What's wrong w/my Boot.ini file? (Win Media Center)

[MichaelD]

I did a clean install of Windows Media Center on a new HD. Upon bootup I get the "choose your OS" message with the 30-second countdown timer. There never was any other OS on this HD.

Here's my boot.ini file

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Windows XP Media Center Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect


Ironically, WinXP Media Center is NOT what's highlited by default and if I let the default load, it doesn't. I have to manually choose Media Center. What do I need to change/delete so it works normally? I know this is a very basic question but I can't remember what the answer is. Thanks!

 

[frostedflakes]

Try setting the timeout to 0? If your boot.ini only has one OS listed it should load that one by default. What is the other thing it tries to load?

 

[MichaelD]

That's what confuses me too; there IS only ONE OS listed. The other thing it shows is "Windows Operating System" but if you try to let it load/load it, you get get an error message "No operating system could be loaded" or words to that effect.

The problem with setting the timeout to 0 (I think) is that the "Windows Operating System" is highlited by default. If I set the timeout to zero, that will try to load and it won't go anywhere.

 

[MTDEW]

Looking at what you listed, they dont match.
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Windows XP Media Center Edition" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect

 

[frostedflakes]

Yeah good call, I missed that. My boot.ini is set up identical to yours OP except for the rdisk differences. Set both to 0 and leave timeout at 30 and it should boot without prompting.

[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 Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect

 

[MichaelD]

MTDEW: You got it, man! :beer: I can't believe I missed that in the file. I stared at it for at least a minute...and didn't see anything wrong.

It works fine now.

Thanks much, FROSTEDFLAKES & MTDEW.