Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

[Guest Ch33zst34k]

Guys - I need some help on this one...

 

I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that was shipped with

Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and non-working apps, I

decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it properly I had to

eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I installed XP SR2 and

all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not boot without my

XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot without the

disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed an all black

screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there until I reboot

with the CD in.

 

With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do not and then XP

boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but obviously isn't correct.

Any help on this ?

 

Thanks in advance...

 

Ch33zst34k (Gerry in Philadelphia)

[Guest NotMe]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

It sounds like you have a setting wrong in BIOS.

Do you have the boot order set properly?\

Mine is set to CD/SCSI/HDD

The system thinks my SATA drive is a SCSI drive.

By using that boot order, I can have an EIDE drive set as primary master,

but not boot from it.

--

A Professional Amateur...If anyone knew it all, none of would be here!

CarGodZeroOne@hotmail.com

Change Alpha to Numeric to reply

"Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vogler@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

> Guys - I need some help on this one...

>

> I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that was shipped with

> Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and non-working apps, I

> decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it properly I had to

> eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I installed XP SR2 and

> all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not boot without my

> XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot without the

> disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed an all black

> screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there until I reboot

> with the CD in.

>

> With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do not and then XP

> boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but obviously isn't correct.

> Any help on this ?

>

> Thanks in advance...

>

> Ch33zst34k (Gerry in Philadelphia)

>

[Guest Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

 

"Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vogler@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

> Guys - I need some help on this one...

>

> I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that was shipped with

> Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and non-working apps, I

> decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it properly I had to

> eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I installed XP SR2 and

> all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not boot without my

> XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot without the

> disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed an all black

> screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there until I reboot

> with the CD in.

>

> With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do not and then XP

> boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but obviously isn't correct.

> Any help on this ?

>

> Thanks in advance...

>

> Ch33zst34k (Gerry in Philadelphia)

>

 

A flashing cursor in the top left-hand corner is usually the

result of your boot partition not being "active". Run diskmgmt.msc

to check/fix this.

[Guest Ch33zst34k]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

On Jul 7, 4:20 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

>

>

>

> > Guys - I need some help on this one...

>

> > I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that was shipped with

> > Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and non-working apps, I

> > decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it properly I had to

> > eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I installed XP SR2 and

> > all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not boot without my

> > XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot without the

> > disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed an all black

> > screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there until I reboot

> > with the CD in.

>

> > With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do not and then XP

> > boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but obviously isn't correct.

> > Any help on this ?

>

> > Thanks in advance...

>

> > Ch33zst34k (Gerry in Philadelphia)

>

> A flashing cursor in the top left-hand corner is usually the

> result of your boot partition not being "active". Run diskmgmt.msc

> to check/fix this.

 

Pegasus - I ran diskmgmt.msc and my c drive is shown as "system" while

my secondary drive is shown as "active" - is this the problem ?

[Guest Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

 

"Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vogler@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:1183840778.759033.59540@n60g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

> On Jul 7, 4:20 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

>>

>>

>>

>> > Guys - I need some help on this one...

>>

>> > I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that was shipped with

>> > Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and non-working apps, I

>> > decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it properly I had to

>> > eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I installed XP SR2 and

>> > all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not boot without my

>> > XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot without the

>> > disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed an all black

>> > screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there until I reboot

>> > with the CD in.

>>

>> > With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do not and then XP

>> > boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but obviously isn't correct.

>> > Any help on this ?

>>

>> > Thanks in advance...

>>

>> > Ch33zst34k (Gerry in Philadelphia)

>>

>> A flashing cursor in the top left-hand corner is usually the

>> result of your boot partition not being "active". Run diskmgmt.msc

>> to check/fix this.

>

> Pegasus - I ran diskmgmt.msc and my c drive is shown as "system" while

> my secondary drive is shown as "active" - is this the problem ?

>

>

 

Interesting. In your first post you never said anything about

a second disk. This is essential information!

 

As a first step I would disconnect the second disk, then make

the first disk the primary master. This should allow you to mark

the boot partition on the first disk as "active".

[Guest Ch33zst34k]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

On Jul 7, 5:14 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> news:1183840778.759033.59540@n60g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

>

>

> > On Jul 7, 4:20 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >>news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> > Guys - I need some help on this one...

>

> >> > I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that was shipped with

> >> > Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and non-working apps, I

> >> > decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it properly I had to

> >> > eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I installed XP SR2 and

> >> > all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not boot without my

> >> > XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot without the

> >> > disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed an all black

> >> > screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there until I reboot

> >> > with the CD in.

>

> >> > With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do not and then XP

> >> > boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but obviously isn't correct.

> >> > Any help on this ?

>

> >> > Thanks in advance...

>

> >> > Ch33zst34k (Gerry in Philadelphia)

>

> >> A flashing cursor in the top left-hand corner is usually the

> >> result of your boot partition not being "active". Run diskmgmt.msc

> >> to check/fix this.

>

> > Pegasus - I ran diskmgmt.msc and my c drive is shown as "system" while

> > my secondary drive is shown as "active" - is this the problem ?

>

> Interesting. In your first post you never said anything about

> a second disk. This is essential information!

>

> As a first step I would disconnect the second disk, then make

> the first disk the primary master. This should allow you to mark

> the boot partition on the first disk as "active".

 

Sorry about the omission - I'm a newb when it comes to disk management

- how do I mark it master? When you say remove the second disk, do you

mean physically disconnect or via disk manager ? I've avoided hardware

configuration for years until now... appreciate your help.

[Guest Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

 

"Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vogler@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:1183848558.042939.223270@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

> On Jul 7, 5:14 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> news:1183840778.759033.59540@n60g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>>

>>

>>

>> > On Jul 7, 4:20 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> >>news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> >> > Guys - I need some help on this one...

>>

>> >> > I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that was shipped with

>> >> > Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and non-working apps, I

>> >> > decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it properly I had to

>> >> > eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I installed XP SR2

>> >> > and

>> >> > all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not boot without

>> >> > my

>> >> > XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot without the

>> >> > disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed an all black

>> >> > screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there until I

>> >> > reboot

>> >> > with the CD in.

>>

>> >> > With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do not and then XP

>> >> > boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but obviously isn't

>> >> > correct.

>> >> > Any help on this ?

>>

>> >> > Thanks in advance...

>>

>> >> > Ch33zst34k (Gerry in Philadelphia)

>>

>> >> A flashing cursor in the top left-hand corner is usually the

>> >> result of your boot partition not being "active". Run diskmgmt.msc

>> >> to check/fix this.

>>

>> > Pegasus - I ran diskmgmt.msc and my c drive is shown as "system" while

>> > my secondary drive is shown as "active" - is this the problem ?

>>

>> Interesting. In your first post you never said anything about

>> a second disk. This is essential information!

>>

>> As a first step I would disconnect the second disk, then make

>> the first disk the primary master. This should allow you to mark

>> the boot partition on the first disk as "active".

>

> Sorry about the omission - I'm a newb when it comes to disk management

> - how do I mark it master? When you say remove the second disk, do you

> mean physically disconnect or via disk manager ? I've avoided hardware

> configuration for years until now... appreciate your help.

>

 

Making an IDE disk the primary master involves opening the

machine and making sure of two things:

a) That the disk is connected to the primary (rather than the

secondary) IDE controller, and

b) That the disk jumpered as a Master, not as a slave.

 

Since you appear to have run with the same configuration

for a long time, let's postpone this for a moment and start

by establishing your current status. Reboot the machine

and get into the BIOS setup, then check your IDE disk

configuration. One of the menus reports your disk structure.

Assuming you use one of your disks for Windows and the

other for your data, report the exact configuration shown

by the BIOS, i.e. which disk is primary, which is secondary,

which is master, which is slave.

[Guest Ch33zst34k]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

On Jul 8, 12:50 am, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> news:1183848558.042939.223270@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

>

>

> > On Jul 7, 5:14 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >>news:1183840778.759033.59540@n60g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> > On Jul 7, 4:20 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> >> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >> >>news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> >> > Guys - I need some help on this one...

>

> >> >> > I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that was shipped with

> >> >> > Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and non-working apps, I

> >> >> > decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it properly I had to

> >> >> > eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I installed XP SR2

> >> >> > and

> >> >> > all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not boot without

> >> >> > my

> >> >> > XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot without the

> >> >> > disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed an all black

> >> >> > screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there until I

> >> >> > reboot

> >> >> > with the CD in.

>

> >> >> > With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do not and then XP

> >> >> > boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but obviously isn't

> >> >> > correct.

> >> >> > Any help on this ?

>

> >> >> > Thanks in advance...

>

> >> >> > Ch33zst34k (Gerry in Philadelphia)

>

> >> >> A flashing cursor in the top left-hand corner is usually the

> >> >> result of your boot partition not being "active". Run diskmgmt.msc

> >> >> to check/fix this.

>

> >> > Pegasus - I ran diskmgmt.msc and my c drive is shown as "system" while

> >> > my secondary drive is shown as "active" - is this the problem ?

>

> >> Interesting. In your first post you never said anything about

> >> a second disk. This is essential information!

>

> >> As a first step I would disconnect the second disk, then make

> >> the first disk the primary master. This should allow you to mark

> >> the boot partition on the first disk as "active".

>

> > Sorry about the omission - I'm a newb when it comes to disk management

> > - how do I mark it master? When you say remove the second disk, do you

> > mean physically disconnect or via disk manager ? I've avoided hardware

> > configuration for years until now... appreciate your help.

