Dual Boot XP and Windows 7 boot.ini

rashlike · 08 Dec 2010

Hello,

I've had a search and can't find help on my specific situation, hopefully someone can help?

I installed Windows 7 32bt profesional on the D: partition on an XP machine (C:). Dual boot worked fine, but since I had to reinstall XP I have lost the option to change partitions at boot.

I want XP to be the default but with Win 7 to an option at boot. My boot.ini is currently:

[boot loader]]
timeout = 30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk()partition(2)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0) partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /no execute=optin / fastdetect

Any ideas what it should be?

Thanks in Advance

yowanvista · 08 Dec 2010

Windows 7 doesn't use boot.ini anymore
Use EasyBcd Download EasyBCD 2.0.2 - NeoSmart Technologies

Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

Bare Foot Kid · 08 Dec 2010

Hello rashlike, welcome to Seven Forums!

The easiest way to go would do the 3 separate startup repairs with a system restart between each repair discussed in this tutorial at the link below and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times

rashlike · 08 Dec 2010

Thanks Bare Foot Kid,

I ran the repair three times and managed to get back into Windows 7 but I still can't find out how to get the option to choose a boot up which partition to boot into.

At the moment I can switch between only by using diskmgmgt and making the other drive active.

Regards

gregrocker · 08 Dec 2010

Set Win7 HD to active.

Install EasyBCD 2.0 to Win7, Add XP, accept any offered boot files, Save, Restart to Dual Boot Menu.

If this fails, please post back a screenshot of your full Disk Mgmt drive map with listings, using Snipping Tool in Start Menu.