bigstevie

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?

MikeSty

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

n0nsensical

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.

__________________
"Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded." --Abraham Lincoln

liquidlight

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.

__________________
Halfway to hell and picking up speed.

Wingless

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.

__________________
Tommy
Nibs is a funny word.
So here I am, above palm trees, so straight and tall...
You are, smaller getting smaller, but I still see... you.
Jimmy Eat World - Goodbye Sky Harbor

bigstevie

Appreciate it. I will give it a try.