When I boot my computer, there is a menu that let's me choose between

Windows XP (default)
or
Windows XP (default)

But I have to choose before the timer runs out!

I've peeked in the boot.ini, and it doesn't appear to have more than one entry. Here is the contents:

[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\window s
[operating systems]

So what should I do to kill that other entry? It's just an annoyance, really, but just think of how proud I'd feel, having it work...better.

Hello Gmtyrant,

First make a copy of the boot.ini file as a backup. Then try right clicking on your boot.ini file and going to properties. Take off the read only setting. Then open up your boot.ini file and delete everything then copy this information:

[boot loader]
timeout=15
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOW S
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect

Where it says "Professional," if you don't have Pro, change it to what version you have...either "Home Edition" or "Media Center Edition."

When you're done editing it, change it back to read only.


See if that works and let me know what happens

I was just on my way back to post that I'd solved it myself. Been needing a clean XP install anyway.

However, reading over the file you posted there was interesting...would that create a dynamic boot menu that changed automatically when OSs were added and removed?