[cruisindad]

When I start up my computer, I get a screen that asks if I want to load XP Pro (my previous O/S), Vista, or an earlier version of Windows. The screen gives me 30 seconds to select my option or it defaults to XP Pro; and since that O/S no longer exists on my system it looks for an XP install disk to continue. The error message tells me to hit the F3 key to restart the computer (and restart this process again). Last time I was able to start using my Vista program, I went into a start menu and selected Vista as my default O/S and decreased the 30 second delay to select to 0 seconds (hoping that this would eliminate the start up option screen). Now when I try to start my computer, it always trys to load XP Pro, then looks for the install disk; no chance to get to Vista. I tried to start with my Vista disk and repair start up files; but it finds no problems w/ Vista. Also tried using a earlier restore point; but again the system has to restart first, and I get the same screen. How can I force my computer to start in Vista; so I can at least undo the mess I created in the start menu? Please help, I am unable to use my computer until this is resolved...

[uhaligani]

It sounds like you had XP installed after Vista? The program you edited was the Boot.ini, which Vista does not use. It seems to be left over from the XP installation, on your boot sector. As you seem to be able to boot up on you Vista DVD, try this:

In the Vista startup repair section, open a up a console window (command prompt) and type the following:

del c:\boot\ /f /s
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /rebuildbcd
This should get you into Vista.

After that you can try two procedures.
1. Enter the Control Panel/System/Advanced System settings (down on the left)
Enter the Start up and recovery section. At the top you can select your default OS and the time to wait.

2. Google for a little program called EasyBcd 1.6. Install and run it. It is a program which makes it much easier to manipulate the Vista bootmng . You should not have any problems finding your way around it. You can delete the XP option entirely and make any other adjustments to your taste
From there you can use EasyBCD normally to get stuff working again.

[cruisindad]

Thank you for your help, however; when I open the command prompt with my Vista disk and type "del c:\boot\/f/s" ; I get "The system cannot find the path specified" as a response.
"C" is my hard drive location, why doesn't the system find it?
You are correct also, at one time recently; my system asked me to insert my Vista disk for some install I was doing, and I accidentially inserted my XP disk; thus the partial install on the boot sector. Also, my DVD drive starts before my h/d on start up to get to the Vista disk. Thanks again.

[uhaligani]

Note the space in the path in my original , between boot\ and /f/s - maybe the prob?

[cruisindad]

Once again, thank you for help here. This time I made sure bios found my hard drive before continuing (but booted CD/ DVD first to access Vista command prompt). I typed first line of code in command prompt and it asked if I'm sure, clicked Y, then a progression of deletions; each prompted with a "are you sure?"(appeared to be lanqage files???). Then I typed the other lines of command exactly as you listed. I shut down, restarted and rearranged boot sequence to start h/d first; and again system wants to look for XP install disk. Was not able to bypass and get to Vista . Is there anything I did wrong, or is there another suggestion?

[uhaligani]

I am afraid you have two problems there. The first is that the XP installation overwrote the MBR and put in the old XP Boot.ini as the manager. The second is that you have screwed up the vista boot manager. You may still be able to salvage something. As you are now able to get into the command prompt, edit the boot.ini file. You will find a line there that refers to installation of XP, and probably another line for the boot operation of XP. remove the installation line. This will get you back into the situation where the computer will want to boot up XP, but cannot. You can then retry the Vista repair facility.
P.S. It occurs to me that, if you are able, a simpler solution ill be to complete the installation of XP (I presume it was on another partition) . If you can accomplish that, then repost. The rest is easy.

P.S. Added 19th.
When I read through these posts again, I am filled with doom and gloom. I think the situation maybe irretrievable. When you accidentally put in the XP disk, it probably destroyed quite a bit of you Vista installation, so it cannot be repaired. It looks like you may be in for a reinstallation altogether.