PCFormat Forum Archive

Hey guys

This might be a very noobish problem but I don't know how to fix it...

When I boot my computer it gives me an option to "boot with windows xp" or "install windows xp"..
My problem is , I don't know how to get rid of the "install" option cause I already have windows,and its irritating me!

I tried everything I know
Can someone please help me

Do you have the XP CD in your drive by any chance?
Do you have a partition on your HDD with the CD image or something?
Do you have a recovery drive / partition for recovering / re-installing Windows?
Have you in the past had any of these? If so, a simply edit of the MBR could fix it...

UrBaN, great minds think alike - was going to ask those very questions.

Pity the second option wasn't "Install Windows Vista," cos then the solution would be simple.

Fools seldom differ.

Stuart wrote:Pity the second option wasn't "Install Windows Vista," cos then the solution would be simple.

Fools seldom differ.

jealous much?

nope no cd in the drive
no image on my hdd
yes i once tried the repair or upgrade option with the windows cd while in windows,but there was a file missing so I canceled it.from then i had the problem

cool thanx how do i do that?

Stuart wrote:Pity the second option wasn't "Install Windows Vista," cos then the solution would be simple.

Indeed - delete useless pagan partition

Stuart wrote:Fools seldom differ.

So all fools are twins? Does the inverse hold true, as well?

Beastmunky,
1. Boot into command prompt using Win98 boot disk.
2. C: <return>
3. deltree *.*


Kidding, don't do that.

You need to edit the MBR (Master Boot Record) - ask someone more knowledgeable than I how to safely do so...

talking about windows vista..should i stick with xp, install vista or wait for windows 7 ?

lol kay cool thanks

What hardware are you running?

XP Pro SP3 is your best bet IMO...

CPU : phenom tri-core 8750
GFX : xfx 9800 GTX+
and 2gig drr2 800

I say go XP Professional SP 3...

However, you could run Vista nicely on that. If you want to go for Vista, I'd say get another 2GB RAM and go Vista 64...

cool thanks for the advice
I was planning on getting another 2gig next month, so i think I'll just get rid of my problem by upgrading to vista

Beastmunky wrote:cool thanks for the advice
I was planning on getting another 2gig next month, so i think I'll just get rid of my working pc and give myself a huge problem by upgrading to vista

Fixed that for ya

lol

do i need to format to upgrade from xp to vista?

Depends on what version of xp and Vista you have if you want to upgrade.There certain upgrade paths.You could also dual boot and that'll prolly save you time with re-editng your bootloader.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/bui ... 537-5.html
Dual booting will be the best option in case you have problems with Vista.

oh kay cool thanx dude,i'll check out the link
you don't by any chance know how to edit the mbr?

Vistaboot pro or easybcd easily and automatically rewrites it 4 u

Stuart wrote: Fools seldom differ.

ROFL! pwn'd!

to edit the MBR go to run and type msconfig and goto the BOOT.INI tab....under "operating systems" remove the one not needed, or if this seems too complicated. right-click on My Computer goto properties and edit the startup and recovery settings

XP you say?

Look on your C: drive for boot.ini.

Inside there is all your boot options.

Look for the line that has the "install Windows" caption, and delete it.


However, if you don't know what you're doing, rather Don't edit that file. Delete the wrong line, and you're in deep trouble.

*EDIT*
Or do what Ryan says.