Repair Boot.ini File In A Windows XP Computer

The boot.ini file is a hidden system file that is used to identify in what folder, on which partition and on which hard drive Windows XP is located. Sometimes the Boot.ini file can become damaged, corrupted or get deleted for a number of reasons. 

In such cases, Windows lets you know about this by displaying appropriate error messages. Any error on Boot.ini file has to be immediately rectified as it can lead to complete system crash. Therefore, as soon as you get an error message, pay immediate attention and do appropriate troubleshooting steps to fix the issue. Follow these easy Windows XP support guidelines to repair the damaged or corrupted boot.ini file. 

Instructions to repair Windows XP boot.ini file

Repairing the Boot.ini file is not a difficult task if you perform the right troubleshooting procedure. You can perform this repair process in less than 10 minutes. Here is how you can repair/replace the damaged Boot.ini file. 

• Go to the Windows XP Recovery Console. 
• Insert the Windows XP installation CD into your computer CD drive. Run the Recovery Console from the Setup CD. The Recovery Console is an advanced diagnostic mode of Windows XP with special tools that will allow you to restore the boot.ini file. 
• When you reach the command line, type the following command “bootcfg /rebuild” and press Enter. 
• The “bootcfg” utility will scan your hard drives for any Windows XP installations and then display the results. Follow the remaining steps to add your Windows XP installation to the boot.ini file. 
• You will get the first prompt that asks, “Add installation to boot list? (Yes/No/All)”. 
• Type “Y” in response to this question and press Enter. 
• The next prompt asks you to “Enter Load Identifier:” 

Here you need to provide the name of the operating system. For example, type Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Home Edition and press Enter.

• The final prompt asks you to “Enter OS Load options:” Type”/Fastdetect” here and press Enter.
• Type “Exit” and remove the Windows CD from the drive. Now restart your PC. 

The above-mentioned are steps to fix problems specific to Boot.ini file related issues. Assuming that a missing or corrupt boot.ini file was your only issue, Windows XP should now start normally. If you still have problems with your Windows XP machine, you can contact the Windows XP Support Center and get your problems solved quickly.