Removing the active partition in a dual boot setup

It doesn't reinstall the o/s , it rewites the bootsector code - only takes a couple of seconds.

Give it a try.

Ok--did this...the commands were successful, but bootup time didnt change. Still taking longer than usual.

If it was a simple fix, I would love to do it, but if it involves reinstalling---I'll wait 10 seconds more :)

And probably too late but for what its worth :)
the Other disk is something I just connected and had nothing to do with issue...just an FYI.

Did you do the original repartiioning using Easeus, because that is most likely why the drive letter slipped causing your problems. Easeus is not really compatible with Win7, which is why we recommend free Partition Wizard bootable CD which has helped successfully remove over 150 dual boots here.

A couple of things I would consider: Try to move your only HD to DISK0 or DISK1 port. Be sure to change as HD to boot first (after DVD) in BIOS setup. Make sure nothing else is listed before HD.

If there are any other performance problems I would run a Repair Install to sort out everything including the boot.

No I used the CD---Easeus is just something I had installed earlier but never used it.
Would the repair install then require me to reinstall patches etc but keep all the programs etc in place?

It explains what remains and changes here: Repair Install

This is always a last resort before clean reinstall, but has saved me from having to do one many times.

You might want to monitor performance for awhile longer to see if boot issues can be cleared up, or if other issues arise. You have brought your OS back from the dead, so it bears watching closely.

If you don't need XP anymore and you wanna delete it you can use any software dude like EasyBCD. its nice software and easy to use. I had also used this software when i wanted to delete Ubuntu on my wndows 7. its a simple program.
Hopes this can help.