>

> Making an IDE disk the primary master involves opening the

> machine and making sure of two things:

> a) That the disk is connected to the primary (rather than the

> secondary) IDE controller, and

> b) That the disk jumpered as a Master, not as a slave.

>

> Since you appear to have run with the same configuration

> for a long time, let's postpone this for a moment and start

> by establishing your current status. Reboot the machine

> and get into the BIOS setup, then check your IDE disk

> configuration. One of the menus reports your disk structure.

> Assuming you use one of your disks for Windows and the

> other for your data, report the exact configuration shown

> by the BIOS, i.e. which disk is primary, which is secondary,

> which is master, which is slave.

 

Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

bottom of this.

 

One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

Here is what the Bios shows:

 

Primary IDE Master

[Guest Ch33zst34k]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

On Jul 8, 6:34 am, Ch33zst34k <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote:

> On Jul 8, 12:50 am, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>

>

>

> > "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >news:1183848558.042939.223270@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> > > On Jul 7, 5:14 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> > >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> > >>news:1183840778.759033.59540@n60g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> > >> > On Jul 7, 4:20 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> > >> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> > >> >>news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

>

> > >> >> > Guys - I need some help on this one...

>

> > >> >> > I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that was shipped with

> > >> >> > Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and non-working apps, I

> > >> >> > decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it properly I had to

> > >> >> > eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I installed XP SR2

> > >> >> > and

> > >> >> > all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not boot without

> > >> >> > my

> > >> >> > XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot without the

> > >> >> > disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed an all black

> > >> >> > screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there until I

> > >> >> > reboot

> > >> >> > with the CD in.

>

> > >> >> > With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do not and then XP

> > >> >> > boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but obviously isn't

> > >> >> > correct.

> > >> >> > Any help on this ?

>

> > >> >> > Thanks in advance...

>

> > >> >> > Ch33zst34k (Gerry in Philadelphia)

>

> > >> >> A flashing cursor in the top left-hand corner is usually the

> > >> >> result of your boot partition not being "active". Run diskmgmt.msc

> > >> >> to check/fix this.

>

> > >> > Pegasus - I ran diskmgmt.msc and my c drive is shown as "system" while

> > >> > my secondary drive is shown as "active" - is this the problem ?

>

> > >> Interesting. In your first post you never said anything about

> > >> a second disk. This is essential information!

>

> > >> As a first step I would disconnect the second disk, then make

> > >> the first disk the primary master. This should allow you to mark

> > >> the boot partition on the first disk as "active".

>

> > > Sorry about the omission - I'm a newb when it comes to disk management

> > > - how do I mark it master? When you say remove the second disk, do you

> > > mean physically disconnect or via disk manager ? I've avoided hardware

> > > configuration for years until now... appreciate your help.

>

> > Making an IDE disk the primary master involves opening the

> > machine and making sure of two things:

> > a) That the disk is connected to the primary (rather than the

> > secondary) IDE controller, and

> > b) That the disk jumpered as a Master, not as a slave.

>

> > Since you appear to have run with the same configuration

> > for a long time, let's postpone this for a moment and start

> > by establishing your current status. Reboot the machine

> > and get into the BIOS setup, then check your IDE disk

> > configuration. One of the menus reports your disk structure.

> > Assuming you use one of your disks for Windows and the

> > other for your data, report the exact configuration shown

> > by the BIOS, i.e. which disk is primary, which is secondary,

> > which is master, which is slave.

>

> Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

> bottom of this.

>

> One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

> with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

> Here is what the Bios shows:

>

> Primary IDE Master

 

The last post was prematurely posted....

 

Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

bottom of this.

 

One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

 

Primary IDE Master [None]

Primary IDE Slave [None]

Secondary IDE Master [DVD RW]

Secondary IDE Slave [None]

Sata 1 [WDC001] (C-drive) system

Sata 2 [None]

Sata 3 [WDC001] (second hard drive] data

Sata 4 [None]

HDD Smart Monitoring [enabled]

 

I have not touched any internal components since getting it from the

factory. Its a "boutique" rig purchased from ibuypower.com.

 

I would apprecaite any help in getting this configured correctly - I

keep telling myself I am learning something. :-)

 

G

[Guest Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

 

"Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vogler@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:1183891360.811734.169140@r34g2000hsd.googlegroups.com...

> On Jul 8, 6:34 am, Ch33zst34k <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote:

>> On Jul 8, 12:50 am, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>>

>>

>>

>> > "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> >news:1183848558.042939.223270@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> > > On Jul 7, 5:14 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>> > >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> > >>news:1183840778.759033.59540@n60g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> > >> > On Jul 7, 4:20 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>> > >> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> > >> >>news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> > >> >> > Guys - I need some help on this one...

>>

>> > >> >> > I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that was shipped

>> > >> >> > with

>> > >> >> > Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and non-working

>> > >> >> > apps, I

>> > >> >> > decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it properly I had

>> > >> >> > to

>> > >> >> > eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I installed XP

>> > >> >> > SR2

>> > >> >> > and

>> > >> >> > all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not boot

>> > >> >> > without

>> > >> >> > my

>> > >> >> > XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot without

>> > >> >> > the

>> > >> >> > disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed an all

>> > >> >> > black

>> > >> >> > screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there until I

>> > >> >> > reboot

>> > >> >> > with the CD in.

>>

>> > >> >> > With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do not and

>> > >> >> > then XP

>> > >> >> > boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but obviously isn't

>> > >> >> > correct.

>> > >> >> > Any help on this ?

>>

>> > >> >> > Thanks in advance...

>>

>> > >> >> > Ch33zst34k (Gerry in Philadelphia)

>>

>> > >> >> A flashing cursor in the top left-hand corner is usually the

>> > >> >> result of your boot partition not being "active". Run

>> > >> >> diskmgmt.msc

>> > >> >> to check/fix this.

>>

>> > >> > Pegasus - I ran diskmgmt.msc and my c drive is shown as "system"

>> > >> > while

>> > >> > my secondary drive is shown as "active" - is this the problem ?

>>

>> > >> Interesting. In your first post you never said anything about

>> > >> a second disk. This is essential information!

>>

>> > >> As a first step I would disconnect the second disk, then make

>> > >> the first disk the primary master. This should allow you to mark

>> > >> the boot partition on the first disk as "active".

>>

>> > > Sorry about the omission - I'm a newb when it comes to disk

>> > > management

>> > > - how do I mark it master? When you say remove the second disk, do

>> > > you

>> > > mean physically disconnect or via disk manager ? I've avoided

>> > > hardware

>> > > configuration for years until now... appreciate your help.

>>

>> > Making an IDE disk the primary master involves opening the

>> > machine and making sure of two things:

>> > a) That the disk is connected to the primary (rather than the

>> > secondary) IDE controller, and

>> > b) That the disk jumpered as a Master, not as a slave.

>>

>> > Since you appear to have run with the same configuration

>> > for a long time, let's postpone this for a moment and start

>> > by establishing your current status. Reboot the machine

>> > and get into the BIOS setup, then check your IDE disk

>> > configuration. One of the menus reports your disk structure.

>> > Assuming you use one of your disks for Windows and the

>> > other for your data, report the exact configuration shown

>> > by the BIOS, i.e. which disk is primary, which is secondary,

>> > which is master, which is slave.

>>

>> Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

>> bottom of this.

>>

>> One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

>> with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

>> Here is what the Bios shows:

>>

>> Primary IDE Master

>

> The last post was prematurely posted....

>

> Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

> bottom of this.

>

> One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

> with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

>

> Primary IDE Master [None]

> Primary IDE Slave [None]

> Secondary IDE Master [DVD RW]

> Secondary IDE Slave [None]

> Sata 1 [WDC001] (C-drive) system

> Sata 2 [None]

> Sata 3 [WDC001] (second hard drive] data

> Sata 4 [None]

> HDD Smart Monitoring [enabled]

>

> I have not touched any internal components since getting it from the

> factory. Its a "boutique" rig purchased from ibuypower.com.

>

> I would apprecaite any help in getting this configured correctly - I

> keep telling myself I am learning something. :-)

>

> G

>

 

Your reply tells me that you don't have any IDE disks, hence

there is no need to worry about masters / slaves. However,

you should ensure while in the BIOS that your Sata1 disk is

your boot disk. You should then do this:

- Boot the machine with your WinXP CD.

- Don't let it start Windows - force it to start the Windows

setup process.

- Select Repair when prompted, then Recovery Console.

- Type these commands:

fixboot

fixmbr

bootcfg /rebuild

[Guest Ch33zst34k]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

On Jul 8, 12:54 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> news:1183891360.811734.169140@r34g2000hsd.googlegroups.com...

>

>

>

> > On Jul 8, 6:34 am,Ch33zst34k<Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote:

> >> On Jul 8, 12:50 am, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>

> >> > "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >> >news:1183848558.042939.223270@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> > > On Jul 7, 5:14 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> >> > >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >> > >>news:1183840778.759033.59540@n60g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> > >> > On Jul 7, 4:20 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> >> > >> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >> > >> >>news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> > >> >> > Guys - I need some help on this one...

>

> >> > >> >> > I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that was shipped

> >> > >> >> > with

> >> > >> >> > Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and non-working

> >> > >> >> > apps, I

> >> > >> >> > decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it properly I had

> >> > >> >> > to

> >> > >> >> > eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I installed XP

> >> > >> >> > SR2

> >> > >> >> > and

> >> > >> >> > all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not boot

> >> > >> >> > without

> >> > >> >> > my

> >> > >> >> > XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot without

> >> > >> >> > the

> >> > >> >> > disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed an all

> >> > >> >> > black

> >> > >> >> > screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there until I

> >> > >> >> > reboot

> >> > >> >> > with the CD in.

