XP SP2 Changed Default Boot

Hi all,

I have two HDDs: HD(0) is my main drive where I do most everything. HD(1) is my "breakme" drive, where I experiment with hacks, downloads, etc.

When I installed SP2 to the second drive, the boot order (on the "select OS screen) became reversed and was the 'default'.

I looked in the boot.ini, but the only thing that changed was the addition of:
"/NoExecute=OptIn "; the boot order was the same, but HD(1) became the default.

I dummied out that I had to go to msconfig boot.ini and reset HDD(0) as the default.

Is this normal for SP2?

And, on my main HD, the boot.ini is the original boot.ini. Would there be any advantage\use in amending the 1st boot.ini to include the "/NoExecute=OptIn "?

 

jpChris, I feel you may appreciate hearing my experience with dual booting.

I use a second copy of XP for my "test dummy" system, much the same as you do. I use a freeware program called XXCLONE. It will copy your existing system drive to a second drive (or partition) and set it up for dual boot if you so desire. You just check the box offered and it edits the boot.ini and inserts the proper line. The unique thing about it is that when you boot the clone drive, it switches names and becomes the C: drive. The former C: drive becomes whatever drive letter the clone was previously. That way all the shortcuts work normally and either drive can be booted as a C: drive and work normally. I use different wallpaper to tell them apart so as not to forget which one I'm working with. The software even does that for you if you check the option.

That sure saves a lot of install time since the cloning procedure is finished in well under an hour. Depends on your drive size though. No worries about activation either since there is no detected change that would trigger it.

Another fine aspect is that when the "test dummy" system gets hosed too badly for easy recovery, I just reclone the master drive to it again. It's sure nice to have the freedom to test software and try effective repair procedures with no worry of damaging my primary system. It's really a sweet piece of freeware and I thought you might be interested when I read how you were operating.

 

Hi surferdude2,

I followed your link and it looks like a good way to clone the disk to another HDD, and save that disk 'out of the computer' in a safe place. However, I have stuff on Drive(0) that I don't have on Drive(1) and vice versa. I do have about 10 HDDs of varying sizes I could clone HD(1) to.

Had to LOL out loud on that one "” especially since you said "when" and not "if"
It does get hosed, but that's how I learn to fix stuff; well, most times anyway.

Also, I have a few Q's about XXClone. Would it be better to PM you, rather that ask on this forum?

 

I'll be glad to answer any questions right here so everyone can share. Lay it on me!