Sorry about the length of this, but I reckon it's necessary to provide
a full picture and hence get some much-needed help please.

Following my previous posts, I have now installed a new 200GB HD to
replace the 60GB one with 4 bad blocks, as recommended.

However, although I'm sending this from a working 3-drive system, the
2-drive configuration I'm trying to achieve resolutely refuses to
work. That's after slogging at it for 3 days without success. I'd
hoped to sort it without returning here for more help, but I have to
admit defeat for the time being!

I won't attempt to describe all the details of the various
combinations I've tried. Very briefly:

- The original 2 identical 60GB disks both had a partition of about
12GB containing my XP Home OS (and around half of my program files),
and I could boot to either. That gave me a feeling of security, and
I'd like to continue that. (I also have an *image* of my OS, and I aim
to update that reasonably often, as another security measure.)

- I eventually succeeded in getting OS copies also into partitions on
the 2 identical 200GB HDs, using PowerQuest Drive Image. (That's the
200GB added a few weeks ago via an extra PCI card; and the latest
identical 200GB, bought as replacement for the faulty 60GB.)

- I am able to boot up from each of these when that is the only drive
present, and in various 3-drive configurations, including the one I
have at present.

- For simplicity, power and noise reasons, I want to get rid of the
remaining 60GB disk.

- But that doesn't work. I get a variety of errors, depending on which
one I try to boot, including for example:
"Press a key to reboot" (then cycling repeatedly)
"NTLDR is missing..."
"Some other file or other (HAL.DLL?) is missing..."
All those are presumably symptomatic of XP not finding a bootable
partition? Yet, as I said, there *is* one, and it does work in other
circumstances.

Then, late last night, with only the 200GB disks in place (as disk 0
and disk 1), I started to get panic-generating messages like:
"A problem is preventing Windows accurately checking the licence for
this computer. Error code 0x80090006"
"Windows cannot load the user's profile but has logged you on with the
default profile for this system" (But it got no further.)

Here's what my setup is right now
http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/I...entStatus1.gif

One major source of confusion for me throughout this exercise is:
which of these OSs am I 'in' right now? I think I have booted to Disk
1 Partition 1. That's the default shown in Settings > Startup. It is
also consistent with what I see in boot.ini. And that's also
consistent with the XP Disk Management display showing 'boot' in that
entry. IOW, right now I'm using the OS copy that is in H. BUT then
why is Disk 0 Partition 1 called C? I thought the boot partition
automatically got re-labeled by XP to C?

OK, bottom line. I'm sorely tempted to stick with what I have now, and
just tidy up shortcuts, reorganise files and folders, etc. But it
would be good to get down to 2 drives. 400 GB should be plenty, even
with two 12GB OS partitions, and my comprehensive backup precautions.
Can the experts here suggest a safe way of achieving that please?

--
Terry, West Sussex, UK

What your boot.ini is showing?
Boot.ini is on your root C:\
It may show hidden. Just do a Tools/Folder options/View and unclick the
hidden files and folders to show them up

"Terry Pinnell" wrote:

> Sorry about the length of this, but I reckon it's necessary to provide
> a full picture and hence get some much-needed help please.
>
> Following my previous posts, I have now installed a new 200GB HD to
> replace the 60GB one with 4 bad blocks, as recommended.
>
> However, although I'm sending this from a working 3-drive system, the
> 2-drive configuration I'm trying to achieve resolutely refuses to
> work. That's after slogging at it for 3 days without success. I'd
> hoped to sort it without returning here for more help, but I have to
> admit defeat for the time being!
>
> I won't attempt to describe all the details of the various
> combinations I've tried. Very briefly:
>
> - The original 2 identical 60GB disks both had a partition of about
> 12GB containing my XP Home OS (and around half of my program files),
> and I could boot to either. That gave me a feeling of security, and
> I'd like to continue that. (I also have an *image* of my OS, and I aim
> to update that reasonably often, as another security measure.)
>
> - I eventually succeeded in getting OS copies also into partitions on
> the 2 identical 200GB HDs, using PowerQuest Drive Image. (That's the
> 200GB added a few weeks ago via an extra PCI card; and the latest
> identical 200GB, bought as replacement for the faulty 60GB.)
>
> - I am able to boot up from each of these when that is the only drive
> present, and in various 3-drive configurations, including the one I
> have at present.
>
> - For simplicity, power and noise reasons, I want to get rid of the
> remaining 60GB disk.
>
> - But that doesn't work. I get a variety of errors, depending on which
> one I try to boot, including for example:
> "Press a key to reboot" (then cycling repeatedly)
> "NTLDR is missing..."
> "Some other file or other (HAL.DLL?) is missing..."
> All those are presumably symptomatic of XP not finding a bootable
> partition? Yet, as I said, there *is* one, and it does work in other
> circumstances.
>
> Then, late last night, with only the 200GB disks in place (as disk 0
> and disk 1), I started to get panic-generating messages like:
> "A problem is preventing Windows accurately checking the licence for
> this computer. Error code 0x80090006"
> "Windows cannot load the user's profile but has logged you on with the
> default profile for this system" (But it got no further.)
>
> Here's what my setup is right now
> http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/I...entStatus1.gif
>
> One major source of confusion for me throughout this exercise is:
> which of these OSs am I 'in' right now? I think I have booted to Disk
> 1 Partition 1. That's the default shown in Settings > Startup. It is
> also consistent with what I see in boot.ini. And that's also
> consistent with the XP Disk Management display showing 'boot' in that
> entry. IOW, right now I'm using the OS copy that is in H. BUT then
> why is Disk 0 Partition 1 called C? I thought the boot partition
> automatically got re-labeled by XP to C?
>
> OK, bottom line. I'm sorely tempted to stick with what I have now, and
> just tidy up shortcuts, reorganise files and folders, etc. But it
> would be good to get down to 2 drives. 400 GB should be plenty, even
> with two 12GB OS partitions, and my comprehensive backup precautions.
> Can the experts here suggest a safe way of achieving that please?
>
> --
> Terry, West Sussex, UK
>

