copy xp boot files to newer hard drive

First, thanks for the help on my last question http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=61807

I'm going to just remove the entry option that reference 98, then remove the 98 files all but the ntldr, boot.ini, and netdetect.exe

Now, on my son's comp, which is also duel boot between 98 and xp, I need to put a new bigger HD in. His comp is all most set up like mine is.

Disk 0: C:/ drive (system) former 98se
(40gig) D:/ Pagefile

Disk 2: E:/ drive XP (boot)
(80gig)

I want to replace the 40 gig with a new 80 gig. All drives are Westren Digitals
and I first used the WD tools to create the partitions and I then did a copy of the 40g to 80g. However, when installed, jumpers/cables correct, it tries to boot to 98se.

For some reason, I can't boot to the XP cd even though my MB supports it. I have a system floppy, but forgot how to enter in support for CD. Use to know DOS pretty good. Seems like the ntdetect.com, ntldr, and boot.ini aren't being copied over or read.

I've looked for answer to replaceing a drive with duel boot and unless I missed it, cant find one. Any suggestions please?

Thank you.

 

Hi basstracker!

The first thing you must do is boot to the Recovery Console and run the FIXMBR command directed to the C: drive. That will re-write the MBR code so that it complies with the requirements of XP. This is necessary since XP has never been installed on the drive and you're using it as the primary drive. Under those circumstances, it is looking for the old dos loader files and not the XP ones. Normally you would tell the HD installing software what type of OS you planned to install and this process would have already been done for you. You must have missed that part somehow.

For more info on the Recovery Console and the commands please see:

Recovery Console Commands

You may have other issues but you must do this first and see how it affects things. It may be all that's necessary. Post back your results or any questions. Note fully any error messages you may receive.

 

Is this possible to do from using a boot floppy to access the CD drive? The files are there, will XP see them?

I'll try this later this week, thank you.

 

It's possible but you don't need to use that method. Read the following tutorial and you'll be all set:

Using the Recovery Console to repair your system

It just a matter of setting your BIOS to boot from the CD-ROM drive 1st. and booting to the XP install CD. Follow the tutorial instructions and you should have no problem. When you get the command line type the command fixmbr C: (enter) and then type fixboot (enter) and the job should be done. Execute the commands in spite of any warning you may get. For info on those commands look here.

Post back if you have any questions or if you happen to be one of the unfortunate who has a CD-ROM drive that will absolutely not allow booting the XP CD. It happens. Then you will indeed have to resort to the floppy boot method. Try the above first though and report.