Shoutbox

Hi

A while ago I installed the Windows Vista Beta alongside my normal Windows XP as a dual boot on a separate partition. The beta has since expired, so I want to remove it. I think I have an idea of what to do, but does anybody know whether or not this is correct?

• Restore "old" boot loader (I think VistaBootPRO does this)
  
• Delete partition

Are there any other steps I need to take?

Thanks

Robert

should work as long as the boot ini on the primary drive looks like this

code:

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[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(0)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn

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partition needs to be changed if your install of xp is on your d: not your c:
but that probally won't happen
that last bit isn't actually taking a new line

Alternatively, if you have an XP Home/Pro CD handy, you could try this:

quote:

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Originally posted by Tech-Recipes.com

You will need a Windows XP Home or Windows XP Professional CD to be able to do this.

Check that the BIOS is set so you can boot off your CD\DVD-ROM drive and put in the Windows XP CD. Restart your computer so it will boot from it.

When it comes up with text: Boot from CD.... press ENTER or any other key to boot from your Windows XP CD. It should now start scanning your hardware.

When it comes up with the blue screen, press R for Recovery Console.

It will come up with a black screen with white writing. Give it a moment to load the default US keyboard. If you are using a different type press Enter and follow the instructions.

You may have to type your Administrator Password to be able to use the Recovery Console; if prompted please do or you will not be able to continue.

Now you should be at a prompt where you should be able to type. Type in the following commands:

1. type FIXMBR and press enter
2. Press Y if asked

(fixmbr means: fix masterboot record)

3. next type: FIXBOOT and press enter
4. Press Y if asked.
5. When you can continue, restart your computer
6. Remember to take the Windows XP CD out of your drive and it should be fixed.

Disclaimer:
Editing your bootloader can be very dangerous stuff. Only proceed after backing up your system and if you really know what you are doing.

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As for the deletion of the Vista partition, you can use the built in Partition Manager in Windows.
In Run, paste: %SystemRoot%\system32\diskmgmt.msc /s and find the Vista partition there. It should be pretty straight forward from there.