Alternative Windows Bootloaders

baumaxx1 · 5th July 2012, 6:29 PM

Hi All,

I currently run the basic Windows 7 bootloader modded by easyBCD. I have Windows 7 x64 on one drive and Windows XP x32 on the other. I have noticed that disconnecting the XP drive will prevent 7 from booting, despite being on a separate disc.

So, in short, I want to be able to have a backup bootloader in the event of one of the hard discs failing so I can still use one system in the meantime. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Hood · 5th July 2012, 6:47 PM

stop using a boot loader. use your bios to change which hard disk your booting from.

baumaxx1 · 5th July 2012, 9:14 PM

One of the systems doesn't have a bootloader since the OSs weren't installed in isolation. I did try that when I DCd the XP drive but it didn't get me anywhere.

MR RB30 · 6th July 2012, 12:43 AM

Disconnect the drive with XP, grab a Win 7 CD or create a bootable Win 7 setup usb, boot off the usb or cd. Once setup is booted click "Repair my Computer", startup repair will probably solve the issue but if it doesn't, use command line to run the following commands (press enter after each command):

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd

The hdd with windows 7 should now have it's own boot sector and boot loader, when you connect your XP hdd back up, you will have to use easyBCD to re add XP to the new BCD.

5th July 2012, 6:29 PM	#1
baumaxx1 Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Adelaide, SA Posts: 31	Alternative Windows Bootloaders Hi All, I currently run the basic Windows 7 bootloader modded by easyBCD. I have Windows 7 x64 on one drive and Windows XP x32 on the other. I have noticed that disconnecting the XP drive will prevent 7 from booting, despite being on a separate disc. So, in short, I want to be able to have a backup bootloader in the event of one of the hard discs failing so I can still use one system in the meantime. Any suggestions? Thanks.

5th July 2012, 6:47 PM	#2
Hood Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hoth Posts: 569	stop using a boot loader. use your bios to change which hard disk your booting from. __________________ Caselabs STH10 build Paracord Tool

5th July 2012, 9:14 PM	#3
baumaxx1 Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Adelaide, SA Posts: 31	One of the systems doesn't have a bootloader since the OSs weren't installed in isolation. I did try that when I DCd the XP drive but it didn't get me anywhere.