Invalid BOOT.INI file, Booting from c:\windows\

[sapu]

The error message:

Invalid BOOT.INI file, Booting from c:\windows

It happens every time I boot up. It only effects my computer when I have my storage hdd added onto the list. If I have it added onto the list, I can't open any file. If I have it not connected to the computer, it works fine, I just lose access to all my files.
It's been working for a year. This is a random event. I have never edited my boot.ini file.

Help?

 

[Nodsu]

"storage hdd added to the list" means what? What kind of a storage hdd is it and how are you connecting it?

 

[sapu]

"storage hdd added to the list" means what? What kind of a storage hdd is it and how are you connecting it?

When I turn off the computer, disconnect the wires, turn it back on.
What kind of storage? What else is there? My OS and other HDD are both ntfs. I don't do FAT32, and my Linux is on a totally different computer.

 

[Po`Girl]

Hi,

Your boot ini should only contain bootable OSs.

To view or edit the boot ini :

Right click My Computer/Properties/Advanced/Startup and Recovery setttings/Edit

If you only have one bootable OS eg XP Home

the boot ini should be -

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

You can also repair the boot ini with the XP CD/Recovery Console.See HERE

 

[sapu]

Hi,

Your boot ini should only contain bootable OSs.

To view or edit the boot ini :

Right click My Computer/Properties/Advanced/Startup and Recovery setttings/Edit

If you only have one bootable OS eg XP Home

the boot ini should be -

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

So for windows XP Professional, I'd replace "home" with "Professional" right?

 

[Po`Girl]

Yup ! That is correct.

 

[sapu]

Will this allow me to access my second hdd? (G:\)
It's formatted with NTFS, and only has data on it (Programs, games, audio, video)

 

[Po`Girl]

If your second drive is attached as "slave" if it`s IDE,

or just attached, if it`s SATA,and Windows recognizes it,yes.