Why don't you post your boot.ini?

Very helpful

--
Dennis S.
I''m from Illinois. I hope I helped you. Good Luck.


"Terry Pinnell" wrote:

> Sorry about the length of this, but I reckon it's necessary to provide
> a full picture and hence get some much-needed help please.
>
> Following my previous posts, I have now installed a new 200GB HD to
> replace the 60GB one with 4 bad blocks, as recommended.
>
> However, although I'm sending this from a working 3-drive system, the
> 2-drive configuration I'm trying to achieve resolutely refuses to
> work. That's after slogging at it for 3 days without success. I'd
> hoped to sort it without returning here for more help, but I have to
> admit defeat for the time being!
>
> I won't attempt to describe all the details of the various
> combinations I've tried. Very briefly:
>
> - The original 2 identical 60GB disks both had a partition of about
> 12GB containing my XP Home OS (and around half of my program files),
> and I could boot to either. That gave me a feeling of security, and
> I'd like to continue that. (I also have an *image* of my OS, and I aim
> to update that reasonably often, as another security measure.)
>
> - I eventually succeeded in getting OS copies also into partitions on
> the 2 identical 200GB HDs, using PowerQuest Drive Image. (That's the
> 200GB added a few weeks ago via an extra PCI card; and the latest
> identical 200GB, bought as replacement for the faulty 60GB.)
>
> - I am able to boot up from each of these when that is the only drive
> present, and in various 3-drive configurations, including the one I
> have at present.
>
> - For simplicity, power and noise reasons, I want to get rid of the
> remaining 60GB disk.
>
> - But that doesn't work. I get a variety of errors, depending on which
> one I try to boot, including for example:
> "Press a key to reboot" (then cycling repeatedly)
> "NTLDR is missing..."
> "Some other file or other (HAL.DLL?) is missing..."
> All those are presumably symptomatic of XP not finding a bootable
> partition? Yet, as I said, there *is* one, and it does work in other
> circumstances.
>
> Then, late last night, with only the 200GB disks in place (as disk 0
> and disk 1), I started to get panic-generating messages like:
> "A problem is preventing Windows accurately checking the licence for
> this computer. Error code 0x80090006"
> "Windows cannot load the user's profile but has logged you on with the
> default profile for this system" (But it got no further.)
>
> Here's what my setup is right now
> http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/I...entStatus1.gif
>
> One major source of confusion for me throughout this exercise is:
> which of these OSs am I 'in' right now? I think I have booted to Disk
> 1 Partition 1. That's the default shown in Settings > Startup. It is
> also consistent with what I see in boot.ini. And that's also
> consistent with the XP Disk Management display showing 'boot' in that
> entry. IOW, right now I'm using the OS copy that is in H. BUT then
> why is Disk 0 Partition 1 called C? I thought the boot partition
> automatically got re-labeled by XP to C?
>
> OK, bottom line. I'm sorely tempted to stick with what I have now, and
> just tidy up shortcuts, reorganise files and folders, etc. But it
> would be good to get down to 2 drives. 400 GB should be plenty, even
> with two 12GB OS partitions, and my comprehensive backup precautions.
> Can the experts here suggest a safe way of achieving that please?
>
> --
> Terry, West Sussex, UK
>

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

--
Dennis S.
I''m from Illinois. I hope I helped you. Good Luck.


