Windows XP boot screen
 

I just installed Windows XP Pro on a new computer. During the boot sequence i am given the choice to load "Microsoft Windows XP Professional" or "Microsoft Windows". If I choose the first one it loads properly. If I choose the second one it just goes to a DOS prompt. Is there any way to change something in the BIOS so that it just goes right to XP Pro?

I don't think you formatted/partitioned the drive right :(

You can edit the file C:\boot.ini. It's a hidden system file so you'll need to make sure all files are showing. This is what mine looks like:
[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect

You should have two lines under [operating systems]. You want to delete the one with "Microsoft Windows" after the =. Make sure default=<the part before the = sign of the remaining line> and save the file.

You don't even have to manually edit the file.

Right click on My Computer, choose Properties. Click Advanced and then click the button for Settings under Startup and Recovery. From here you can either edit the file manually (if you remove the line that loads to a DOS prompt it "should" boot directly to XP) or just make sure that the line for XP is showing in the dropdown list and uncheck the option for Time to display list of operating systems:

Hope that's not too convoluted.

BE CAREFUL WHEN EDITING BOOT.INI. It won't fuck with your system, but it's a bitch to fix if it is messed up. Backup the file fist (i.e. copy and rename BOOTBACKUP.INI) that way theres something to fall back on. I edited BOOT.INI and it took me an hour or two to recall some DOS commands and copy/change/edit/whatever i did to restore the original - turns out I put in an extra period or other character somewhere and that prevented Windows from loading up.

Thanx for the feedback
 

Appreciate it. I will give it a try.