No BCD menu after Win 7 install (Win XP already installed)

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  1. Posts : 31
    Windows 7 x64, Windows XP x64, Ubuntu
       #1

    No BCD menu after Win 7 install (Win XP already installed)


    Hi,
    I have an older AMD 4400+ system with some HD's laid out like you see in the attachment. Previously, I was just running the Windows XP x64 which is currently located on Disk 1, second partion (150GB). I also have an install of Linux on located on Disk 0, third partition (35GB), but I have not been using it since my GRUB install got messed up and I have no way to select that OS during boot-up.

    Tonight I installed Windows 7 x64 (Custom Install), onto Disk 3. From what I read, during the install Windows 7 should have seen my other OS's and created a BCD menu for them during the install process. It did not. The situation I have now is that when I remove the Windows 7 install DVD from the DVD drive, Windows XP 64 boots up like it did before, but there's no option to boot Windows 7. If I have the Windows 7 install DVD in the DVD drive, then Windows 7 boots up normally, but with no option to boot any other OS.

    Any idea how I can fix this without screwing up my Windows XP64 install? I know I can try the repair option with Windows 7 but I'm concerned that it will just overwrite the boot sector to just boot Windows 7 without taking into consideration the Windows XP64 install (which I can't afford to lose quite just yet.)

    I tried running EasyBCD in Windows XP x64 as this OS boots up by default if no Win7 DVD is in the drive but it give me an error message stating:

    EasyBCD has detected that your BCD boot data and MBR are either not from the latest version of Windows Vista, or don't yet exist.
    If you'd like EasyBCD to correct these issues, press OK. This will modify the MBR and requires that you have Windows Vista installed on this machine.

    Since I do not have Windows Vista I canceled.

    Please advise.
    Last edited by Omegaman007; 30 May 2010 at 23:56. Reason: removed difficult to read attachment
      My Computer


  2. wee
    Posts : 101
    XP/W7/Lucid/Arch
       #2

    That's a bit of a convoluted setup, if you don't get any help here, there are people qualified to help you but it is really difficult to see all that has gone on, and the Ubuntu install having grub not working is a red flag for some misplacement of the bootloaders. If you want help and you don't get it here go to the Ubuntu forums, and start a account and post the dilemma with this bootscript in code tags. [code] at the beginning and [/code] at the end. You will probably get some answers and get it fixed.
    http://bootinfoscript.sourceforge.net/
    .Ubuntu Forums


    Even if your not intending to keep Ubuntu, but really with the setup you have the grub bootloader would be the easiest way to have everything bootable. It may be as simple as hitting the boot from key at boot and seeing if the hard drive that has W7 on it boots, on my computer it is the f12 key.
      My Computer

  3.    #3

    Win7 doesn't like GRUB so you may need to wipe GRUB off it's partition to get WIn7 to boot.

    However, try EasyBCD 2.0 beta from XP after doing quick registration to use beta. You'll also need Net Framework 2.0 to run it from XP. On the Add/Remove tab, remove any WIn7 listing and Add it back.

    If this fails, try the normal procedure to recover the System MBR into Win7, then add XP to the dual boot from it which works better. To do this, mark Win7 active, boot the WIn7 DVD Repair console, click thru to Recov Tools list to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times with reboots to write the MBR to 7.

    If 7 will boot with the presence of GRUB, which is questionable, then install EasyBCD 2.0 beta to Add XP: accept offered boot files, autocomplete, Save, Restart.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 31
    Windows 7 x64, Windows XP x64, Ubuntu
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Guys,
    Thanks for the feedback. I thought it would also be helpful to include the drive information from the PC's BIOS. Currently the HD boot order is:


    1> SATA1 (Disk 0)
    2> SATA2 (Disk 1)
    3> Ch. 0 Master (Disk 2)
    4> SATA3 (Disk 3)

    If I re-arrange the boot order so SATA3 (Drive with Windows 7) boots first, then I get the following error:

    DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS EJTER

    Yes, it actually says "EJTER", .

    This to me implies that the BCD loader was not installed on the drive that Windows 7 is on.

