Need More Help Booting From 2 HDD

**usaf_ret** · 12-08-2005, 08:29 AM

Well, I decided to show off all my intelligence learned in my dual boot experience from you guys. I failed in my attempt!..ha I am installing an additional hard drive on my sister's computer, both have XP. I have everything completed except I cannot get it to allow me to choose which disk to boot from. Stu-computer's comments helped me last time by changing the boot.ini file; but that was with 2 different OS's.. Would the same work for this situation? What would I alter the boot.ini to read??
Right now one is shown as drive C and the other D, both are bootable. What should the jumper pins be set to?
HELP! Thanks......

0S1R1S · 12-08-2005, 09:50 AM

Have you set your jumpers for each disk? Are both drives on the same IDE controller? If theyre both on the same controller, you need to set the jumpers for the Primary Master, and Primary Slave. The jumper settings should be printed on the face of the HDD. If thats configured correctly. You might want to try going into Fdisk and checking which partition is set active. Make sure the the the only partition set active (A) is the one with the o/s. Try that and let me know the outcome. Hope this helps!

**usaf_ret** · 12-08-2005, 10:09 AM

The jumpers are set correctly then, I wasn't sure. Each HDD has 1 partition and each HDD has XP installed on it.
I am trying to have it give me an option as to which disk to boot so as to alternate when desired. I want only one disk to boot at a particular time, not both at once.

**usaf_ret** · 12-08-2005, 10:14 AM

Here is a quote from Stu-computer that resolved my last situation of having XP and ME do this:
"" #21
Stu_computer
Moderator
Hardware Team

Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 827
OS: Windows

Well, the easiest way to fix it is connect winxp as master (Drive C) and winme as slave (Drive D). Then boot into xp and change the boot.ini file.

How to modify the boot.ini:
boot.ini file is a hidden system file located in the root directory.

To see hidden files:
1.On the Tools menu in Windows Explorer, click Folder Options.
2. Click the View tab.
3. Under Hidden files and folders, click Show hidden files and folders.
To see hidden system files:
4. Remove checkmarks from "Hide file extensions of known types" and "Hide protected operating system files"

(Note: To access Windows Explorer, click Start, point to All Programs, and then click Windows Explorer.)

Then use explorer to navigate to the root directory C: and copy boot.ini to another location, the desktop will do for now (this is so you have a backup of the original). Next, go back to C:\Boot.ini and open it. It should look similar to this...

Basic example of the boot.ini file:

[boot loader]
timeout=0
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOW S
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP" /fastdetect

You want to modify it to look like this...

[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOW S
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP" /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Windo ws ME"

After you have modified and saved it you can check it by Right clicking the My Computer icon, Properties, Advanced (tab), Startup and Recovery (button) to view System startup.

If it looks okay you're ready to reboot and use the boot menu. If in doubt copy the original boot.ini back to the root directory.""

**usaf_ret** · 12-09-2005, 04:38 AM

Does anyone out there think editing the boot.ini to include both hard drives will give me what I want? If so, please post what I should change it to. thanks!

sam2ng · 12-09-2005, 04:54 AM

normally, when you install the second hdd and then install windows xp on it, it will automatically modify the boot.ini for you.

but if you just place another hdd with win xp , then you need to modify boot.int yourself.

sorry for my poor english

**linderman** · 12-09-2005, 05:28 AM

USAF:

you could clone your first win xp drive to your "other" drive / then you would have two (exact) copies of bootable win xp >>> and that would give you a multi boot screen upon each start up >>>> offering you a chance to select which drive you want to boot from ?????

would this approach suit your intentions ???? if it does than I will fill in the details later

joe

**usaf_ret** · 12-09-2005, 09:38 AM

Hip Hip Hooray For Me! I took a stab at Stu-computer's comments from my last situation (see quote above).. I like to live dangerous I guess...
It works like a charm-- I get an option as to which disk to boot PLUS I can view the opposite disk's contents regardless of which one I boot to... Fantastic! I am closing this problem now. THANKS TO ALL for their posts..
I SHALL RETURN!

**linderman** · 12-09-2005, 02:21 PM

well done

**usaf_ret** · 12-14-2005, 03:45 PM

Just when I thought it was safe to go back in the water

After thinking everything was ok on the boot situation; I am now getting an error when I attempt to boot to the Slave drive stating "Unable to boot, file C:\win32\hal.dll is either missing or corrupt!"
I tried copying the file from the Master boot disk into the Slave but I still get the error and I am unable to boot to the Slave. The worst part of this is that all my files are on the (now) slave drive so if I format it I will lose years of work... Please, someone, tell me there is a fix for this.
Thank You..

