Forcing sys/boot drive letter to C:

[keyven]

I recently reinstalled my Windows XP SP2, and it automatically assigns my sys/boot letter to D:

I cannot change it using Admin Tools (Local Disk Management)

I read the MS knowledgebase... http://support.microsoft.com/kb/223188

and followed the instructions TO THE LETTER (ie. Using Regedit and switching the \DosDevices\C: around, etc etc)... but when i rebooted, the OS got stuck at the Pre-loading screen (windows introduction screen) and refuses to go further.

Is there a alternative, pref simpler, way to do this? Or can someone just explain why it's doing this to me?

I don't even mind Reinstalling my OS, just as long as I can be sure that it will be C: the next time i boot

[fffreak]

I've had this problem when a usb device or another harddrive is connected. The easiest way to do this is to just have 1 harddrive connected (just so there is no confusion) then format it and install your OS.

[keyven]

Funny you should mention the USB thing, cos i had an error with usbhub.sys soon after... probably a confirmation of your suspicions  

And now i'm taking your advice and disconnecting all but my boot drive... thanks~

[Neil]

I had a funny problem like this where I wanted to reinstall Windows afresh. However Windows setup thought C: was D: and D: was C:. Therefore I unknowingly installed 2 Windows on my computer, and not in a normal dual-boot way either. Imagine my suprise to restart my computer from the nice new Windows for it to boot up in my old Windows, exactly as I left it! With C: and D: swapped of course. It alternated between the two every time I restarted. Very unsual, and annoying as I formatted the wrong drive! In the end I had to open up my computer and physically unplug the other harddrive in order to force an installation to the C: drive... or at least what I wanted to be the C: drive!