Dual booting win7/xp - xp install failed, unable to log into win 7

[Oence]

Hi

I recently bought a Dell Inspiron Mini 1018 per loaded with Windows 7. Tried installing XP on a partition on the same HHD. Installation failed saying "Windows could not start because of a computer disk hardware configuration problem ...etc"

The only option i have is to boot off the usb i created with xp iso and press R to take me to XP recovery console. I am so over XP at the moment all i want is to be able to log into Win7 again.

How can i fix this? My understanding is that the MBR is still pointing to the XP partition. How do i change it back to the Win 7 partition (C:\)?

The laptop did not come with any cds or recovery disks but i have a recovery partition on the HDD that i cannot access.

Please help to log back into Windows 7.

Thanks

 

[theog]

Take a look at Method two of this tutorial:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8057-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-xp.html?ltr=D

 

[Oence]

Hi theog

I dont want XP anymore i just want win7 to boot. Are you saying the only way is to reinstall using the tutorial? Thanks for clearing this up

Cheers

 

[theog]

I dont want XP anymore i just want Windows 7 to boot. Are you saying the only way is to reinstall using the tutorial?

NO.

   Information

Boot up using the Startup Repair CD or Windows 7 DVD. (not the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disk) If you have a Netbook, you will need a CD/DVD drive.
NOTE: Make sure no USB drives are plugged in.
Do not use a USB Pendrive for Startup Repair.
startup repair disc-create
​

Do a Strartup Repair:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/681-startup-repair.html?ltr=S
Note: You may need to do startup repair 3 to 4 times.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105541-startup-repair-run-3-separate-times.html

 

[gregrocker]

You must mark Win7 partition Active first for Startup Repair to repair or rewrite the boot files to it: Partition - Mark as Active (Method Two)