Multiple XP on hard drive

[Jurgen]

Hi,
I have two installations of XP on my drive. how I can know which XP is used and safely delete the old one? Any advise is much appreciated
Jurgen

[Mulreay]

Can I ask what system you are using and why have you got two versions? Only one is running! Sorry trying to be funny and failing badly!

[BC_Programmer]

Edit your C:\boot.ini file CAREFULLY.

for example- I have three possible choices when I boot- XP, XP recovery console, or Ubuntu. my boot.ini is as follows:

Code: [Select]

[boot loader]
timeout=15
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
C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Microsoft Windows Recovery Console" /cmdcons
c:\wubildr.mbr="Ubuntu"

Now, If I only wanted Windows XP to boot, I would change it to:

Code: [Select]

[boot loader]
timeout=15
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

Since your probably just pressing enter at this prompt most of the time, I'd remove the entry that isn't listed as the default; after confirming that it boots properly into your OS of choice, you can delete the other installation (whose location will be have been listed in the entry deleted from boot.ini.).

[Mulreay]

I would of said the exact same thing!!

[Jurgen]

I have done the boot file. I have now C:Windows and C:winxp. How do I know which is the one I can delete?
Thanks

[Dias de verano]

I would of said the exact same thing!!

I would have too.

[KingPincer]

You don't need to delete the other one the windows because you will need that if you delete that then your os might not work properly.

[BC_Programmer]

I have done the boot file. I have now C:Windows and C:winxp. How do I know which is the one I can delete?
Thanks

Which one of these appears in the "Default=" line? that would likely be the one you want to keep.

Also, I recommend making a backup of the file; in case something doesn't work properly.

Another option is to visit Control Panel, System, Advanced Tab, "Start up and Recovery" settings, and then change the "time to display list of operating systems" to a low value, 0 if possible.

[patio]

You don't need to delete the other one the windows because you will need that if you delete that then your os might not work properly.

HuH ? ?