**usaf_ret** · 12-15-2005, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linderman

USAF:

you could clone your first win xp drive to your "other" drive / then you would have two (exact) copies of bootable win xp >>> and that would give you a multi boot screen upon each start up >>>> offering you a chance to select which drive you want to boot from ?????

would this approach suit your intentions ???? if it does than I will fill in the details later

joe

Joe; I am having one problem after another on this multi boot situation. I have never cloned a disk but if you could give me a blow-by-blow description of how it is done, I am ready to try.

THANKS!

Jerry

**linderman** · 12-15-2005, 04:28 PM

Jerry:

I would advise against cloning a drive whose OS is boogered up. You would be far better served to do a repair install

boot from the win xp cd / let the cd boot all the way to where it asks you what you want to do / press r for repair ect / ignore all that and it will go ahead just like a first time install / as soon as it realizes you have a XP OS already installed it will offer to do a reapir install / yep take that option

you will need to relaod your system drivers / windows updates but your programs and data will remain intact

read this for more info

XP Repair install

Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot order in the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check your system documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot order.
When you see the "Welcome To Setup" screen, you will see the options below
This portion of the Setup program prepares Microsoft
Windows XP to run on your computer:

To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.

To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.

To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.

Press Enter to start the Windows Setup. do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation using the Recovery Console, press R", (you Do Not want to load Recovery Console). I repeat, do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation using the Recovery Console, press R".
Accept the License Agreement and Windows will search for existing Windows installations.
Select the XP installation you want to repair from the list and press R to start the repair. If Repair is not one of the options, read this Warning#2!
Setup will copy the necessary files to the hard drive and reboot. Do not press any key to boot from CD when the message appears. Setup will continue as if it were doing a clean install, but your applications and settings will remain intact. If you get files not found during the copying stage.

Blaster worm warning: Do not immediately activate over the internet when asked, enable the XP firewall before connecting to the internet. You can activate after the firewall is enabled. Control Panel - Network Connections. Right click the connection you use, Properties, and there is a check box on the Advanced page.

KB 833330u Blaster removal

What You Should Know About the Sasser Worm and Its Variants

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-011

Reapply updates or service packs applied since initial Windows XP installation. Please note that a Repair Install from the Original install XP CD will remove SP1/SP2 and service packs will need to be reapplied.

12-08-2005, 08:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
usaf_ret I helped the forums. Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 248 OS: Win ME/XP	Need More Help Booting From 2 HDD Well, I decided to show off all my intelligence learned in my dual boot experience from you guys. I failed in my attempt!..ha I am installing an additional hard drive on my sister's computer, both have XP. I have everything completed except I cannot get it to allow me to choose which disk to boot from. Stu-computer's comments helped me last time by changing the boot.ini file; but that was with 2 different OS's.. Would the same work for this situation? What would I alter the boot.ini to read?? Right now one is shown as drive C and the other D, both are bootable. What should the jumper pins be set to? HELP! Thanks......

12-09-2005, 05:28 AM	#7 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,437 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	USAF: you could clone your first win xp drive to your "other" drive / then you would have two (exact) copies of bootable win xp >>> and that would give you a multi boot screen upon each start up >>>> offering you a chance to select which drive you want to boot from ????? would this approach suit your intentions ???? if it does than I will fill in the details later joe __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial

12-09-2005, 02:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,437 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	well done __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial

12-14-2005, 03:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
usaf_ret I helped the forums. Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 248 OS: Win ME/XP	Help!! Booting From Primary And Slave Disks Just when I thought it was safe to go back in the water After thinking everything was ok on the boot situation; I am now getting an error when I attempt to boot to the Slave drive stating "Unable to boot, file C:\win32\hal.dll is either missing or corrupt!" I tried copying the file from the Master boot disk into the Slave but I still get the error and I am unable to boot to the Slave. The worst part of this is that all my files are on the (now) slave drive so if I format it I will lose years of work... Please, someone, tell me there is a fix for this. Thank You..

