| The Problem: | | | | VistaBootPRO is an application, which is used to |
| This particular problem is noticed when you have | | | | make changes to the Windows Vista Boot |
| installed Microsoft Windows Vista Beta\RC1 on your | | | | Configuration Data (BCD) registry quickly and easily. |
| existing Windows system, in dual-boot mode. While | | | | Designed for both beginners and advanced users, |
| installing windows, Vista overwrites the system MBR | | | | VistaBootPRO can be used to make "cosmetic" |
| (Master Boot Record) and gives you an option | | | | changes to the Windows Vista boot Menu, such as |
| between Windows Vista and Windows XP or any | | | | changing the name of the Operating Systems shown |
| other operating system. When windows Vista is | | | | in the boot menu and also can be used for more |
| uninstalled, one expects, not to see the dual-boot | | | | advanced "functional" changes like adding an |
| menu, but this isn't quite the case. There could be | | | | Operating System to the boot menu and repairing |
| three possible solutions for this particular problem as | | | | the Windows Vista boot configuration data. |
| discussed below in detail below. | | | | Advanced settings include backing up and exporting |
| Solution 1: | | | | the boot loader configuration, and modifying various |
| The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store contains | | | | details for the entries. |
| the boot configuration parameters which controls the | | | | For those who have used bcdedit.exe in the past, |
| start of Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft | | | | you will be impressed with the ease of use and |
| Windows Server Code Name "Longhorn" operating | | | | functionality that VistaBootPRO provides. |
| systems. Previously these parameters used to be in | | | | Install this software on your Windows XP system |
| the Boot.ini file (in BIOS-based operating systems) or | | | | and delete the Windows Vista entry. It is advisable |
| in the nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM) entries (in Extensible | | | | to make a backup of existing boot config using |
| Firmware Interface-based operating systems). | | | | VistaBoot Pro incase anything goes bad. |
| Bcdedit.exe, located in the WindowsSystem32 | | | | Solution 2: |
| directory of the Windows Vista partition can be used | | | | This solution is the second best option for the |
| as the command-line tool to alter the Windows(R) | | | | problem. To achieve this you'll need a Windows XP |
| code which is run in the pre-operating system | | | | Home or Windows XP Professional CD. |
| environment by adding, deleting, editing, and | | | | Make necessary changes in the BIOS settings, so as |
| appending entries in the BCD store | | | | to boot from CD\DVD-ROM drive and boot from |
| Why was there a change to BCD from Boot.ini? | | | | your Windows XP CD. Now, you would see screen |
| Improved mechanism for describing boot | | | | as below, Choose the "Recovery Console" option by |
| configuration data was the main intention for | | | | pressing 'R' key. |
| changing to BCD from Boot.ini. With the development | | | | Now it should display the screen below as shown |
| of new firmware models (for example, the Extensible | | | | below, if asked enter you Admin password: |
| Firmware Interface (EFI)), an extensible and inter | | | | Now, type FIXMBR and press enter, press 'Y' to |
| operable interface was required to abstract the | | | | confirm as shown below: |
| underlying firmware. | | | | Now, you need to type: FIXBOOT and press "enter", |
| This new design provides the foundation for a | | | | press 'Y' to confirm |
| variety of new features in Windows Vista (for | | | | Now, remove the XP CD from drive and restart your |
| example, the Startup Repair tool and Multi-User Install | | | | computer, and this should remove the EXTRA |
| shortcuts). | | | | Windows Vista Boot Option. |