Multiboot - can only load one operating system ======================================== I used partition magic to delete an unallocated space in my disck and lost my operation system. i.e no longer able to load windows xp. I ran the win XP CD loaded windows XP in a different partion (C:\). now, I can log in to the new partion in C:, but not the original one in D:\. I check '" Default operation system'" in the system StarUp, and found only 1 oprating system in the field: <..." Microsoft Windows xp Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect...> I clicked on EDIT button and found the following: <... [boot loader] timeout=45 default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS [operating systems] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect..> -- should it be like that even though there are 2 operating system 1 in drive D: and another one in drive C: I tried to change it. i added the < D:\ = "Microsoft Windows xp " > to the command and now it shows to option when loading: --- Microsoft Windows xp Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect and -- windows xp when i choose the later it does not boot. it just keep restarting. may be it needs some pointer. I appreciate any suggestion . thank you

It is a good possibility that you lost everything when you deleted/resized the partition. This happens when doing this type of program.... Maybe some more information as to what partition of unallocated space you deleted and what you did to expand the unallocated partition to. also are you sure that it was unallocated or just hidden from view? In The Matters Of Style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, Stand Like A Rock "People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid."

"I used partition magic to delete an unallocated space in my disk" You can not delete unallocated space, you can delete partitions or make partition in unallocated space. Boot into XP - get into Disk Management- post what is displayed for partitions. To add partition 2 in boot.ini would be: multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect to boot into XP can not use: D:\ = "Microsoft Windows xp "

thank you for your replies. that line already exist, but it says partition 2 not 1. i.e: <... [boot loader] timeout=45 default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS [operating systems] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect ..> can I just add another one below it, like so: [boot loader] timeout=45 default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS [operating systems] multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect I know i have to operating system 1 in drive D:\ the other in D:\ any reply would be much appreciated thank you

The last boot.ini would be correct for a duel XP install one on partition 1 and second on partition 2. If your XP on partition 2 was originaly on partition 1 drive C:, it will not work correctly as D:.

ok can you, tell me how it would work please? There were 2 partitions c: and D:, only 1 OS system in D:. when I got the problem (cannot load windows), I ran win XP CD and installed it in Drive C: (the new one). Now i can load the OS in C: ok. but not the one in D (the old one) only one OS is listed when in the System Sartup, and that is: Microsoft Windows xp Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect I think I should have 2 listed. I mean when i Right click on myComputer, then clicking on PROPERTY> ADVANCED, SETTINGS in the startup section. If i manage to understand the command in boot.ini, I could add something to get it to list both operating system. As I mentioned above, I tried to add a line D:\ = "Microsoft Windows xp " This almost worked. i.e I get prompted to which OS I wanted to login. but only loads the one in C:, the one in D: Only keep rebooting. It seems like it is not pointing to the correct path. I think if i reinstall the OS in drive D:, It would generate the correct command. but I would lose everything in that partition

"As I mentioned above, I tried to add a line D:\ = "Microsoft Windows xp "" that entry will NOT work for XP. For XP it Must be, for the second partition: multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect all of which was posted before. Before you used Partition Magic, what partition and drive letter was the non booting XP on ?