Problem starting pc with dual boot XP-Windows 7

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  1.    #31

    There is a free premium WD Acronis free cloning app that you can use to clone the Win7 partition to a space you create at the beginning of your second HD. Or if you're not happy with the Win7 install you can Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 there.

    On the WD app's downloads page there is a Manual to download to read how to do an Automatic cloning in section 15.3.1

    THis video shows how to shrink a partition after deleing the OEM partition (not needed) on the other HD: Partition Wizard Move/Resize Partition Video Help.

    Once it's cloned over or reinstalled and starts up and runs fine, you can move the Active flag back to XP to start it up, then delete the Win7 partition on the XP HD.

    This way there is no Windows Boot menu. You either let Win7 start up by default, or you tap the Fkey for Boot menu to trigger XP instead.
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  2. Posts : 22
    Windows 7 ultimate 32 bit.
    Thread Starter
       #32

    OK, will try.
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  3.    #33

    I'd read over the links and ask back any questions. I can make you a more detailed list of steps if that helps.

    Take all the time you need. There is no rush although I would not want a dual boot to remain in that condition for long.
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  4. Posts : 22
    Windows 7 ultimate 32 bit.
    Thread Starter
       #34

    All right, thanks.
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  5. Posts : 22
    Windows 7 ultimate 32 bit.
    Thread Starter
       #35

    Or what if I move the stuff I need from the second HD to the biggest one so I can format it and install Windows 7 and have an OS in each HD? Is that advisable?
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  6.    #36

    You can do that, sure. It might be easier than cloning or resizing instead of just deleting all partitions during install.

    You'd also have our help to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which is a specialty of these forums.

    If you do this you'll need to move the Active flag back to XP to see if it starts without running repairs.
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  7. Posts : 22
    Windows 7 ultimate 32 bit.
    Thread Starter
       #37

    So I think IŽll be doing that tomorrow. I would like to perform the easiest option. Maybe keeping the partition where W7 was installed just for storage but I donŽt know how can I wipe it out as well as the remnants of the OS that was in the other HD. Or if just formating would work.
    The reinstall factory OEM seem a bit complicated so if thereŽs an easier method IŽd prefer the other.
    Any advise?
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  8.    #38

    I linked that tutorial because it gives you the tools and methods which assure a perfect reinstall. If you want a simpler illustrated guide use Clean Install Windows 7.

    You need to move the Active flag back to XP to see if it will start, then you can delete the old Win7 partition when you're ready. If XP won't start move the flag back to Win7 and I will give you steps to repair XP so it boots on its own again. Mark Partition Active

    Be sure to unplug the XP HD during install to Wn7 to the other HD. During install at the screen where you select where to install Win7, choose the Drive Options link at bottom to delete all partitions, then create a new install partition for install, or just click Next and the installer will do it for you.

    Afterwards plug back in the XP HD and boot it using the one-time BIOS Boot menu key. Do you know which key that is on your PC? It should be displayed on the first boot screen.
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  9. Posts : 22
    Windows 7 ultimate 32 bit.
    Thread Starter
       #39

    IŽll figure that Boot Menu key out, I think is Delete.
    Some questions are, can I move the active flag to XP from W7? How can I clear the partition where W7 was so I can move some files from the second HD?

    Sorry but as you can see IŽm too noob regarding this stuff.
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  10.    #40

    As shown in Mark Partition Active there are two methods to move the Active flag to XP. Easiest is in Disk Mgmt. It can also be done from the Win7 installer Command Line accessed by pressing Shift + F10 at the first screen after you boot into the disk. Both methods are illustrated in tutorial link.

    If XP won't start after moving the Active flag back to it, boot into Win7 installer, open a command line, type each command followed by Enter:

    diskpart
    list vol (determine the drive letter for XP partition)
    exit
    bootsect /nt52 d: (if d: shows as the XP partition in Diskpart as likely)

    Reboot to XP. There are other fixes if required including an XP Repair Install, however to overcome the problems you have had you may need to wipe the boot sector of the disk using Diskpart Clean Command so do that if you reinstall after backing up all files.

    Once XP again holds the System Active flags, you can delete or format the Win7 partition in XP Disk Mgmt, extend XP or create a new partition there. Partition or Volume - Delete
    Partition or Volume - Create New
    Partition or Volume - Extend
    Last edited by gregrocker; 08 Nov 2012 at 03:19.
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