In a dual-boot configuration, Windows XP does not start if you subsequently format or delete the partition on which Windows Vista is installed (922809)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Windows Vista Business
  • Windows Vista Enterprise
  • Windows Vista Home Basic
  • Windows Vista Home Premium
  • Windows Vista Starter
  • Windows Vista Ultimate
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

Beta Information

This article discusses a Beta release of a Microsoft product. The information in this article is provided as-is and is subject to change without notice.

No formal product support is available from Microsoft for this Beta product. For information about how to obtain support for a Beta release, see the documentation that is included with the Beta product files, or check the Web location where you downloaded the release.

SYMPTOMS

Microsoft Windows XP does not start if the following conditions are true:
  • Windows XP and Microsoft Windows Vista are installed in a dual-boot configuration.
  • Windows Vista is installed on the active partition.
  • The partition on which Windows Vista is installed is subsequently formatted or deleted.

CAUSE

This issue occurs because the startup information is removed when you format or delete the active partition.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, run the Windows XP installation program from the Windows XP CD to restore the startup information. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Insert the Windows XP CD into the computer's CD drive, and then start the computer.
  2. When the "Press any key to boot from CD" message appears on the screen, press any key to start the computer from the Windows XP CD.

    Note The computer must be configured to start from the CD drive. For more information about how to configure the computer to start from the CD drive, see the computer's documentation, or contact the computer manufacturer.
  3. You receive the following message on the Welcome to Setup wizard page that appears: This portion of the Setup program prepares Microsoft Windows XP to run on your computer:
    To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.
    To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.
    To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3.Press ENTER to set up Windows XP.
  4. On the Windows XP Licensing Agreement page, press F8 to accept the license agreement.
  5. Select the installation of Windows XP that you want to repair, and then press R.
  6. Follow the instructions to repair Windows XP. After you repair Windows XP, you may have to reactivate your copy of Windows XP.

REFERENCES

For more information about a similar issue, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

919529 Windows Vista no longer starts after you install an earlier version of the Windows operating system in a dual-boot configuration

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/8/2006
Keywords:kbtshoot kbprb KB922809 kbAudGeneralUser
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