"Dixonian69" <Dixonian69@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>Also, what is boot order in computer bios?
>HD0, HD1 or HD2

Thanks both.

This file C:\boot.ini, dated 09/11/2005 22:37 looks as follows.

[boot loader]
timeout=5
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOW S
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C" /cmdcons
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

So you can see why I said boot.ini was consistent with default booting
from HD1 partition 1.

But *which* boot.ini is used to control booting? This file,
H:\boot.ini, dated a little earlier at 09/11/2005 10:11
has deafult at HD0 partition 1

[boot loader]
timeout=5
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOW S
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(2)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #2 Disk=2
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console C" /cmdcons
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons

Is it important to ensure both files are identical? Or not identical?
Or does it matter?

I'm pleased that Dixonian69 has asked about the BIOS, because that's
another area that has confused me. In the course of my many tests, I
did change the boot sequence in BIOS, as well as using boot.ini and as
well as physically swapping the drives (sometimes with 2 present,
sometimes with 3). I will report back on the current BIOS sequence in
a later post. Right now I'm postponing rebooting!

I can say however that it was very ambiguous at one stage, with 2
*identical* entries in the drop-down box in BIOS under the Boot tab.
Presumably the first one implies you are selecting the *primary*, HD0,
i.e. the one connecetd to the plug at the END of the cable?

At present the two IDE options are the 60GB in the HD0 position (with
partitions C (?) and F; the HD1 position is a 200GB with partitions H
and J, as you saw from my screenshot. What I can't recall at this
moment is what order the BIOS has these in.

--
Terry, West Sussex, UK