>

> >> > >> >> > With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do not and

> >> > >> >> > then XP

> >> > >> >> > boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but obviously isn't

> >> > >> >> > correct.

> >> > >> >> > Any help on this ?

>

> >> > >> >> > Thanks in advance...

>

> >> > >> >> >Ch33zst34k(Gerry in Philadelphia)

>

> >> > >> >> A flashing cursor in the top left-hand corner is usually the

> >> > >> >> result of your boot partition not being "active". Run

> >> > >> >> diskmgmt.msc

> >> > >> >> to check/fix this.

>

> >> > >> > Pegasus - I ran diskmgmt.msc and my c drive is shown as "system"

> >> > >> > while

> >> > >> > my secondary drive is shown as "active" - is this the problem ?

>

> >> > >> Interesting. In your first post you never said anything about

> >> > >> a second disk. This is essential information!

>

> >> > >> As a first step I would disconnect the second disk, then make

> >> > >> the first disk the primary master. This should allow you to mark

> >> > >> the boot partition on the first disk as "active".

>

> >> > > Sorry about the omission - I'm a newb when it comes to disk

> >> > > management

> >> > > - how do I mark it master? When you say remove the second disk, do

> >> > > you

> >> > > mean physically disconnect or via disk manager ? I've avoided

> >> > > hardware

> >> > > configuration for years until now... appreciate your help.

>

> >> > Making an IDE disk the primary master involves opening the

> >> > machine and making sure of two things:

> >> > a) That the disk is connected to the primary (rather than the

> >> > secondary) IDE controller, and

> >> > b) That the disk jumpered as a Master, not as a slave.

>

> >> > Since you appear to have run with the same configuration

> >> > for a long time, let's postpone this for a moment and start

> >> > by establishing your current status. Reboot the machine

> >> > and get into the BIOS setup, then check your IDE disk

> >> > configuration. One of the menus reports your disk structure.

> >> > Assuming you use one of your disks for Windows and the

> >> > other for your data, report the exact configuration shown

> >> > by the BIOS, i.e. which disk is primary, which is secondary,

> >> > which is master, which is slave.

>

> >> Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

> >> bottom of this.

>

> >> One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

> >> with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

> >> Here is what the Bios shows:

>

> >> Primary IDE Master

>

> > The last post was prematurely posted....

>

> > Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

> > bottom of this.

>

> > One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

> > with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

>

> > Primary IDE Master [None]

> > Primary IDE Slave [None]

> > Secondary IDE Master [DVD RW]

> > Secondary IDE Slave [None]

> > Sata 1 [WDC001] (C-drive) system

> > Sata 2 [None]

> > Sata 3 [WDC001] (second hard drive] data

> > Sata 4 [None]

> > HDD Smart Monitoring [enabled]

>

> > I have not touched any internal components since getting it from the

> > factory. Its a "boutique" rig purchased from ibuypower.com.

>

> > I would apprecaite any help in getting this configured correctly - I

> > keep telling myself I am learning something. :-)

>

> > G

>

> Your reply tells me that you don't have any IDE disks, hence

> there is no need to worry about masters / slaves. However,

> you should ensure while in the BIOS that your Sata1 disk is

> your boot disk. You should then do this:

> - Boot the machine with your WinXP CD.

> - Don't let it start Windows - force it to start the Windows

> setup process.

> - Select Repair when prompted, then Recovery Console.

> - Type these commands:

> fixboot

> fixmbr

> bootcfg /rebuild

 

We accomplished something... I did as prescribed and set it to boot to

the c:drive (the only install found) however the system still stalls

at reboot with the "Flashing cursor." I can boot with the cd in as

before, however now the OS offers two distinct configurations into

which to boot. The top is a blank description but the cursor flashes

in front of a blank line - and yes, I can select it and boot normally

with that. The second line says "Windows XP Configuration" which works

as well - again, as long as the cd is in.

 

Any thoughts now ? Thanks !

 

G

[Guest Shenan Stanley]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

Ch33zst34k wrote:

> We accomplished something... I did as prescribed and set it to boot

> to the c:drive (the only install found) however the system still

> stalls at reboot with the "Flashing cursor." I can boot with the

> cd in as before, however now the OS offers two distinct

> configurations into which to boot. The top is a blank description

> but the cursor flashes in front of a blank line - and yes, I can

> select it and boot normally with that. The second line says

> "Windows XP Configuration" which works as well - again, as long as

> the cd is in.

 

Do both options boot you into the same Windows XP?

Everything identical?

 

Then... Google for "Edit BOOT.INI in Windows XP" and edit out what you don't

need, set the default and the timeout, etc.

 

--

Shenan Stanley

MS-MVP

--

How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

[Guest Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

 

"Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vogler@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:1183918208.677291.45640@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

> On Jul 8, 12:54 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> news:1183891360.811734.169140@r34g2000hsd.googlegroups.com...

>>

>>

>>

>> > On Jul 8, 6:34 am,Ch33zst34k<Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote:

>> >> On Jul 8, 12:50 am, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>>

>> >> > "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> >> >news:1183848558.042939.223270@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> >> > > On Jul 7, 5:14 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>> >> > >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> >> > >>news:1183840778.759033.59540@n60g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> >> > >> > On Jul 7, 4:20 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>> >> > >> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> >> > >> >>news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> >> > >> >> > Guys - I need some help on this one...

>>

>> >> > >> >> > I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that was

>> >> > >> >> > shipped

>> >> > >> >> > with

>> >> > >> >> > Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and non-working

>> >> > >> >> > apps, I

>> >> > >> >> > decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it properly I

>> >> > >> >> > had

>> >> > >> >> > to

>> >> > >> >> > eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I installed

>> >> > >> >> > XP

>> >> > >> >> > SR2

>> >> > >> >> > and

>> >> > >> >> > all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not boot

>> >> > >> >> > without

>> >> > >> >> > my

>> >> > >> >> > XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot

>> >> > >> >> > without

>> >> > >> >> > the

>> >> > >> >> > disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed an all

>> >> > >> >> > black

>> >> > >> >> > screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there until

>> >> > >> >> > I

>> >> > >> >> > reboot

>> >> > >> >> > with the CD in.

>>

>> >> > >> >> > With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do not and

>> >> > >> >> > then XP

>> >> > >> >> > boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but obviously

>> >> > >> >> > isn't

>> >> > >> >> > correct.

>> >> > >> >> > Any help on this ?

>>

>> >> > >> >> > Thanks in advance...

>>

>> >> > >> >> >Ch33zst34k(Gerry in Philadelphia)

>>

>> >> > >> >> A flashing cursor in the top left-hand corner is usually the

>> >> > >> >> result of your boot partition not being "active". Run

>> >> > >> >> diskmgmt.msc

>> >> > >> >> to check/fix this.

>>

>> >> > >> > Pegasus - I ran diskmgmt.msc and my c drive is shown as

>> >> > >> > "system"

>> >> > >> > while

>> >> > >> > my secondary drive is shown as "active" - is this the problem ?

>>

>> >> > >> Interesting. In your first post you never said anything about

>> >> > >> a second disk. This is essential information!

>>

>> >> > >> As a first step I would disconnect the second disk, then make

>> >> > >> the first disk the primary master. This should allow you to mark

>> >> > >> the boot partition on the first disk as "active".

>>

>> >> > > Sorry about the omission - I'm a newb when it comes to disk

>> >> > > management

>> >> > > - how do I mark it master? When you say remove the second disk, do

>> >> > > you

>> >> > > mean physically disconnect or via disk manager ? I've avoided

>> >> > > hardware

>> >> > > configuration for years until now... appreciate your help.

>>

>> >> > Making an IDE disk the primary master involves opening the

>> >> > machine and making sure of two things:

>> >> > a) That the disk is connected to the primary (rather than the

>> >> > secondary) IDE controller, and

>> >> > b) That the disk jumpered as a Master, not as a slave.

>>

>> >> > Since you appear to have run with the same configuration

>> >> > for a long time, let's postpone this for a moment and start

>> >> > by establishing your current status. Reboot the machine

>> >> > and get into the BIOS setup, then check your IDE disk

>> >> > configuration. One of the menus reports your disk structure.

>> >> > Assuming you use one of your disks for Windows and the

>> >> > other for your data, report the exact configuration shown

>> >> > by the BIOS, i.e. which disk is primary, which is secondary,

>> >> > which is master, which is slave.

>>

>> >> Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

>> >> bottom of this.

>>

>> >> One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

>> >> with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

>> >> Here is what the Bios shows:

>>

>> >> Primary IDE Master

>>

>> > The last post was prematurely posted....

>>

>> > Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

>> > bottom of this.

>>

>> > One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

>> > with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

>>

>> > Primary IDE Master [None]

>> > Primary IDE Slave [None]

>> > Secondary IDE Master [DVD RW]

>> > Secondary IDE Slave [None]

>> > Sata 1 [WDC001] (C-drive) system

>> > Sata 2 [None]

>> > Sata 3 [WDC001] (second hard drive] data

>> > Sata 4 [None]

>> > HDD Smart Monitoring [enabled]

>>

>> > I have not touched any internal components since getting it from the

>> > factory. Its a "boutique" rig purchased from ibuypower.com.

>>

>> > I would apprecaite any help in getting this configured correctly - I

>> > keep telling myself I am learning something. :-)

>>

>> > G

>>

>> Your reply tells me that you don't have any IDE disks, hence

>> there is no need to worry about masters / slaves. However,

>> you should ensure while in the BIOS that your Sata1 disk is

>> your boot disk. You should then do this:

>> - Boot the machine with your WinXP CD.

