[Danjll]

Hi,
I installed XP Pro into my system without a problem. The problems started after I installed my motherboard drivers. My system would ask for the system disk to boot up. Also XP doesn't recognize my modem even though I tested it on another system and it was recognized by XP. I reformatted the hard drive and cleared the CMOS, then I installed Windows again. the problems still exist, but now after I've not used my computer for a few days and turn it on, it will ask for the system disk to boot and then go through the whole setup and installation process again. I've had to go through this process of re-installing windows 3 times. Please help me, this is my first build. Thanks in advance

 

[Elvandil]

Create an XP "quickboot" floppy by running this disk image file:

http://www.svrops.com/svrops/downloads/zipfiles/xpprobt.exe

It contains ntldr, ntdetect.com, and boot.ini. If any of those files are missing or damaged, you should be able to boot with this floppy in the drive.

If your system is set up in an unusual way, you can download this modified boot.ini file that will give options to boot from any of 4 partitions on the first hard drive and 4 on the second:

http://www.nu2.nu/bootdisk/ntboot/boot_ini.txt

(It must be renamed "boot.ini", of course.)

 

[Danjll]

Elvandil,
Thanks, your suggestion worked for me.

 

[Danjll]

I can get XP to start with the files from the link you gave me, but is there any way now to get it to start from the hard drive without having to use the system disk?

 

[Elvandil]

Those files should be in your root directory. If they are not there, XP checks other places for them, like the floppy.

Try copying them from the floppy to your system root (C:\, usually). Then try booting without the floppy. Do you see those files there already or are they gone?