    Just to clarify, GRUB is not present on SATA3, and is currently not being used at all. When I boot the computer normally (without the Windows 7 DVD in the drive) it boots right into Win XP. In the future, I plan to run Ubuntu on a virtual machine, so I think I'd rather avoid re-installing GRUB at this time.

    Gregrocker,
    I'm a little unclear about the procedure you mentioned, I think I'd rather try the Windows 7 recovery option instead of EasyBCD 2... what do you think the odds are that it will kill the Windows XP install? (My main fear here).
      My Computer

  5.    #5

    Under normal circumstances, recovering the System MBR into Win7 would cut XP out of the picture in a Windows-managed Dual Boot, so it would need to be Added back using EasyBCD 2.0/

    However, since you are using separate HD's, I suggest you use the cleanest booting method for you which would be via BIOS. This keeps the HD's independent to come and go as you please and can help avoid GRUB interference.

    To accomplish this, mark Win7 active in XP DIsk Mgmt, power down to unplug all but Win7 HD, set as first HD to boot in BIOS setup after DVD drive, boot Win7 DVD Repair console or Repair CD, click through to Recovery Tools list to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times with reboots until Win7 starts.

    Now replug XP HD, set preferred HD to boot first in BIOS setup. To boot the other HD instead use the F-key given on first bootup screen for one-time Boot Menu.

    Once you have this working, add back the other HD's one at a time to see if any of them interfere with your new BIOS-managed Dual Boot and, if so, remove their data and wipe clean, format logical and return data.

    We have had many cases here where GRUB had to be cleaned off HD before it would stop interfering with WIn7 boot, so keep that in mind.
      My Computer


  6. wee
    Posts : 101
    XP/W7/Lucid/Arch
       #6

    OP I would consider that your computer setup is not very organized and use this opportunity to get it set up better. The methods suggested for fixing it may work but are a haphazard way of dealing with the problem. You only have 3 operating systems and 4 discs. The problem I see is that you have used 4 different bootloaders this is not a good way of going, in that without running the bootscript none of us know where anything thing is and a haphazard fix puts the whole setup in danger of having problems later when this could all be fixed and set up in a more organized manner, with knowing what is actually going on.

    I would post the script at the UF as suggested and get some more sound advice. A bias against a specific bootloader when not even knowing where it is in advising fixes that are haphazard are not good. If I practice anything when I help others it is Do No Harm, and not leaving people with a messed up system that may work now but is in danger of future failure that may include loss of important data without a specific specialized recovery.

    You don't put a bandage over a head wound.
      My Computer

  7.    #7

    The way I read the OP he isn't using Linux install any longer:
    Omegaman007 said:
    No BCD menu after Win 7 install (Win XP already installed)

    ...I also have an install of Linux on located on Disk 0, third partition (35GB), but I have not been using it since my GRUB install got messed up ...
    I was therefore addressing fixing his Windows Dual Boot.

    Do you want to use Linux any longer? If so, follow Wee's advice and look at these other resources:
    Dual-Boot Windows 7 and Ubuntu in Perfect Harmony
    Where to install ubuntu in my system?

    Again, the fix given is no different than what we do every day here to start Win7 Dual Boots, and configure them best depending if installed on single or multiple HD's.
    Last edited by gregrocker; 29 May 2010 at 01:06.
      My Computer


  8. wee
    Posts : 101
    XP/W7/Lucid/Arch
       #8

    I think your projecting that I think this person should use Linux at all. What my concern is a pretty messed up setup, way to many partitions and no knowledge of the root problems, associated with the multiple bootloaders. I like Windows I am using it right now as I type this.

    I think it is important to get a standardized set up so this sort of problem doesn't cause more problems later on. I don't care what setup anybody use, I am more concerned that it is understood where the problems are, so that in the future it is easy travel to add or remove operating systems.

    It just happens that I started on open source and that is where I usually am, and that I come to this site to help with problems when a MS system conflicts with another install. I don't make assumptions for fixes I use a method which exposes the problems for those that can understand them ie the bootscript.