>> - Don't let it start Windows - force it to start the Windows

>> setup process.

>> - Select Repair when prompted, then Recovery Console.

>> - Type these commands:

>> fixboot

>> fixmbr

>> bootcfg /rebuild

>

> We accomplished something... I did as prescribed and set it to boot to

> the c:drive (the only install found) however the system still stalls

> at reboot with the "Flashing cursor." I can boot with the cd in as

> before, however now the OS offers two distinct configurations into

> which to boot. The top is a blank description but the cursor flashes

> in front of a blank line - and yes, I can select it and boot normally

> with that. The second line says "Windows XP Configuration" which works

> as well - again, as long as the cd is in.

>

> Any thoughts now ? Thanks !

>

> G

>

 

I return to my first reply: You must mark the boot partition "active".

If you cannot do it any other way, disconnect your second SATA

disk first, then do it.

 

After following Shenan's suggestion of editing boot.ini, post the

contents of this file in your reply.

[Guest Ch33zst34k]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

On Jul 8, 2:31 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> news:1183918208.677291.45640@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

>

>

> > On Jul 8, 12:54 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >>news:1183891360.811734.169140@r34g2000hsd.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> > On Jul 8, 6:34 am,Ch33zst34k<Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote:

> >> >> On Jul 8, 12:50 am, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>

> >> >> > "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >> >> >news:1183848558.042939.223270@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> >> > > On Jul 7, 5:14 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> >> >> > >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >> >> > >>news:1183840778.759033.59540@n60g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> >> > >> > On Jul 7, 4:20 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> >> >> > >> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >> >> > >> >>news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> >> > >> >> > Guys - I need some help on this one...

>

> >> >> > >> >> > I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that was

> >> >> > >> >> > shipped

> >> >> > >> >> > with

> >> >> > >> >> > Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and non-working

> >> >> > >> >> > apps, I

> >> >> > >> >> > decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it properly I

> >> >> > >> >> > had

> >> >> > >> >> > to

> >> >> > >> >> > eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I installed

> >> >> > >> >> > XP

> >> >> > >> >> > SR2

> >> >> > >> >> > and

> >> >> > >> >> > all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not boot

> >> >> > >> >> > without

> >> >> > >> >> > my

> >> >> > >> >> > XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot

> >> >> > >> >> > without

> >> >> > >> >> > the

> >> >> > >> >> > disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed an all

> >> >> > >> >> > black

> >> >> > >> >> > screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there until

> >> >> > >> >> > I

> >> >> > >> >> > reboot

> >> >> > >> >> > with the CD in.

>

> >> >> > >> >> > With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do not and

> >> >> > >> >> > then XP

> >> >> > >> >> > boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but obviously

> >> >> > >> >> > isn't

> >> >> > >> >> > correct.

> >> >> > >> >> > Any help on this ?

>

> >> >> > >> >> > Thanks in advance...

>

> >> >> > >> >> >Ch33zst34k(Gerry in Philadelphia)

>

> >> >> > >> >> A flashing cursor in the top left-hand corner is usually the

> >> >> > >> >> result of your boot partition not being "active". Run

> >> >> > >> >> diskmgmt.msc

> >> >> > >> >> to check/fix this.

>

> >> >> > >> > Pegasus - I ran diskmgmt.msc and my c drive is shown as

> >> >> > >> > "system"

> >> >> > >> > while

> >> >> > >> > my secondary drive is shown as "active" - is this the problem ?

>

> >> >> > >> Interesting. In your first post you never said anything about

> >> >> > >> a second disk. This is essential information!

>

> >> >> > >> As a first step I would disconnect the second disk, then make

> >> >> > >> the first disk the primary master. This should allow you to mark

> >> >> > >> the boot partition on the first disk as "active".

>

> >> >> > > Sorry about the omission - I'm a newb when it comes to disk

> >> >> > > management

> >> >> > > - how do I mark it master? When you say remove the second disk, do

> >> >> > > you

> >> >> > > mean physically disconnect or via disk manager ? I've avoided

> >> >> > > hardware

> >> >> > > configuration for years until now... appreciate your help.

>

> >> >> > Making an IDE disk the primary master involves opening the

> >> >> > machine and making sure of two things:

> >> >> > a) That the disk is connected to the primary (rather than the

> >> >> > secondary) IDE controller, and

> >> >> > b) That the disk jumpered as a Master, not as a slave.

>

> >> >> > Since you appear to have run with the same configuration

> >> >> > for a long time, let's postpone this for a moment and start

> >> >> > by establishing your current status. Reboot the machine

> >> >> > and get into the BIOS setup, then check your IDE disk

> >> >> > configuration. One of the menus reports your disk structure.

> >> >> > Assuming you use one of your disks for Windows and the

> >> >> > other for your data, report the exact configuration shown

> >> >> > by the BIOS, i.e. which disk is primary, which is secondary,

> >> >> > which is master, which is slave.

>

> >> >> Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

> >> >> bottom of this.

>

> >> >> One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

> >> >> with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

> >> >> Here is what the Bios shows:

>

> >> >> Primary IDE Master

>

> >> > The last post was prematurely posted....

>

> >> > Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

> >> > bottom of this.

>

> >> > One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

> >> > with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

>

> >> > Primary IDE Master [None]

> >> > Primary IDE Slave [None]

> >> > Secondary IDE Master [DVD RW]

> >> > Secondary IDE Slave [None]

> >> > Sata 1 [WDC001] (C-drive) system

> >> > Sata 2 [None]

> >> > Sata 3 [WDC001] (second hard drive] data

> >> > Sata 4 [None]

> >> > HDD Smart Monitoring [enabled]

>

> >> > I have not touched any internal components since getting it from the

> >> > factory. Its a "boutique" rig purchased from ibuypower.com.

>

> >> > I would apprecaite any help in getting this configured correctly - I

> >> > keep telling myself I am learning something. :-)

>

> >> > G

>

> >> Your reply tells me that you don't have any IDE disks, hence

> >> there is no need to worry about masters / slaves. However,

> >> you should ensure while in the BIOS that your Sata1 disk is

> >> your boot disk. You should then do this:

> >> - Boot the machine with your WinXP CD.

> >> - Don't let it start Windows - force it to start the Windows

> >> setup process.

> >> - Select Repair when prompted, then Recovery Console.

> >> - Type these commands:

> >> fixboot

> >> fixmbr

> >> bootcfg /rebuild

>

> > We accomplished something... I did as prescribed and set it to boot to

> > the c:drive (the only install found) however the system still stalls

> > at reboot with the "Flashing cursor." I can boot with the cd in as

> > before, however now the OS offers two distinct configurations into

> > which to boot. The top is a blank description but the cursor flashes

> > in front of a blank line - and yes, I can select it and boot normally

> > with that. The second line says "Windows XP Configuration" which works

> > as well - again, as long as the cd is in.

>

> > Any thoughts now ? Thanks !

>

> > G

>

> I return to my first reply: You must mark the boot partition "active".

> If you cannot do it any other way, disconnect your second SATA

> disk first, then do it.

>

> After following Shenan's suggestion of editing boot.ini, post the

> contents of this file in your reply.

 

Guys - thanks for your patience - I followed Shenan's suggestion and

did successfully delete the second (identical) boot option.

 

Pegasus - I can easily navigate to my disk management menu, however I

cannot figure out how to make the C:drive partition active - checked

out the MSFT knowledge base without success. An image of my manager

is at this link:

 

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e180/kumaboss/Image2.jpg

 

As you can see, the "C" drive is marked System, the second hard drive

is marked "Unallocated". Any thoughts as to HOW I can make the

"C:drive" active?

[Guest Ch33zst34k]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

On Jul 8, 5:03 pm, Ch33zst34k <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote:

> On Jul 8, 2:31 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>

>

>

> > "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >news:1183918208.677291.45640@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> > > On Jul 8, 12:54 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> > >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> > >>news:1183891360.811734.169140@r34g2000hsd.googlegroups.com...

>

> > >> > On Jul 8, 6:34 am,Ch33zst34k<Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote:

> > >> >> On Jul 8, 12:50 am, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>

> > >> >> > "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> > >> >> >news:1183848558.042939.223270@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> > >> >> > > On Jul 7, 5:14 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> > >> >> > >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> > >> >> > >>news:1183840778.759033.59540@n60g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> > >> >> > >> > On Jul 7, 4:20 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> > >> >> > >> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> > >> >> > >> >>news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

>

> > >> >> > >> >> > Guys - I need some help on this one...

>

> > >> >> > >> >> > I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that was

> > >> >> > >> >> > shipped

> > >> >> > >> >> > with

> > >> >> > >> >> > Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and non-working

> > >> >> > >> >> > apps, I

> > >> >> > >> >> > decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it properly I

> > >> >> > >> >> > had

> > >> >> > >> >> > to

> > >> >> > >> >> > eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I installed

> > >> >> > >> >> > XP

> > >> >> > >> >> > SR2

> > >> >> > >> >> > and

> > >> >> > >> >> > all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not boot

> > >> >> > >> >> > without

> > >> >> > >> >> > my

> > >> >> > >> >> > XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot

> > >> >> > >> >> > without

> > >> >> > >> >> > the

> > >> >> > >> >> > disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed an all

> > >> >> > >> >> > black

> > >> >> > >> >> > screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there until

> > >> >> > >> >> > I

> > >> >> > >> >> > reboot

> > >> >> > >> >> > with the CD in.

>

> > >> >> > >> >> > With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do not and

> > >> >> > >> >> > then XP

> > >> >> > >> >> > boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but obviously

> > >> >> > >> >> > isn't

> > >> >> > >> >> > correct.