"Terry Pinnell" wrote:

> Sorry about the length of this, but I reckon it's necessary to provide
> a full picture and hence get some much-needed help please.
>
> Following my previous posts, I have now installed a new 200GB HD to
> replace the 60GB one with 4 bad blocks, as recommended.
>
> However, although I'm sending this from a working 3-drive system, the
> 2-drive configuration I'm trying to achieve resolutely refuses to
> work. That's after slogging at it for 3 days without success. I'd
> hoped to sort it without returning here for more help, but I have to
> admit defeat for the time being!
>
> I won't attempt to describe all the details of the various
> combinations I've tried. Very briefly:
>
> - The original 2 identical 60GB disks both had a partition of about
> 12GB containing my XP Home OS (and around half of my program files),
> and I could boot to either. That gave me a feeling of security, and
> I'd like to continue that. (I also have an *image* of my OS, and I aim
> to update that reasonably often, as another security measure.)
>
> - I eventually succeeded in getting OS copies also into partitions on
> the 2 identical 200GB HDs, using PowerQuest Drive Image. (That's the
> 200GB added a few weeks ago via an extra PCI card; and the latest
> identical 200GB, bought as replacement for the faulty 60GB.)
>
> - I am able to boot up from each of these when that is the only drive
> present, and in various 3-drive configurations, including the one I
> have at present.
>
> - For simplicity, power and noise reasons, I want to get rid of the
> remaining 60GB disk.
>
> - But that doesn't work. I get a variety of errors, depending on which
> one I try to boot, including for example:
> "Press a key to reboot" (then cycling repeatedly)
> "NTLDR is missing..."
> "Some other file or other (HAL.DLL?) is missing..."
> All those are presumably symptomatic of XP not finding a bootable
> partition? Yet, as I said, there *is* one, and it does work in other
> circumstances.
>
> Then, late last night, with only the 200GB disks in place (as disk 0
> and disk 1), I started to get panic-generating messages like:
> "A problem is preventing Windows accurately checking the licence for
> this computer. Error code 0x80090006"
> "Windows cannot load the user's profile but has logged you on with the
> default profile for this system" (But it got no further.)
>
> Here's what my setup is right now
> http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/I...entStatus1.gif
>
> One major source of confusion for me throughout this exercise is:
> which of these OSs am I 'in' right now? I think I have booted to Disk
> 1 Partition 1. That's the default shown in Settings > Startup. It is
> also consistent with what I see in boot.ini. And that's also
> consistent with the XP Disk Management display showing 'boot' in that
> entry. IOW, right now I'm using the OS copy that is in H. BUT then
> why is Disk 0 Partition 1 called C? I thought the boot partition
> automatically got re-labeled by XP to C?
>
> OK, bottom line. I'm sorely tempted to stick with what I have now, and
> just tidy up shortcuts, reorganise files and folders, etc. But it
> would be good to get down to 2 drives. 400 GB should be plenty, even
> with two 12GB OS partitions, and my comprehensive backup precautions.
> Can the experts here suggest a safe way of achieving that please?
>
> --
> Terry, West Sussex, UK
>

"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

Your goal is to get rid of "C" drive currenly referred to as HD(0).

Your C:boot.ini says to me that you have:
HD(0) installed as Pri Master "C" drive
HD(1) installed as Pri Slave "H" drive
HD(2) installed as Sec Master "E" drive

Default to boot to HD(1) ie rdisk(1) "H" drive
Other boot option HD(0) ie rdisk(0) "C" drive
Other boot options to Recovery Console on HD(0) "C" drive.
Other boot options to Recovery Console on HD(2) "E" drive
HD(2) ie rdisk(2) partition(1) is not referenced ie E:\Windows directory is
not referenced. If yuo wanted "Windows Home 2 HD(2)" to boot from this ini
file, yuo would ahve to add appropriate line. Since yuor goal is to get rid
of "C", this does not matter.

Your H:boot.ini says to me that you have:
HD(0) installed as Pri Master "C" drive
HD(1) installed as Pri Slave "H" drive
HD(2) installed as Sec Master "E" drive

Default to boot to HD(0) ie rdisk(0) "C" drive
Other boot option HD(1) ie rdisk(1) "H" drive
Other boot option HD(2) ie rdisk(2) "E" drive
Other boot options to Recovery Console on HD(0) "C" drive.
Other boot options to Recovery Console on HD(2) "E" drive

Since this is getting long will post another reply with suggestions


--
Dennis S.
I''m from Illinois. I hope I helped you. Good Luck.


