Bootloader Issues

[HaGGardSmurf]

run Startup Repair 3 times.

Tried, didnt work

DISKPART
LIST DISK
SELECT DISK # (replace # with Win7 #)
LIST PARTITION
SELEcT Partition # (replace # with Win7 partition #)
ACTIVE
EXIT

Now return to tools list to run startup Repair again 3 times.

Done, and verified in disk management in win 7 that my partition is active (only 1 partition on this hdd anyhow) Ran 3 times, didnt do anything. Infact every time I ran it I was told windows found no problem.

If these Repairs fail, as a last resort I would boot free Partition Wizard bootable CD, post back a screenshot if you can of the drive map, confirm Win7 partition is marked Active, then from Disk tab select Rebuild MBR on the highlighted Win7 HD.

I'll try this

 

[HaGGardSmurf]

I never got around to messing with windows. What I'm going to do is format my 300 gb hard drive, move whatever files over there, wipe my 750gb hard drive, install win 7 (320gb hdd unplugged) move my files back over from my 320gb, then install XP back on the 320 (win 7 hdd unplugged) and likely install ubuntu on that same HDD.

What I'd like to know is how can I create a live usb with win 7 on it? As I am building my computer today or tommorow, and will be making sure it posts, then I'll boot into windows test a couple thing's then I'll do all this stuff with my HDD's then install them in my new rig.

 

[gregrocker]

The only safe way to dual boot with a Linux distro is to use separate HD's booted via BIOS Boot Order or one-time BIOS Boot menu. GRUB corrupts Win7 when on the same HD.

The method I've found which always works to write ISO to flash stick is to install UltraISO, on File tab Open ISO, on Bootable Tab Write Disk Image, Format, Write. Boot stick under USB or HD's. If you have a MS download use their Tool, another easy method is Win2Flash.

 

[HaGGardSmurf]

I said I am installing ubuntu on my XP hard drive. which is my 320gb, completely separate from my 750gb which will contain windows 7.

750GB - Windows 7, first boot priority main OS
320gb - XP, Ubuntu, second boot priority, both os's used on rare occasion.
Each time I am installing an OS, the HDD I am not using will not be plugged in, so windows doesn't store the boot info on the wrong drive.

Is it possible to make a live usb? I know you can take the disk, make an image, take the image make a bootable usb, but I would like to make a live usb. (I used my msdn account to download win 7 ultimate, so I have an ISO of the install already.)

Basically treating my usb drive as a hard drive, and installing windows on it, then when I select that device to boot from, windows is loaded and it's as if I've booted from a normal install (but it'll be a bit slower) You can easily do this with linux, just wondering if you can with windows.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello mate.



Have a look at this one to see if it's what you're looking for.

Portable Operating System

 

[mjf]

I've got some linux distros on USB sticks. Apart from "playing" their main use is as a live boot environment for me.
If I was serious about a HDD install I'd heed the gregrocker advice. I'd BIOS boot to a separate HDD. Also, do the linux install with your main Win 7 HDD unplugged so it doesn't corrupt the Win 7 booting.

 

[HaGGardSmurf]

Ive been looking around and it seems like the live usb is more trouble than its worth.

I was wanting to boot into windows and directly into a couple app's supplied by my motherboard manufacturer to monitor CPU temps and make sure were good at idle. Then I'd proceed to stress testing, to verify the heatsink + TIM is working fine.

I have a ubuntu live USB laying around, I may use for just this purpose.

@barefoot, the link you posted is for creating a linux live usb and modifying windows files. Creating a linux live usb is quite easy, there are lots of apps out there that let you load up the distro, and hit 1 button and it'll make the USB. I was wondering about a live windows 7 usb, looks like more work than its worth.

@MJF, I've installed win 7 on my secondary HDD, which Ive decided is going to stay in my comp, and my main HDD will come out and go into the PC I just build the other day.