> > >> >> > >> >> > Any help on this ?

>

> > >> >> > >> >> > Thanks in advance...

>

> > >> >> > >> >> >Ch33zst34k(Gerry in Philadelphia)

>

> > >> >> > >> >> A flashing cursor in the top left-hand corner is usually the

> > >> >> > >> >> result of your boot partition not being "active". Run

> > >> >> > >> >> diskmgmt.msc

> > >> >> > >> >> to check/fix this.

>

> > >> >> > >> > Pegasus - I ran diskmgmt.msc and my c drive is shown as

> > >> >> > >> > "system"

> > >> >> > >> > while

> > >> >> > >> > my secondary drive is shown as "active" - is this the problem ?

>

> > >> >> > >> Interesting. In your first post you never said anything about

> > >> >> > >> a second disk. This is essential information!

>

> > >> >> > >> As a first step I would disconnect the second disk, then make

> > >> >> > >> the first disk the primary master. This should allow you to mark

> > >> >> > >> the boot partition on the first disk as "active".

>

> > >> >> > > Sorry about the omission - I'm a newb when it comes to disk

> > >> >> > > management

> > >> >> > > - how do I mark it master? When you say remove the second disk, do

> > >> >> > > you

> > >> >> > > mean physically disconnect or via disk manager ? I've avoided

> > >> >> > > hardware

> > >> >> > > configuration for years until now... appreciate your help.

>

> > >> >> > Making an IDE disk the primary master involves opening the

> > >> >> > machine and making sure of two things:

> > >> >> > a) That the disk is connected to the primary (rather than the

> > >> >> > secondary) IDE controller, and

> > >> >> > b) That the disk jumpered as a Master, not as a slave.

>

> > >> >> > Since you appear to have run with the same configuration

> > >> >> > for a long time, let's postpone this for a moment and start

> > >> >> > by establishing your current status. Reboot the machine

> > >> >> > and get into the BIOS setup, then check your IDE disk

> > >> >> > configuration. One of the menus reports your disk structure.

> > >> >> > Assuming you use one of your disks for Windows and the

> > >> >> > other for your data, report the exact configuration shown

> > >> >> > by the BIOS, i.e. which disk is primary, which is secondary,

> > >> >> > which is master, which is slave.

>

> > >> >> Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

> > >> >> bottom of this.

>

> > >> >> One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

> > >> >> with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

> > >> >> Here is what the Bios shows:

>

> > >> >> Primary IDE Master

>

> > >> > The last post was prematurely posted....

>

> > >> > Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

> > >> > bottom of this.

>

> > >> > One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

> > >> > with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

>

> > >> > Primary IDE Master [None]

> > >> > Primary IDE Slave [None]

> > >> > Secondary IDE Master [DVD RW]

> > >> > Secondary IDE Slave [None]

> > >> > Sata 1 [WDC001] (C-drive) system

> > >> > Sata 2 [None]

> > >> > Sata 3 [WDC001] (second hard drive] data

> > >> > Sata 4 [None]

> > >> > HDD Smart Monitoring [enabled]

>

> > >> > I have not touched any internal components since getting it from the

> > >> > factory. Its a "boutique" rig purchased from ibuypower.com.

>

> > >> > I would apprecaite any help in getting this configured correctly - I

> > >> > keep telling myself I am learning something. :-)

>

> > >> > G

>

> > >> Your reply tells me that you don't have any IDE disks, hence

> > >> there is no need to worry about masters / slaves. However,

> > >> you should ensure while in the BIOS that your Sata1 disk is

> > >> your boot disk. You should then do this:

> > >> - Boot the machine with your WinXP CD.

> > >> - Don't let it start Windows - force it to start the Windows

> > >> setup process.

> > >> - Select Repair when prompted, then Recovery Console.

> > >> - Type these commands:

> > >> fixboot

> > >> fixmbr

> > >> bootcfg /rebuild

>

> > > We accomplished something... I did as prescribed and set it to boot to

> > > the c:drive (the only install found) however the system still stalls

> > > at reboot with the "Flashing cursor." I can boot with the cd in as

> > > before, however now the OS offers two distinct configurations into

> > > which to boot. The top is a blank description but the cursor flashes

> > > in front of a blank line - and yes, I can select it and boot normally

> > > with that. The second line says "Windows XP Configuration" which works

> > > as well - again, as long as the cd is in.

>

> > > Any thoughts now ? Thanks !

>

> > > G

>

> > I return to my first reply: You must mark the boot partition "active".

> > If you cannot do it any other way, disconnect your second SATA

> > disk first, then do it.

>

> > After following Shenan's suggestion of editing boot.ini, post the

> > contents of this file in your reply.

>

> Guys - thanks for your patience - I followed Shenan's suggestion and

> did successfully delete the second (identical) boot option.

>

> Pegasus - I can easily navigate to my disk management menu, however I

> cannot figure out how to make the C:drive partition active - checked

> out the MSFT knowledge base without success. An image of my manager

> is at this link:

>

> http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e180/kumaboss/Image2.jpg

>

> As you can see, the "C" drive is marked System, the second hard drive

> is marked "Unallocated". Any thoughts as to HOW I can make the

> "C:drive" active?

 

Oops - I meant to attach this as well:

 

[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" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS=""

[Guest Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

 

"Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vogler@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:1183928592.440569.195260@w3g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...

> On Jul 8, 2:31 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> news:1183918208.677291.45640@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>>

>>

>>

>> > On Jul 8, 12:54 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> >>news:1183891360.811734.169140@r34g2000hsd.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> >> > On Jul 8, 6:34 am,Ch33zst34k<Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote:

>> >> >> On Jul 8, 12:50 am, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>>

>> >> >> > "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> >> >> >news:1183848558.042939.223270@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> >> >> > > On Jul 7, 5:14 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>> >> >> > >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> >> >> > >>news:1183840778.759033.59540@n60g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> >> >> > >> > On Jul 7, 4:20 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>> >> >> > >> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> >> >> > >> >>news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> >> >> > >> >> > Guys - I need some help on this one...

>>

>> >> >> > >> >> > I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that was

>> >> >> > >> >> > shipped

>> >> >> > >> >> > with

>> >> >> > >> >> > Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and

>> >> >> > >> >> > non-working

>> >> >> > >> >> > apps, I

>> >> >> > >> >> > decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it properly

>> >> >> > >> >> > I

>> >> >> > >> >> > had

>> >> >> > >> >> > to

>> >> >> > >> >> > eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I

>> >> >> > >> >> > installed

>> >> >> > >> >> > XP

>> >> >> > >> >> > SR2

>> >> >> > >> >> > and

>> >> >> > >> >> > all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not

>> >> >> > >> >> > boot

>> >> >> > >> >> > without

>> >> >> > >> >> > my

>> >> >> > >> >> > XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot

>> >> >> > >> >> > without

>> >> >> > >> >> > the

>> >> >> > >> >> > disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed an

>> >> >> > >> >> > all

>> >> >> > >> >> > black

>> >> >> > >> >> > screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there

>> >> >> > >> >> > until

>> >> >> > >> >> > I

>> >> >> > >> >> > reboot

>> >> >> > >> >> > with the CD in.

>>

>> >> >> > >> >> > With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do not

>> >> >> > >> >> > and

>> >> >> > >> >> > then XP

>> >> >> > >> >> > boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but obviously

>> >> >> > >> >> > isn't

>> >> >> > >> >> > correct.

>> >> >> > >> >> > Any help on this ?

>>

>> >> >> > >> >> > Thanks in advance...

>>

>> >> >> > >> >> >Ch33zst34k(Gerry in Philadelphia)

>>

>> >> >> > >> >> A flashing cursor in the top left-hand corner is usually

>> >> >> > >> >> the

>> >> >> > >> >> result of your boot partition not being "active". Run

>> >> >> > >> >> diskmgmt.msc

>> >> >> > >> >> to check/fix this.

>>

>> >> >> > >> > Pegasus - I ran diskmgmt.msc and my c drive is shown as

>> >> >> > >> > "system"

>> >> >> > >> > while

>> >> >> > >> > my secondary drive is shown as "active" - is this the

>> >> >> > >> > problem ?

>>

>> >> >> > >> Interesting. In your first post you never said anything about

>> >> >> > >> a second disk. This is essential information!

>>

>> >> >> > >> As a first step I would disconnect the second disk, then make

>> >> >> > >> the first disk the primary master. This should allow you to

>> >> >> > >> mark

>> >> >> > >> the boot partition on the first disk as "active".

>>

>> >> >> > > Sorry about the omission - I'm a newb when it comes to disk

>> >> >> > > management

>> >> >> > > - how do I mark it master? When you say remove the second disk,

>> >> >> > > do

>> >> >> > > you

>> >> >> > > mean physically disconnect or via disk manager ? I've avoided

>> >> >> > > hardware

>> >> >> > > configuration for years until now... appreciate your help.

>>

>> >> >> > Making an IDE disk the primary master involves opening the

>> >> >> > machine and making sure of two things:

>> >> >> > a) That the disk is connected to the primary (rather than the

>> >> >> > secondary) IDE controller, and

>> >> >> > b) That the disk jumpered as a Master, not as a slave.

>>

>> >> >> > Since you appear to have run with the same configuration

>> >> >> > for a long time, let's postpone this for a moment and start

>> >> >> > by establishing your current status. Reboot the machine

>> >> >> > and get into the BIOS setup, then check your IDE disk

>> >> >> > configuration. One of the menus reports your disk structure.

