[darkelf_18]

Hello, I'm using Win XP and Mandrake 9.1 in a dual boot config. on two different HD's. And today I found out that if I try to boot without the Linux drive hooked up, it just shows a binary code and then it say 'Invalid system disk please insert boot disk into ATAPI CD-ROM DRIVE D and press ENTER'.
Why won't it let me boot without the Linux drive attached to my MOBO? Is there some setting, I have to adjust to boot from either drive at any time? I'm very confused right now so please help ASAP.
Thanks,
D.E.

[Squashman]

When you installed Linux, it took over as the boot loader for Both Operating Systems.

[lynch]

I'm curious; why did you unplugged the Linux drive from your system?Do you no longer want it and want to use the second drive for somthing else?
lynch

[darkelf_18]

Yes Lynch, I am building a new system for my father, and I can't get linux to work very well, so I decided that since the Linux drive is smaller and doesn't get very much use. I'd just give him that drive.
And LwdSquashman, why did you tell me what I already knew, instead of how to fix the problem???

[lynch]

Oh,OK. Just boot with a win98 bootdisk and run fdisk/mbr.
That'll get windows back and you can format that drive your building with.
HTH
lynch

[Squashman]

Originally posted by darkelf_18:
Yes Lynch, I am building a new system for my father, and I can't get linux to work very well, so I decided that since the Linux drive is smaller and doesn't get very much use. I'd just give him that drive.
And LwdSquashman, why did you tell me what I already knew, instead of how to fix the problem???

You didn't say you already knew that. I'm sorry I forgot to mention fixing the mbr. I guess I figured you would know how to fix the mbr. Anytime you put linux on a drive and want to go back to windows on it, you will need to fdisk /mbr. It's definitely a learning experience. In the past, whenever I built a system with Multiple Operating Systems on it, I would use System Commander as my boot manager. There is a really nice free one out there called XOSL. But I have no need to do that anymore. I have a separate machine for each Operating system.

I have always suggested to people that if they dont want to screw around with dual booting that they should buy a Hard Drive Switcher or build there own.

Here is an article by Kevin Rose of TechTv on how to do just that.
http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/h...425846,00.html

[Squashman]

Wait a minute. Windows XP. Wont he need to boot into the Recoverey console and repair the Boot loader from there.

[codejockey]

I think the Squashman is right -- you'll have to use the recovery console and the "fixmbr" command, if memory serves. That should restore the boot record to the XP default.

Hope this helps.

[lynch]

Nah,the win98 bootdisk-fdisk/mbr method will work.
Check out the 1st link in my sig
lynch

[darkelf_18]

Hey guys, thanks for you help so far. But I don't know how to make a Win98 boot disk without having the Win98 OS installed. So if you can tell me how I'm supposed to do it, that would be great.

[lynch]

Go here and download the Win98 OEM bootdisk. Double-Click on it to create the bootdisk.
The method that LWSquashman and Codejockey mention will work too.Take your pick.
HTH
lynch

[codejockey]

Thanks for the info, Lynch -- always good to have another tool in the toolbox!

-codejockey

[lynch]

I seem to recall an option in XP:
Insert a blank floppy and go to my computer and r-click the floppy icon;there should be an option to make an MS-Dos bootdisk.
Now,it may be that it only puts the 3 basic system files on it.You'd have to experiment
lynch