12-15-2005, 04:28 PM	#12 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,437 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Jerry: I would advise against cloning a drive whose OS is boogered up. You would be far better served to do a repair install boot from the win xp cd / let the cd boot all the way to where it asks you what you want to do / press r for repair ect / ignore all that and it will go ahead just like a first time install / as soon as it realizes you have a XP OS already installed it will offer to do a reapir install / yep take that option you will need to relaod your system drivers / windows updates but your programs and data will remain intact read this for more info XP Repair install Boot the computer using the XP CD. You may need to change the boot order in the system BIOS so the CD boots before the hard drive. Check your system documentation for steps to access the BIOS and change the boot order. When you see the "Welcome To Setup" screen, you will see the options below This portion of the Setup program prepares Microsoft Windows XP to run on your computer: To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER. To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R. To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3. Press Enter to start the Windows Setup. do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation using the Recovery Console, press R", (you Do Not want to load Recovery Console). I repeat, do not choose "To repair a Windows XP installation using the Recovery Console, press R". Accept the License Agreement and Windows will search for existing Windows installations. Select the XP installation you want to repair from the list and press R to start the repair. If Repair is not one of the options, read this Warning#2! Setup will copy the necessary files to the hard drive and reboot. Do not press any key to boot from CD when the message appears. Setup will continue as if it were doing a clean install, but your applications and settings will remain intact. If you get files not found during the copying stage. Blaster worm warning: Do not immediately activate over the internet when asked, enable the XP firewall before connecting to the internet. You can activate after the firewall is enabled. Control Panel - Network Connections. Right click the connection you use, Properties, and there is a check box on the Advanced page. KB 833330u Blaster removal What You Should Know About the Sasser Worm and Its Variants Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-011 Reapply updates or service packs applied since initial Windows XP installation. Please note that a Repair Install from the Original install XP CD will remove SP1/SP2 and service packs will need to be reapplied. __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial Last edited by linderman; 12-15-2005 at 04:29 PM.

12-08-2005, 09:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
0S1R1S Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 122 OS: XP Pro / 2000 Server	Have you set your jumpers for each disk? Are both drives on the same IDE controller? If theyre both on the same controller, you need to set the jumpers for the Primary Master, and Primary Slave. The jumper settings should be printed on the face of the HDD. If thats configured correctly. You might want to try going into Fdisk and checking which partition is set active. Make sure the the the only partition set active (A) is the one with the o/s. Try that and let me know the outcome. Hope this helps!

12-08-2005, 10:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
usaf_ret I helped the forums. Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 248 OS: Win ME/XP	The jumpers are set correctly then, I wasn't sure. Each HDD has 1 partition and each HDD has XP installed on it. I am trying to have it give me an option as to which disk to boot so as to alternate when desired. I want only one disk to boot at a particular time, not both at once.

12-08-2005, 10:14 AM	#4 (permalink)
usaf_ret I helped the forums. Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 248 OS: Win ME/XP	Here is a quote from Stu-computer that resolved my last situation of having XP and ME do this: "" #21 Stu_computer Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 827 OS: Windows Well, the easiest way to fix it is connect winxp as master (Drive C) and winme as slave (Drive D). Then boot into xp and change the boot.ini file. How to modify the boot.ini: boot.ini file is a hidden system file located in the root directory. To see hidden files: 1.On the Tools menu in Windows Explorer, click Folder Options. 2. Click the View tab. 3. Under Hidden files and folders, click Show hidden files and folders. To see hidden system files: 4. Remove checkmarks from "Hide file extensions of known types" and "Hide protected operating system files" (Note: To access Windows Explorer, click Start, point to All Programs, and then click Windows Explorer.) Then use explorer to navigate to the root directory C: and copy boot.ini to another location, the desktop will do for now (this is so you have a backup of the original). Next, go back to C:\Boot.ini and open it. It should look similar to this... Basic example of the boot.ini file: [boot loader] timeout=0 default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOW S [operating systems] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP" /fastdetect You want to modify it to look like this... [boot loader] timeout=15 default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOW S [operating systems] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP" /fastdetect multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Windo ws ME" After you have modified and saved it you can check it by Right clicking the My Computer icon, Properties, Advanced (tab), Startup and Recovery (button) to view System startup. If it looks okay you're ready to reboot and use the boot menu. If in doubt copy the original boot.ini back to the root directory.""

12-09-2005, 04:38 AM	#5 (permalink)
usaf_ret I helped the forums. Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 248 OS: Win ME/XP	Does anyone out there think editing the boot.ini to include both hard drives will give me what I want? If so, please post what I should change it to. thanks!

12-09-2005, 04:54 AM	#6 (permalink)
sam2ng Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6 OS: Win XP	normally, when you install the second hdd and then install windows xp on it, it will automatically modify the boot.ini for you. but if you just place another hdd with win xp , then you need to modify boot.int yourself. sorry for my poor english

12-09-2005, 09:38 AM	#8 (permalink)
usaf_ret I helped the forums. Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 248 OS: Win ME/XP	Hip Hip Hooray For Me! I took a stab at Stu-computer's comments from my last situation (see quote above).. I like to live dangerous I guess... It works like a charm-- I get an option as to which disk to boot PLUS I can view the opposite disk's contents regardless of which one I boot to... Fantastic! I am closing this problem now. THANKS TO ALL for their posts.. I SHALL RETURN!