Invalid boot.ini | Starting with C:\Windows\...

[Garrett19212]

I get the error each time I start my computer

Invalid boot.ini
Starting with C:\Windows\

This just started happening recently, I havent installed any new software or hardware.

I have Windows XP Home SP2 with all the latest microsoft updates. I have also done a virus scan with bullguard antivirus, also a a spyware scan with MS Antispy but nothing came up.

[noncompatible]

boot to the windows install cd....run recovery console and use either of the following commands....

chkdsk /p
fixboot
fixmbr

[Garrett19212]

Only 1 problem with that my windows installer disc is corrupted.

[Murf]

Does it boot up? Can you get into SAFE MODE, if so post your boot.ini file here so we can have a look at it.

It is loctated in C: directory(folder), if you do not see it, then unhide your folders, in Explore or My Computer go to TOOLS | FOLDER OPTIONS |VIEW and check show hidden files and folders.

[Garrett19212]

Yes I can boot up, or I wouldn't be here

It seems that my boot.ini is deleted, since it's not there.
And yes I have view hidden files/folders on.

[Murf]

Lets make sure it isn't there:

Right-click My Computer and then click Properties or Click Start, click Run, type in sysdm.cpl, and then click OK

On the Advanced tab, click Settings, under Startup and Recovery, under System Startup, click edit

Does you boot.ini file come up?

Should look something like this:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOW S
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect

[Garrett19212]

The C:\Boot.ini cannot be opened. Operating system and timeout settings can not be changed.

That is the error I get.

[Murf]

Ok you may have another setting in Folders view.

1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Notepad.
2.On the File menu, click Open.
3. In the Open dialog box, change the selection in the Files of type box to All Files,
and then change the selection in the Look in box to the root of your startup (boot) drive.
In the root folder of your startup drive, open the Boot.ini file.

Note The Boot.ini file is a hidden operating system file. To find the Boot.ini file, change your folder options in Windows.

To do this, follow these steps:

a. Right-click Start and then click Explore.
b. On the Tools menu in Windows Explorer, click Folder Options.
c On the View tab, double-click Hidden files and folders, and then click Show hidden files and folders.

d. Click to clear the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) check box.


Click Yes to the following message: You have chosen to display protected operating system files
(files labeled System and Hidden) in Windows Explorer.

These files are required to start and run Windows. Deleting or editing them can make your computer inoperable.
Are you sure you want to display these files?

e. Click OK to close the Folder Options dialog box.

Does the boot.ini file open???

[Garrett19212]

I already had all of that on before.
And I don't need any step by step, I know my way around windows.

[Murf]

Normally XP will not boot without a boot.ini file so try making one.

Open up notepad and make the file by entering:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOW S
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect

You can change "Microsoft Windows XP Professional" to read anything you want, just leave the /fastdetect

The above is assumming you have XP on the C: drive

Save the file in C: as boot.ini, (don't save as a text file)

Reboot

[Garrett19212]

Now when I start up I have to select 1 of two things.
Windows XP Home
Windows(Default)

[Murf]

Hey your getting there. So you made a boot.ini file and saved it. No more error just have to select right?

Can you post what is in your boot.ini file?

[Garrett19212]

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOW S
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP Home" /fastdetect

There you go, nope no error just gota select.

[Murf]

Hum

No biggie but make WINDOW S WINDOWS (I miss typed it before) could be causing it.

[Garrett19212]

Thanks alot for your help, it works great now.