removing partial OS install

[hotchick]

I'm trying to remove files associated with an accidental partial secondary XP install. It looks like the files were installed to a secondary hard drive due to the appearance there of a bunch of system-type folders, so I guess I could just delete them, but I'm wondering if there is a way to automate the removal process so I make sure that all files and any alterations are removed.

The startup options file lists two OS's:

[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(2)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP Home Edition" /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP Home Edition" /fastdetect

I want to get rid of any extraneous files associated with the first OS. On a side note, I notice that when I boot to the second OS, the automatic windows update tries to download a very large amount of data although if I initiate update manually, it says my system is up to date. Is this the first OS somehow trying to download and install all of the updates (e.g. SP1 and numerous security/critical updates) that I've already installed in my original OS (the second listed) or something else altogether? What can I do to stop this? Additionally, I've noticed the appearance of a mysterious DVD drive icon in the "My Computer" window. When I uninstall the drive (which doesn't physically exist), it comes back when I reboot (without any indication of new hardware installation.) All of this weirdness started after the secondary install. Please help!! Any info appreciated!!

[letthisbetheone]

try bootcfg /delete /id# in your command prompt when you start up does it give you a choice of witch os system to load??if so id#= 1for tthe 1 on top and 2 for the bottom one

[Jazz]

Hi hotchick

I believe this link will help you re: deleting the partition in concern, leaving a working version of XP Home on your system.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q289022

Good luck

-=JAZZ=-

[hotchick]

First of all, thanks for the replies.

However, and correct me if I am wrong, editing boot.ini will not actually remove the secondary OS, but just make it unrecognizable on bootup. My question is if there is a way to automate the removal process (similar to the remove software dealie in the control panel) or if I will just have to find and remove system files manually and edit boot.ini as suggested.

In any case, I'll try editing boot.ini to see if that removes the weirdness (i.e. mysterious drives/updates) that I have been experiencing.

Once again, thanks for the help!

[hotchick]

I tried running bootcfg /delete /ID1, but XP doesn't recognize boogcfg. If I go to Run and type bootcfg etc., it says "
Windows cannot find bootcfg make sure you typed the name correctly etc...." If I run from the command prompt, I get "bootcfg is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file" What gives?

I guess I'll just manually edit boot.ini to remove the OS choice.

[Jazz]

Hi hotchick

Start - Run then type cmd and hit enter. Then follow the commands. Bootcfg is located at C:\Windows\System32.

This should work now.

-=JAZZ=-

[Jazz]

hotchick

In addition to the first link I gave you, here is another re: Bootcfg commands and its uses: -

http://support.microsoft.com/default...NoWebContent=1

In case you mislaid the initial link: -

http://support.microsoft.com/default...;q289022#Task6

Hope this and my earlier link are helpful.

-=JAZZ=-

[hotchick]

Jazz, thanks for the help. Bootcfg is apparently not installed on my system, but I will check for it on the XP install CD recovery console as suggested in the link you gave me. I'll post an update later as to how this goes. Thanks!!

[Jazz]

No problem...........

[corky]

A mysterious DVD drive icon in the "My Computer" window?
Did you install Alcohol 120% or Nero? Both have a image drive.

[Jazz]

Hi corky

I think you answered the wrong thread. ;-)