>> >> >> > Assuming you use one of your disks for Windows and the

>> >> >> > other for your data, report the exact configuration shown

>> >> >> > by the BIOS, i.e. which disk is primary, which is secondary,

>> >> >> > which is master, which is slave.

>>

>> >> >> Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

>> >> >> bottom of this.

>>

>> >> >> One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

>> >> >> with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

>> >> >> Here is what the Bios shows:

>>

>> >> >> Primary IDE Master

>>

>> >> > The last post was prematurely posted....

>>

>> >> > Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

>> >> > bottom of this.

>>

>> >> > One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

>> >> > with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

>>

>> >> > Primary IDE Master [None]

>> >> > Primary IDE Slave [None]

>> >> > Secondary IDE Master [DVD RW]

>> >> > Secondary IDE Slave [None]

>> >> > Sata 1 [WDC001] (C-drive) system

>> >> > Sata 2 [None]

>> >> > Sata 3 [WDC001] (second hard drive]

>> >> > data

>> >> > Sata 4 [None]

>> >> > HDD Smart Monitoring [enabled]

>>

>> >> > I have not touched any internal components since getting it from the

>> >> > factory. Its a "boutique" rig purchased from ibuypower.com.

>>

>> >> > I would apprecaite any help in getting this configured correctly - I

>> >> > keep telling myself I am learning something. :-)

>>

>> >> > G

>>

>> >> Your reply tells me that you don't have any IDE disks, hence

>> >> there is no need to worry about masters / slaves. However,

>> >> you should ensure while in the BIOS that your Sata1 disk is

>> >> your boot disk. You should then do this:

>> >> - Boot the machine with your WinXP CD.

>> >> - Don't let it start Windows - force it to start the Windows

>> >> setup process.

>> >> - Select Repair when prompted, then Recovery Console.

>> >> - Type these commands:

>> >> fixboot

>> >> fixmbr

>> >> bootcfg /rebuild

>>

>> > We accomplished something... I did as prescribed and set it to boot to

>> > the c:drive (the only install found) however the system still stalls

>> > at reboot with the "Flashing cursor." I can boot with the cd in as

>> > before, however now the OS offers two distinct configurations into

>> > which to boot. The top is a blank description but the cursor flashes

>> > in front of a blank line - and yes, I can select it and boot normally

>> > with that. The second line says "Windows XP Configuration" which works

>> > as well - again, as long as the cd is in.

>>

>> > Any thoughts now ? Thanks !

>>

>> > G

>>

>> I return to my first reply: You must mark the boot partition "active".

>> If you cannot do it any other way, disconnect your second SATA

>> disk first, then do it.

>>

>> After following Shenan's suggestion of editing boot.ini, post the

>> contents of this file in your reply.

>

> Guys - thanks for your patience - I followed Shenan's suggestion and

> did successfully delete the second (identical) boot option.

>

> Pegasus - I can easily navigate to my disk management menu, however I

> cannot figure out how to make the C:drive partition active - checked

> out the MSFT knowledge base without success. An image of my manager

> is at this link:

>

> http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e180/kumaboss/Image2.jpg

>

> As you can see, the "C" drive is marked System, the second hard drive

> is marked "Unallocated". Any thoughts as to HOW I can make the

> "C:drive" active?

>

>

 

You right-click where it says "(C:)", then you click "Mark partition

as Active".

 

I expected you to post the contents of boot.ini.

[Guest Ch33zst34k]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

On Jul 8, 5:14 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> news:1183928592.440569.195260@w3g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...

>

>

>

> > On Jul 8, 2:31 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >>news:1183918208.677291.45640@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> > On Jul 8, 12:54 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> >> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >> >>news:1183891360.811734.169140@r34g2000hsd.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> >> > On Jul 8, 6:34 am,Ch33zst34k<Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote:

> >> >> >> On Jul 8, 12:50 am, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>

> >> >> >> > "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >> >> >> >news:1183848558.042939.223270@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> >> >> > > On Jul 7, 5:14 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> >> >> >> > >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >> >> >> > >>news:1183840778.759033.59540@n60g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> >> >> > >> > On Jul 7, 4:20 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> >> >> >> > >> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >> >> >> > >> >>news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> >> >> > >> >> > Guys - I need some help on this one...

>

> >> >> >> > >> >> > I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that was

> >> >> >> > >> >> > shipped

> >> >> >> > >> >> > with

> >> >> >> > >> >> > Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and

> >> >> >> > >> >> > non-working

> >> >> >> > >> >> > apps, I

> >> >> >> > >> >> > decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it properly

> >> >> >> > >> >> > I

> >> >> >> > >> >> > had

> >> >> >> > >> >> > to

> >> >> >> > >> >> > eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I

> >> >> >> > >> >> > installed

> >> >> >> > >> >> > XP

> >> >> >> > >> >> > SR2

> >> >> >> > >> >> > and

> >> >> >> > >> >> > all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not

> >> >> >> > >> >> > boot

> >> >> >> > >> >> > without

> >> >> >> > >> >> > my

> >> >> >> > >> >> > XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot

> >> >> >> > >> >> > without

> >> >> >> > >> >> > the

> >> >> >> > >> >> > disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed an

> >> >> >> > >> >> > all

> >> >> >> > >> >> > black

> >> >> >> > >> >> > screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there

> >> >> >> > >> >> > until

> >> >> >> > >> >> > I

> >> >> >> > >> >> > reboot

> >> >> >> > >> >> > with the CD in.

>

> >> >> >> > >> >> > With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do not

> >> >> >> > >> >> > and

> >> >> >> > >> >> > then XP

> >> >> >> > >> >> > boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but obviously

> >> >> >> > >> >> > isn't

> >> >> >> > >> >> > correct.

> >> >> >> > >> >> > Any help on this ?

>

> >> >> >> > >> >> > Thanks in advance...

>

> >> >> >> > >> >> >Ch33zst34k(Gerry in Philadelphia)

>

> >> >> >> > >> >> A flashing cursor in the top left-hand corner is usually

> >> >> >> > >> >> the

> >> >> >> > >> >> result of your boot partition not being "active". Run

> >> >> >> > >> >> diskmgmt.msc

> >> >> >> > >> >> to check/fix this.

>

> >> >> >> > >> > Pegasus - I ran diskmgmt.msc and my c drive is shown as

> >> >> >> > >> > "system"

> >> >> >> > >> > while

> >> >> >> > >> > my secondary drive is shown as "active" - is this the

> >> >> >> > >> > problem ?

>

> >> >> >> > >> Interesting. In your first post you never said anything about

> >> >> >> > >> a second disk. This is essential information!

>

> >> >> >> > >> As a first step I would disconnect the second disk, then make

> >> >> >> > >> the first disk the primary master. This should allow you to

> >> >> >> > >> mark

> >> >> >> > >> the boot partition on the first disk as "active".

>

> >> >> >> > > Sorry about the omission - I'm a newb when it comes to disk

> >> >> >> > > management

> >> >> >> > > - how do I mark it master? When you say remove the second disk,

> >> >> >> > > do

> >> >> >> > > you

> >> >> >> > > mean physically disconnect or via disk manager ? I've avoided

> >> >> >> > > hardware

> >> >> >> > > configuration for years until now... appreciate your help.

>

> >> >> >> > Making an IDE disk the primary master involves opening the

> >> >> >> > machine and making sure of two things:

> >> >> >> > a) That the disk is connected to the primary (rather than the

> >> >> >> > secondary) IDE controller, and

> >> >> >> > b) That the disk jumpered as a Master, not as a slave.

>

> >> >> >> > Since you appear to have run with the same configuration

> >> >> >> > for a long time, let's postpone this for a moment and start

> >> >> >> > by establishing your current status. Reboot the machine

> >> >> >> > and get into the BIOS setup, then check your IDE disk

> >> >> >> > configuration. One of the menus reports your disk structure.

> >> >> >> > Assuming you use one of your disks for Windows and the

> >> >> >> > other for your data, report the exact configuration shown

> >> >> >> > by the BIOS, i.e. which disk is primary, which is secondary,

> >> >> >> > which is master, which is slave.

>

> >> >> >> Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

> >> >> >> bottom of this.

>

> >> >> >> One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

> >> >> >> with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

> >> >> >> Here is what the Bios shows:

>

> >> >> >> Primary IDE Master

>

> >> >> > The last post was prematurely posted....

>

> >> >> > Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to the

> >> >> > bottom of this.

>

> >> >> > One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate fine

> >> >> > with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

>

> >> >> > Primary IDE Master [None]

> >> >> > Primary IDE Slave [None]

> >> >> > Secondary IDE Master [DVD RW]

> >> >> > Secondary IDE Slave [None]

> >> >> > Sata 1 [WDC001] (C-drive) system

> >> >> > Sata 2 [None]

> >> >> > Sata 3 [WDC001] (second hard drive]

> >> >> > data

> >> >> > Sata 4 [None]

> >> >> > HDD Smart Monitoring [enabled]

>

> >> >> > I have not touched any internal components since getting it from the

> >> >> > factory. Its a "boutique" rig purchased from ibuypower.com.

>

> >> >> > I would apprecaite any help in getting this configured correctly - I

> >> >> > keep telling myself I am learning something. :-)

>

> >> >> > G

>

> >> >> Your reply tells me that you don't have any IDE disks, hence

> >> >> there is no need to worry about masters / slaves. However,

> >> >> you should ensure while in the BIOS that your Sata1 disk is

> >> >> your boot disk. You should then do this:

> >> >> - Boot the machine with your WinXP CD.

> >> >> - Don't let it start Windows - force it to start the Windows

> >> >> setup process.

