dpmaier

Hi,

I recently built a new computer and loaded Vista for Business x64 on it. The machine has two HDs. I tried to install Vista on HD1 (320 gb WD se16). This would not work - no activity from said HD. So Vista went on HD2 (750 gb WD se16), better known to the computer a drive C (320gb is D). That worked, with one exception. Even though 99.9% of Vista is on drive C, there are two files Vista must need to boot on drive D . If I remove this drive or even make the C drive the primary boot drive in BIOS, Vista will not boot. I am unable to copy the files from drive to drive, windows won't allow me access!! The two items are a folder ($WINDOWS.~BT) and a file (BOOTSECT.BAK).

I have tried startup repair from the install CD. No go. I also tried rebuilding the BCD as detailed in MS knowledgebase article 927392. When I try to use the fixboot command it tells me "elemant not found". If I use the rebuildbcd command, it says it fixes the problem, but when I go to save it at the prompt to the C drive, I get the same message - "element not found"

Here are my system details, if it helps:

Gigabyte P35 DSR3, E8400, 4GB ram, XFX GeForce 8600GT, hard drives above, Samsung DVD burner, Antec Earthwatts 500.

Thanks! Please feel free to ask for any more details

dpmaier

wboling78

What I would try to do is remove 2gb of ram so you only have 2gb ram installed, then reinstall vista. That should fix the issue. After it's been installed, you can put your other 2gb ram back in. Give that a shot and let me know