    And it is not true that everything is fixed on this site, you can't prove that, that is a assumption. My point here is that a little closer look at the whole operating system setup would tease out the problems, and give a definitive answer. I just don't think using a method where you have to remove hard drives just to fix something is a sound way of doing things, when there are ways to fix the problems by actually seeing where the problems are.

    I see though that my time helping on this forum is done, as I am smart enough to know my limitations and not advise when there are others who are more experienced and not self appointed.

    Good luck to you all. and if somebody would close my account it would be appreciated.
      My Computer

  9.    #9

    Wee, it isn't necessary for you to leave. I should not have answered Linux-involved questions when you are around because you know much more about it than I do. I am a Windows 7 man.

    I can see how I might have mis-read that the OP was finished with Linux when he was instead saying he couldnt' get it started with the XP/Win7 dual boot. I was going by the headline and skimmed that Linux detail too fast.

    Please keep helping with Linux issues here as they provide a steady stream of problems with Win7 Installation. I will stick with the Win7 only.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 2,736
    ...
       #10

    wee said:
    That's a bit of a convoluted setup
    Hello Omegaman007;

    wee has made a valid point here. I am unable to read the screen shot you posted clearly and would think a more detailed screen shot will be of great assistance in advising you. If you could crop the image before attaching it, or if necessary, temporarily reduce your screen resolution when you take the screen shot to allow for more detail?

    What I can see is for example 8 partitions on Drive 0, 5 partitions on drive 1, 4 partitions on drive 2, and one partition on drive 3. As you may perhaps already know, Windows limits primary partitions to ONLY 4 on a single hard drive, so without the detailed info from a readable screen shot, what is going on here?

    Omegaman007 said:
    Gregrocker,
    I'm a little unclear about the procedure you mentioned, I think I'd rather try the Windows 7 recovery option instead of EasyBCD 2... what do you think the odds are that it will kill the Windows XP install? (My main fear here).
    The booting issues you are having here you created for yourself. Whereas Linux and Grub are very Windows friendly, Windows does not play nice with Grub. Were you to reinstall the Grub boot loader (we would need to know what version of Linux you used), The Grub boot menu would most likely give you access to all your Windows OSs as well. I am sure wee could assist well with that.

    You created the issue when you installed Windows. When there is only one hard drive to use, Windows will place the "boot code" in the first "Active" partition it finds. However, as wee pointed out, as XP uses the NTLDR boot manager and Windows 7 (and Vista) uses the bootmgr boot manager, with Grub you have installed three different boot managers at different times. So where are they? With 4 hard drives, in which "Active" partition did Windows 7 put its boot code? As I understand it, Windows 7 will first attempt to to put the boot code in the "Active" partition on Drive 0 even if you are installing Windows 7 on another drive, for example drive 3.

    wee, what gregrocker is suggesting may sound like a "haphazard" method, but it is sound advice. When working with different OSs, Linux, XP, Vista / 7, on separate hard drives, it simplifies things greatly to install with ONLY one hard drive connected. That allows Grub to be the bootloader for Linux, NTLDR for XP, and bootmgr for Vista / 7. It is much easier to go back later and add an OS to a boot menu. It is therefore also easier to make the appropriate boot code repairs by unplugging the other hard drives to restore booting to each OS. gregrocker has assisted literally hundreds of members here in repairing their boot managers.

    Omegaman007, the XP boot manager, NTLDR, is too old to recognize either Vista or 7. However, the Vista, 7 bootmgr can easily include XP in its boot menu. gregrocker's advice is sound in that you can safely setup / repair the bootmgr on your Windows 7 hard drive, by unplugging the other drives and performing "Startup Repair", then add XP to the boot menu. This will in no way damage your XP or keep you from booting to it. I have never yet seen gregrocker give up on a member willing to follow his advice until the job is done!

    wee, part of Windows Seven Forums success is built on its global diversity. The secret is not that we do not at times disagree, but to disagree without being disagreeable. You input is valuable here and it would be our loss for you to close your account. If you stay for a while longer, I think you will find many that agree?

    Cheers!
    Robert
      My Computer


 
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