at all.
I did at one point install Style XP and fixed that issue, but this one I just want gone.
Any suggestions?
Posted by: Robert at August 11, 2010 6:44 PMPerfect! and it's the year 2010!
Posted by: johnny at September 4, 2010 4:47 PMThank You!