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Windows 7 - Master Boot Record - Reduce Countdown Duration

 
01-30-2012   #1


Windows 7 Ultimate x64
 
 

Master Boot Record - Reduce Countdown Duration

Hi,

I recently installed Windows 7 Ultimate x64 on an SSD, such that it is now dual booting with another hard drive with Windows 7.

All I want to do is reduce the countdown size on the duel boot loader such that it is only 1s, instead of the default 20s.

Is there a way to do that? My research has not turned anything up.

Cheers

My System SpecsSystem Spec
01-30-2012   #2


Windows 7 SP1, Home Premium, 64-bit
 
 


How about:

Control panel/system/advanced system settings/startup and recovery settings/ and then adjusting "time to display list of operating systems"??
My System SpecsSystem Spec
01-30-2012   #3


Windows 7 Pro x64 / WinXP Pro x86 on (1), Win7 Pro X64 / WinXP Pro x86 on (2)
 
 


The countdown value is contained in BOOT.INI on your "active" partition. But it's a "hidden" file (attribute H) and not normally shown in Windows Explorer.

You have to change your Tools -> Folder Options -> View tab, to check the "show hidden files, folders, and drives" in order to see it.

However it is also a "system" file (attribute S) and not normally eligible for editing. So you have to use some program capable of altering attributes to temporarily turn off that H attribute. You could even turn off both S and H at the same time, if you didn't want to change the "show hidden files" folder View option.

Anyway, if you eventually get it open with Notepad you can edit it, and save it. Then you can restore the S and H attributes, and you're in business.




Just don't screw up the editing. Probably a good idea to create a restore point before you do this, just in case.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
.


01-30-2012   #4


Windows 7 Pro x64 / WinXP Pro x86 on (1), Win7 Pro X64 / WinXP Pro x86 on (2)
 
 


Quote   Quote: Originally Posted by ignatzatsonic View Post
How about:

Control panel/system/advanced system settings/startup and recovery settings/ and then adjusting "time to display list of operating systems"??
Didn't know about that!! I've been using EasyBCD forever.

It can also be done with EasyBCD (if you have that installed to manage the boot manager menu). Just push the "edit boot menu" button to get the following, and change that "boot default OS after..." time value:

My System SpecsSystem Spec
01-30-2012   #5


Windows 7 Ultimate x64
 
 


I don't advise going below 3 seconds as you will need that time to make a change in the boot order if you have been having problems with the default OS.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
01-30-2012   #6


Windows 7 Ultimate x64
 
 


Thanks guys.

ignatzatsonic's suggestion worked a treat.
I did not even know about EasyBCD. I'll have to check it out.

Thanks again!
My System SpecsSystem Spec
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 Master Boot Record - Reduce Countdown Duration problems?



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