> >> >> - Select Repair when prompted, then Recovery Console.

> >> >> - Type these commands:

> >> >> fixboot

> >> >> fixmbr

> >> >> bootcfg /rebuild

>

> >> > We accomplished something... I did as prescribed and set it to boot to

> >> > the c:drive (the only install found) however the system still stalls

> >> > at reboot with the "Flashing cursor." I can boot with the cd in as

> >> > before, however now the OS offers two distinct configurations into

> >> > which to boot. The top is a blank description but the cursor flashes

> >> > in front of a blank line - and yes, I can select it and boot normally

> >> > with that. The second line says "Windows XP Configuration" which works

> >> > as well - again, as long as the cd is in.

>

> >> > Any thoughts now ? Thanks !

>

> >> > G

>

> >> I return to my first reply: You must mark the boot partition "active".

> >> If you cannot do it any other way, disconnect your second SATA

> >> disk first, then do it.

>

> >> After following Shenan's suggestion of editing boot.ini, post the

> >> contents of this file in your reply.

>

> > Guys - thanks for your patience - I followed Shenan's suggestion and

> > did successfully delete the second (identical) boot option.

>

> > Pegasus - I can easily navigate to my disk management menu, however I

> > cannot figure out how to make the C:drive partition active - checked

> > out the MSFT knowledge base without success. An image of my manager

> > is at this link:

>

> >http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e180/kumaboss/Image2.jpg

>

> > As you can see, the "C" drive is marked System, the second hard drive

> > is marked "Unallocated". Any thoughts as to HOW I can make the

> > "C:drive" active?

>

> You right-click where it says "(C:)", then you click "Mark partition

> as Active".

>

> I expected you to post the contents of boot.ini.

 

I cannot click on that option - it is grayed out.... Is there another

way to mark it active ?

 

Here is the boot ini

 

[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" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS=""

 

G

[Guest Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

 

"Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vogler@gmail.com> wrote in message

news:1183932788.494959.286850@c77g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

> On Jul 8, 5:14 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> news:1183928592.440569.195260@w3g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...

>>

>>

>>

>> > On Jul 8, 2:31 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> >>news:1183918208.677291.45640@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> >> > On Jul 8, 12:54 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>> >> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> >> >>news:1183891360.811734.169140@r34g2000hsd.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> >> >> > On Jul 8, 6:34 am,Ch33zst34k<Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote:

>> >> >> >> On Jul 8, 12:50 am, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>>

>> >> >> >> > "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> >> >> >> >news:1183848558.042939.223270@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> >> >> >> > > On Jul 7, 5:14 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>> >> >> >> > >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> >> >> >> > >>news:1183840778.759033.59540@n60g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> >> >> >> > >> > On Jul 7, 4:20 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com>

>> >> >> >> > >> > wrote:

>> >> >> >> > >> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>>

>> >> >> >> > >> >>news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

>>

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > Guys - I need some help on this one...

>>

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > was

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > shipped

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > with

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > non-working

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > apps, I

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > properly

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > I

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > had

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > to

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > installed

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > XP

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > SR2

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > and

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > boot

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > without

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > my

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > without

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > the

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > an

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > all

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > black

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > until

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > I

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > reboot

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > with the CD in.

>>

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > not

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > and

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > then XP

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > obviously

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > isn't

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > correct.

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > Any help on this ?

>>

>> >> >> >> > >> >> > Thanks in advance...

>>

>> >> >> >> > >> >> >Ch33zst34k(Gerry in Philadelphia)

>>

>> >> >> >> > >> >> A flashing cursor in the top left-hand corner is usually

>> >> >> >> > >> >> the

>> >> >> >> > >> >> result of your boot partition not being "active". Run

>> >> >> >> > >> >> diskmgmt.msc

>> >> >> >> > >> >> to check/fix this.

>>

>> >> >> >> > >> > Pegasus - I ran diskmgmt.msc and my c drive is shown as

>> >> >> >> > >> > "system"

>> >> >> >> > >> > while

>> >> >> >> > >> > my secondary drive is shown as "active" - is this the

>> >> >> >> > >> > problem ?

>>

>> >> >> >> > >> Interesting. In your first post you never said anything

>> >> >> >> > >> about

>> >> >> >> > >> a second disk. This is essential information!

>>

>> >> >> >> > >> As a first step I would disconnect the second disk, then

>> >> >> >> > >> make

>> >> >> >> > >> the first disk the primary master. This should allow you to

>> >> >> >> > >> mark

>> >> >> >> > >> the boot partition on the first disk as "active".

>>

>> >> >> >> > > Sorry about the omission - I'm a newb when it comes to disk

>> >> >> >> > > management

>> >> >> >> > > - how do I mark it master? When you say remove the second

>> >> >> >> > > disk,

>> >> >> >> > > do

>> >> >> >> > > you

>> >> >> >> > > mean physically disconnect or via disk manager ? I've

>> >> >> >> > > avoided

>> >> >> >> > > hardware

>> >> >> >> > > configuration for years until now... appreciate your help.

>>

>> >> >> >> > Making an IDE disk the primary master involves opening the

>> >> >> >> > machine and making sure of two things:

>> >> >> >> > a) That the disk is connected to the primary (rather than the

>> >> >> >> > secondary) IDE controller, and

>> >> >> >> > b) That the disk jumpered as a Master, not as a slave.

>>

>> >> >> >> > Since you appear to have run with the same configuration

>> >> >> >> > for a long time, let's postpone this for a moment and start

>> >> >> >> > by establishing your current status. Reboot the machine

>> >> >> >> > and get into the BIOS setup, then check your IDE disk

>> >> >> >> > configuration. One of the menus reports your disk structure.

>> >> >> >> > Assuming you use one of your disks for Windows and the

>> >> >> >> > other for your data, report the exact configuration shown

>> >> >> >> > by the BIOS, i.e. which disk is primary, which is secondary,

>> >> >> >> > which is master, which is slave.

>>

>> >> >> >> Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to

>> >> >> >> the

>> >> >> >> bottom of this.

>>

>> >> >> >> One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate

>> >> >> >> fine

>> >> >> >> with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems

>> >> >> >> arise.

>> >> >> >> Here is what the Bios shows:

>>

>> >> >> >> Primary IDE Master

>>

>> >> >> > The last post was prematurely posted....

>>

>> >> >> > Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to

>> >> >> > the

>> >> >> > bottom of this.

>>

>> >> >> > One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate

>> >> >> > fine

>> >> >> > with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

>>

>> >> >> > Primary IDE Master [None]

>> >> >> > Primary IDE Slave [None]

>> >> >> > Secondary IDE Master [DVD RW]

>> >> >> > Secondary IDE Slave [None]

>> >> >> > Sata 1 [WDC001] (C-drive) system

>> >> >> > Sata 2 [None]

>> >> >> > Sata 3 [WDC001] (second hard drive]

>> >> >> > data

>> >> >> > Sata 4 [None]

>> >> >> > HDD Smart Monitoring [enabled]

>>

>> >> >> > I have not touched any internal components since getting it from

>> >> >> > the

>> >> >> > factory. Its a "boutique" rig purchased from ibuypower.com.

>>

>> >> >> > I would apprecaite any help in getting this configured

>> >> >> > correctly - I

>> >> >> > keep telling myself I am learning something. :-)

>>

>> >> >> > G

>>

>> >> >> Your reply tells me that you don't have any IDE disks, hence

>> >> >> there is no need to worry about masters / slaves. However,

>> >> >> you should ensure while in the BIOS that your Sata1 disk is

>> >> >> your boot disk. You should then do this:

>> >> >> - Boot the machine with your WinXP CD.

>> >> >> - Don't let it start Windows - force it to start the Windows

>> >> >> setup process.

>> >> >> - Select Repair when prompted, then Recovery Console.

>> >> >> - Type these commands:

>> >> >> fixboot

>> >> >> fixmbr

>> >> >> bootcfg /rebuild

>>

>> >> > We accomplished something... I did as prescribed and set it to boot

>> >> > to

>> >> > the c:drive (the only install found) however the system still stalls

>> >> > at reboot with the "Flashing cursor." I can boot with the cd in as

>> >> > before, however now the OS offers two distinct configurations into

>> >> > which to boot. The top is a blank description but the cursor flashes

>> >> > in front of a blank line - and yes, I can select it and boot

>> >> > normally

>> >> > with that. The second line says "Windows XP Configuration" which

>> >> > works

>> >> > as well - again, as long as the cd is in.

>>

>> >> > Any thoughts now ? Thanks !

>>

>> >> > G

>>

>> >> I return to my first reply: You must mark the boot partition "active".

>> >> If you cannot do it any other way, disconnect your second SATA

>> >> disk first, then do it.

>>

>> >> After following Shenan's suggestion of editing boot.ini, post the

>> >> contents of this file in your reply.

>>

>> > Guys - thanks for your patience - I followed Shenan's suggestion and

>> > did successfully delete the second (identical) boot option.

>>

>> > Pegasus - I can easily navigate to my disk management menu, however I

>> > cannot figure out how to make the C:drive partition active - checked

>> > out the MSFT knowledge base without success. An image of my manager

>> > is at this link:

>>

>> >http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e180/kumaboss/Image2.jpg

>>

>> > As you can see, the "C" drive is marked System, the second hard drive

>> > is marked "Unallocated". Any thoughts as to HOW I can make the

>> > "C:drive" active?

>>

>> You right-click where it says "(C:)", then you click "Mark partition

>> as Active".

>>

>> I expected you to post the contents of boot.ini.

>

> I cannot click on that option - it is grayed out.... Is there another

> way to mark it active ?

