Hi all I ran into a problem with my laptop recently when it stopped booting once I removed a Linux partition. I've run the Restore CD, and also followed the usual fixmbr routine - but with no luck so far. As a temporary measure, I copied NTLDR, boot.ini and NTDETECT from my XP desktop to a floppy and have been booting from that. However, I'd really like to get the system booting properly. Can someone please tell me where on C:\ I need to copy the files that are currently on the floppy? I copied them to the root of C:\ and did fixmbr again, but that made no difference. Where should they go? Thanks in advance Neil Intel P4 1.6GHz 640MB PC133 RAM System HDD: Maxtor 0GB, HDD2: Maxtor 200GB HDD3: IBM 160GB GeForce 5700LE 256MB Win XP Home SP1

HOW TO: Edit the Boot.ini File in Windows XP http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=http://support.microsoft.com:80/support/kb/articles/Q289/0/22.asp&NoWebContent=1 The information in this article applies to: * Microsoft Windows XP Professional * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Repairing Corrupted or Missing Boot.ini Files http://sft-cyber.com/Bootini.htm http://www.onecomputerguy.com/windowsxp_tips.htm http://sft-cyber.com/Re%20Boot.htm If WinXP will not start, it may be due to a damaged boot sector or a missing or corrupt ntldr or ntdetect.com files. To replace, access the recovery console and enter: 1. Copy X:\i386\NTLDR C: (X is your CD ROM drive letter) 2. Copy X:\i386\NTDETECT.COM C: Try using the FIXBOOT command from the Windows XP Recovery Console to write a new boot sector on the system partition, and then use the FIXMBR command to repair the master boot record. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/using/productdoc/en/default.asp?url=/WINDOWSXP/home/using/productdoc/en/bootcons_fixboot.asp http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/using/productdoc/en/default.asp?url=/WINDOWSXP/home/using/productdoc/en/bootcons_fixmbr.asp

The problem comes from Linux. It creates a hidden boot partition that you can't normally see. You'd need something like Partition Magic to see it and remove it.

Free Delpart can remove partitions. That's if you don't mind losing the space that the Linux partition has reserved. http://www.russelltexas.com/delpart.htm

"stopped booting once I removed a Linux partition" Was this partition before or after the XP partition? If XP is on c: removing the partition had nothing to do with your boot error. Removing the linux boot loader did. Might try fixing it the old fashioned way. Boot a boot disk with fdisk and type fdisk /mbr and hit enter. Go into fdisk and make sure the partition c: is marked Active. Now run the Recovery console utility fixboot and you should boot xp. If not post your boot.ini and how you are partitioned. Golly gee wilerkers everyone! Learn to Internet Search