"Terry Pinnell" wrote:

> "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
>
>

From what I see, you are booting from hd1 or the secondary hard drive but you
also installed the recovery console. Is this right?

"Terry Pinnell" wrote:

> "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
>
>

I forgot to mention that:
C:boot.ini implies you have "C" HD(0) as first boot device on computer BIOS.
H:boot.ini implies you have "H" HD(1) as first boot device in computer BIOS.
--
Dennis S.
I''m from Illinois. I hope I helped you. Good Luck.


"Dixonian69" wrote:

> Your goal is to get rid of "C" drive currently referred to as HD(0).
>
> Your C:boot.ini says to me that you have:
> HD(0) installed as Pri Master "C" drive
> HD(1) installed as Pri Slave "H" drive
> HD(2) installed as Sec Master "E" drive
>
> Default to boot to HD(1) ie rdisk(1) "H" drive
> Other boot option HD(0) ie rdisk(0) "C" drive
> Other boot options to Recovery Console on HD(0) "C" drive.
> Other boot options to Recovery Console on HD(2) "E" drive
> HD(2) ie rdisk(2) partition(1) is not referenced ie E:\Windows directory is
> not referenced. If yuo wanted "Windows Home 2 HD(2)" to boot from this ini
> file, yuo would ahve to add appropriate line. Since yuor goal is to get rid
> of "C", this does not matter.
>
> Your H:boot.ini says to me that you have:
> HD(0) installed as Pri Master "C" drive
> HD(1) installed as Pri Slave "H" drive
> HD(2) installed as Sec Master "E" drive
>
> Default to boot to HD(0) ie rdisk(0) "C" drive
> Other boot option HD(1) ie rdisk(1) "H" drive
> Other boot option HD(2) ie rdisk(2) "E" drive
> Other boot options to Recovery Console on HD(0) "C" drive.
> Other boot options to Recovery Console on HD(2) "E" drive
>
> Since this is getting long will post another reply with suggestions
>
>
> --
> Dennis S.
> I''m from Illinois. I hope I helped you. Good Luck.
>
>
> "Terry Pinnell" wrote:
>
> > "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
> >
> >

Let's start with this physical configuration.
HD(0) Pri Master
HD(1) Pri Slave
HD(2) Sec Master although doesn't need to be installed at this time.
For other HDs, ensure jumpers are set correctly. Easy to do ribbon cable but
jumpers get forgotten sometimes.

Set BIOS to boot first from HD(0).
So computer should boot up with C:\boot.ini
Default is "H" drive. Press enter or allow to time out.

You may want to create a backup copy first.
My Computer>rt click, "Properties>Advanced>Startup and Recovery>Settings>Edit

Delete these lines: ie C drive
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

Alter the other lines to look like this:
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #1 Disk=0
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS="XP Home #2 Disk=1
Partition=1" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn
Note: I changed rdisk values and Home names.

Note I did not have you alter this line:
E:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Recovery Console E" /cmdcons
I believe Windows will reassign drive letter.
"H" drive should become "C". I don't know what it will reassign "E" drive.
You will have to edit again to correct drive designation for this line.
Note: According to the boot.ini, you do not have Recovery console on current
"H" drive. If it exist, again, you will have to edit ini file.

Note the default is unchanged.
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOW S

Shut down computer.
Setup this physical configuration.
HD(0) Pri Master old "H" drive
HD(1) Pri Slave old "E" drive
Ensure jumpers are set correctly. Easy to do ribbon cable but jumpers get
forgotten sometimes.

Computer BIOS is still set to boot first to HD(0) ie old "H" drive.

Computer should default to and boot up to old "H" drive.
I think it will now be "C" drive.
Note: I'm unsure what letter will be assigned to old "E" drive. Whatever it
is the ini file reference is still valid because it's only lookin at rdisk
and partition values.
Note: The Recovery Console will show in boot menu but unsure if drive
designation is correct.

You should have what you wanted two 200 gig HDD with XP Home on each and
bootable. If this should fail, which I don't think so, then you can always
put old "C" drive back in as HD(0) primary master sand boot with it.

Let me know!!!!!






--
Dennis S.
I''m from Illinois. I hope I helped you. Good Luck.


"Terry Pinnell" wrote:

> "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 default 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 connected 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
>
>

smiling face <smilingface@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>From what I see, you are booting from hd1 or the secondary hard drive but you
>also installed the recovery console. Is this right?

Yes. (I installed the Recovery Consoles a couple of years ago,
following instructions by rote. I don't think they are relevant to
current discussion.)

--
Terry, West Sussex, UK