>

> Here is the boot ini

>

> [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" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn

> multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS=""

>

> G

>

 

I believe that this option is grayed out when the disk does not

contain the standard MBR (Master Boot Record). The command

"fixmbr", which you ran before, should have fixed this. Other than

this I have no further suggestions.

 

Your last line in boot.ini, starting with "multi(0)", is essentially

the same as the previous line. You can delete it although this

will not resolve your boot problem.

[Guest Ch33zst34k]

Re: Win XP SR2 requires System Disk to boot

 

On Jul 8, 6:25 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> news:1183932788.494959.286850@c77g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> > On Jul 8, 5:14 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >>news:1183928592.440569.195260@w3g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> > On Jul 8, 2:31 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> >> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >> >>news:1183918208.677291.45640@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> >> > On Jul 8, 12:54 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> >> >> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >> >> >>news:1183891360.811734.169140@r34g2000hsd.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> >> >> > On Jul 8, 6:34 am,Ch33zst34k<Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote:

> >> >> >> >> On Jul 8, 12:50 am, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

>

> >> >> >> >> > "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >> >> >> >> >news:1183848558.042939.223270@k79g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> >> >> >> > > On Jul 7, 5:14 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com> wrote:

> >> >> >> >> > >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >> >> >> >> > >>news:1183840778.759033.59540@n60g2000hse.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> >> >> >> > >> > On Jul 7, 4:20 pm, "Pegasus \(MVP\)" <I...@fly.com>

> >> >> >> >> > >> > wrote:

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> "Ch33zst34k" <Gerry.Vog...@gmail.com> wrote in message

>

> >> >> >> >> > >> >>news:1183834852.180887.9460@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

>

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > Guys - I need some help on this one...

>

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > I just purchased a new custom-built gaming rig that

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > was

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > shipped

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > with

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > Vista. After experiencing all the headaches and

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > non-working

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > apps, I

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > decided to wipe Vista and install XP. To do it

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > properly

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > I

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > had

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > to

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > eradicate all traces of Vista using Killdisk. I

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > installed

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > XP

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > SR2

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > and

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > all drivers on the virgin system, however it will not

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > boot

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > without

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > my

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > XP System disk in the dvd drive. If I attempt to boot

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > without

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > the

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > disk, it initiates the bios screen which is followed

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > an

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > all

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > black

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > screen with a single flashing cursor... and sits there

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > until

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > I

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > reboot

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > with the CD in.

>

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > With the CD in, it asks to boot from cd, which I do

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > not

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > and

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > then XP

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > boots normally. This isn't a deal-killer but

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > obviously

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > isn't

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > correct.

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > Any help on this ?

>

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> > Thanks in advance...

>

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> >Ch33zst34k(Gerry in Philadelphia)

>

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> A flashing cursor in the top left-hand corner is usually

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> the

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> result of your boot partition not being "active". Run

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> diskmgmt.msc

> >> >> >> >> > >> >> to check/fix this.

>

> >> >> >> >> > >> > Pegasus - I ran diskmgmt.msc and my c drive is shown as

> >> >> >> >> > >> > "system"

> >> >> >> >> > >> > while

> >> >> >> >> > >> > my secondary drive is shown as "active" - is this the

> >> >> >> >> > >> > problem ?

>

> >> >> >> >> > >> Interesting. In your first post you never said anything

> >> >> >> >> > >> about

> >> >> >> >> > >> a second disk. This is essential information!

>

> >> >> >> >> > >> As a first step I would disconnect the second disk, then

> >> >> >> >> > >> make

> >> >> >> >> > >> the first disk the primary master. This should allow you to

> >> >> >> >> > >> mark

> >> >> >> >> > >> the boot partition on the first disk as "active".

>

> >> >> >> >> > > Sorry about the omission - I'm a newb when it comes to disk

> >> >> >> >> > > management

> >> >> >> >> > > - how do I mark it master? When you say remove the second

> >> >> >> >> > > disk,

> >> >> >> >> > > do

> >> >> >> >> > > you

> >> >> >> >> > > mean physically disconnect or via disk manager ? I've

> >> >> >> >> > > avoided

> >> >> >> >> > > hardware

> >> >> >> >> > > configuration for years until now... appreciate your help.

>

> >> >> >> >> > Making an IDE disk the primary master involves opening the

> >> >> >> >> > machine and making sure of two things:

> >> >> >> >> > a) That the disk is connected to the primary (rather than the

> >> >> >> >> > secondary) IDE controller, and

> >> >> >> >> > b) That the disk jumpered as a Master, not as a slave.

>

> >> >> >> >> > Since you appear to have run with the same configuration

> >> >> >> >> > for a long time, let's postpone this for a moment and start

> >> >> >> >> > by establishing your current status. Reboot the machine

> >> >> >> >> > and get into the BIOS setup, then check your IDE disk

> >> >> >> >> > configuration. One of the menus reports your disk structure.

> >> >> >> >> > Assuming you use one of your disks for Windows and the

> >> >> >> >> > other for your data, report the exact configuration shown

> >> >> >> >> > by the BIOS, i.e. which disk is primary, which is secondary,

> >> >> >> >> > which is master, which is slave.

>

> >> >> >> >> Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to

> >> >> >> >> the

> >> >> >> >> bottom of this.

>

> >> >> >> >> One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate

> >> >> >> >> fine

> >> >> >> >> with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems

> >> >> >> >> arise.

> >> >> >> >> Here is what the Bios shows:

>

> >> >> >> >> Primary IDE Master

>

> >> >> >> > The last post was prematurely posted....

>

> >> >> >> > Pegasus - appreciate your patience - I think we are getting to

> >> >> >> > the

> >> >> >> > bottom of this.

>

> >> >> >> > One correction - this is a brand new computer but did operate

> >> >> >> > fine

> >> >> >> > with Vista. Only after wiping the drives did the problems arise.

>

> >> >> >> > Primary IDE Master [None]

> >> >> >> > Primary IDE Slave [None]

> >> >> >> > Secondary IDE Master [DVD RW]

> >> >> >> > Secondary IDE Slave [None]

> >> >> >> > Sata 1 [WDC001] (C-drive) system

> >> >> >> > Sata 2 [None]

> >> >> >> > Sata 3 [WDC001] (second hard drive]

> >> >> >> > data

> >> >> >> > Sata 4 [None]

> >> >> >> > HDD Smart Monitoring [enabled]

>

> >> >> >> > I have not touched any internal components since getting it from

> >> >> >> > the

> >> >> >> > factory. Its a "boutique" rig purchased from ibuypower.com.

>

> >> >> >> > I would apprecaite any help in getting this configured

> >> >> >> > correctly - I

> >> >> >> > keep telling myself I am learning something. :-)

>

> >> >> >> > G

>

> >> >> >> Your reply tells me that you don't have any IDE disks, hence

> >> >> >> there is no need to worry about masters / slaves. However,

> >> >> >> you should ensure while in the BIOS that your Sata1 disk is

> >> >> >> your boot disk. You should then do this:

> >> >> >> - Boot the machine with your WinXP CD.

> >> >> >> - Don't let it start Windows - force it to start the Windows

> >> >> >> setup process.

> >> >> >> - Select Repair when prompted, then Recovery Console.

> >> >> >> - Type these commands:

> >> >> >> fixboot

> >> >> >> fixmbr

> >> >> >> bootcfg /rebuild

>

> >> >> > We accomplished something... I did as prescribed and set it to boot

> >> >> > to

> >> >> > the c:drive (the only install found) however the system still stalls

> >> >> > at reboot with the "Flashing cursor." I can boot with the cd in as

> >> >> > before, however now the OS offers two distinct configurations into

> >> >> > which to boot. The top is a blank description but the cursor flashes

> >> >> > in front of a blank line - and yes, I can select it and boot

> >> >> > normally

> >> >> > with that. The second line says "Windows XP Configuration" which

> >> >> > works

> >> >> > as well - again, as long as the cd is in.

>

> >> >> > Any thoughts now ? Thanks !

>

> >> >> > G

>

> >> >> I return to my first reply: You must mark the boot partition "active".

> >> >> If you cannot do it any other way, disconnect your second SATA

> >> >> disk first, then do it.

>

> >> >> After following Shenan's suggestion of editing boot.ini, post the

> >> >> contents of this file in your reply.

>

> >> > Guys - thanks for your patience - I followed Shenan's suggestion and

> >> > did successfully delete the second (identical) boot option.

>

> >> > Pegasus - I can easily navigate to my disk management menu, however I

> >> > cannot figure out how to make the C:drive partition active - checked

> >> > out the MSFT knowledge base without success. An image of my manager

> >> > is at this link:

>

> >> >http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e180/kumaboss/Image2.jpg

>

> >> > As you can see, the "C" drive is marked System, the second hard drive

> >> > is marked "Unallocated". Any thoughts as to HOW I can make the

> >> > "C:drive" active?

>

> >> You right-click where it says "(C:)", then you click "Mark partition

> >> as Active".

>

> >> I expected you to post the contents of boot.ini.

>

> > I cannot click on that option - it is grayed out.... Is there another

> > way to mark it active ?

>

> > Here is the boot ini

>

> > [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" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn

> > multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS=""

>

> > G

>

> I believe that this option is grayed out when the disk does not

> contain the standard MBR (Master Boot Record). The command

> "fixmbr", which you ran before, should have fixed this. Other than

> this I have no further suggestions.

>

> Your last line in boot.ini, starting with "multi(0)", is essentially

> the same as the previous line. You can delete it although this

> will not resolve your boot problem.

 

I appreciate the effort - I will check with my network admin at work

who might have some insight as well. Thanks again !

 

G