Member Avatar for Noahsson

Hello,
Thanks to all who helped with reinstallation of my software. The original problem is corrected and the computer works great except- now when my computer starts up it asks which operating system I want to use and offers me two choices. Both are Windows XP Home. If I choose the first one everything is fine. The second one says there is a problem. I would rather not have to go through the choice each time. What can I do? Thank you.
James

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A persistent 'two Windows XP' choice after a reinstall is usually a boot‑loader artifact rather than two live installs. XP's loader (NTLDR + boot.ini) can retain an entry for an older installation when the installer doesn't replace the boot files — commonly because the "system" partition (where the boot files live) is different from the partition that was reinstalled. That explains why the first entry boots fine while the second reports a problem.

Both suggestions already posted are reasonable: hiding the prompt is a safe quick workaround (as noted), while removing the dead entry is the cleaner fix (as pointed out). For a less error‑prone cleanup than hand‑editing system files, use the System Configuration utility's Boot.ini controls or use the Recovery Console tools to scan/rebuild the boot list so entries are detected and corrected automatically.

Before changing anything, make a backup copy of the current boot configuration and check for leftover Windows folders on other drives. Open Disk Management to confirm which volume is labeled "System" (contains the boot files) and which is "Boot" (contains the Windows folder). If NTLDR/NTDETECT.COM are on a different partition than the one you reinstalled, the installer may not have updated the loader and that is the root cause.

In short: verify partitions and leftover Windows folders, back up the boot configuration, then either hide the menu for a quick fix or perform a cautious cleanup (msconfig/bootcfg or Recovery Console) for a permanent solution. If a change leaves the machine unbootable, Recovery Console 'fixboot'/'fixmbr' or a Repair Install will restore the standard boot files.

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Member Avatar for Catweazle

You would not have ended up with that message by following the instructions I linked, Noahsson. The procedure would have left you with a clean, single Windows installation.

Member Avatar for qt 3.14159

You would not have ended up with that message by following the instructions I linked, Noahsson. The procedure would have left you with a clean, single Windows installation.

Actually, I've done a clean installation, with a full format using the XP installation disk and had it still show the previous operating system as a choice in the boot menu. It's just one of those flukes that happens sometimes.

Noah,

To fix your problem, open windows explorer and tye C:\boot.ini in the address bar. Delete the entry that doesn't work.

Member Avatar for Catweazle

If you are uncomfortable with editing system files, the same result can be obtained by simply disabling the presentation of dual-boot selection.

Right-click 'My Computer' and choose Advanced -> Startup and Recovery -> Settings.

Change the setting for 'Time to display' to zero. As the default option works fine all will be OK.

(Double check first, however. The default length of time for the choice to be displayed is 30 seconds I think. Wait and see if your system boots allright without you having to make the choice. If so make the change. If not, change the displayed option before changing the delay setting.)

Member Avatar for Noahsson

Thank you, problem fixed. Y'all are great!
James

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