multi boot

i used partition magic to delete an unallocated space in my disck and lost my operation system.
i.e no longer able to load windows xp.
I ran the win XP CD loaded windows XP in a different partion (C:\). now, i can log in to the
new partion in C:, but not the original one in D:\.

When I Right clicked MyComputer icon, then clicked on PROPERTY > ADVANCED >
> SETTINGs button in the startUp and Recovery section
and found only 1 oprating system in the '" Default operation system'" field:

<…" Microsoft Windows xp Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect…>
I clicked on EDIT button and found the following:

<… [boot loader]
timeout=45
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..>
– should it be like that even though there are 2 operating system in drive D:
and another one in drive C:.

If this is wrong. can I change it , and how.
or may be it is not related. but i think 2 operating system should be shown
there, for me to choose the default
I appreciate any suggestion .
thank you

Hi Sorry to hear about the problem with your D drive. Partition Magic is a very powerful programme and you may be able to use it to see your deleted partition. The quick and simple answer is to restore your back up data to your new Xp installation on your C: drive and forget about your D: … If you can't use Partition Magic to find your D: there are a number of tools you can download that may help. Sometimes it's best to use an automated tool and sometimes the manual approach works best so it's your call. However You should act quickly and not use the hard drive concerned (if possible) for fear of overwriting the data. If you are confident at using hex editors and understand the layout.. for example every NTFS partition, as you know, will start with a boot sector and end with a duplicate copy of that sector, so if you find both of these sectors, and read the size of the partition from them and add a corresponding entry into your Master Boot Record, at the beginning of the drive, you should be able to read quite a lot, or even all, of your data. If you go to the following site, you can download a trial version of Winhex (free of charge) which will provide all the tools you need to forensically examine your drive. www.winhex.com If you are not confident about using a hex editor then unless someone else on the forum has a "Magic Bullet" to cure the problem, it might be best to consult your local friendly competent tecnician Regards paws

Thank you paws, I think that is a good idea. i install partition magic on my C:\ driver and see if i can find /fix my D: drive again. no i dont know how to use winhex. if there is a way to edit the notepad file so it will show both operation system to set as default, the problem should be fixed that way. i mean if right click on MyComputer , then click on PROPERTY > ADVANCED > SETTINGS (in the startup and RECOVERY) > EDIT. If that can be changed. am sure that would be the answer.

Hi,
Ok,
Its best to stay away from the hex editor.

It is perfectly possible to edit your boot.ini file, however I am reluctant to suggest that you touch this at all as it is a vital part of your system and if you get it wrong you could render your system unbootable.

Whatever you do, before you change or edit anything, please make a backup copy on a floppy disc, another one on your desktop and a spare! and keep them safe so if any thing does go wrong you can put it back the way it was.

Make sure you know how to put it back using Recovery Console and your Bootable Windows CD Rom installation disc (it should be the Windows Disc not a proprietory "Recovery Disc" You could also make yourself a set of the 6 special Windows discs as a bit of extra insurance.
Go here for Windows XP Home but there are a different set for windows XP Pro
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details…;DisplayLang=en
Regards
paws