Setting Vista partition as bootable

K

Karmic Koala

Member
I ran into an issue. I had a working Vista, but I had an issue with it and had to reinstall (because that is the solution to everything with windows). So I installed another Vista to another partition, but the problem is that the new Vista doesn't have the files required to boot because the older partition has.

So how can I make my C: (new Vista) as bootable and delete D: (old Vista)?
 

My Computer

System One

Run Startup Repair by booting from the installation DVD. On the first screen select the option to install, BUT on the second screen select the "Repair this computer" option in the lower left part of the screen.

Once it loads you should be presented a choice of which installation to repair. Choose the new one and let the Startup Repair routine finish. Then reboot and you should be able to boot into the new insallation.

Once you get into the new installation, post back and someone will help you get rid of the old installation.
 

My Computer

System One

The problem is that my bootloader is located at the D partition, as well as the boot.ini file (at least I think so).

I also tried "bootrec /fixmbr" and "bootrec /fixboot" but didn't help ("Element not found").
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

Hi karmic,

Go to folder options, show hidden files and protected operating system files.

Copy and paste bootmgr and the yellow boot folder from the first Vista partition (D), onto the new one (C).

You will get a message bcd is in use and can't be copied - just skip it and copy the rest.

Open an elevated command prompt and type:

bcdedit /export C:\Boot\bcd {enter}

In Disk Management, rt click C and mark as active.

Reboot.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Vista
    CPU
    Intel E8400
    Motherboard
    ASRock1333-GLAN R2.0
    Memory
    4gb DDR2 800
    Graphics Card(s)
    nvidia 9500GT 1gb
  • Operating System
    win7/vista
    CPU
    intel i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    ballistix 2x8gb 3200
usasma said:
Run Startup Repair by booting from the installation DVD. On the first screen select the option to install, BUT on the second screen select the "Repair this computer" option in the lower left part of the screen.

Once it loads you should be presented a choice of which installation to repair. Choose the new one and let the Startup Repair routine finish. Then reboot and you should be able to boot into the new insallation.

Once you get into the new installation, post back and someone will help you get rid of the old installation.
Click to expand...
I have done an upgrade on my laptop yesterday(from 120GB to 250GB), after cloning with Acronis Migrate Easy 7.0, replaced the old drive with the new one and it didn't boot, so when I started looking for a solution I came across this very useful post and it solved my problem. Thanks usasma, can't rep you but I'll remember your help.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Biostar
    CPU
    AMD Athlonx64 Dual Core 3800+ 2.0GHz
    Motherboard
    Biostar MCP6P-M2
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 8400GS
    Monitor(s) Displays
    CIBOX
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi 160GB
I'm not sure, but download EasyBCD (free download online) and it helps you set up, if you want to do a dual-boot. Or you can rename the new boot name... lets say... NEWVISTA. Select all the settings, then boot. Select NEWVISTA when Windows Boot Manager comes up. Then you can delete C:\ (old vista). THEN, you can open up Computer Management> Disk Management and reassign the drive's letter to C:\

-RF
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Apple MacBook Pro 13inch
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.26GHz
    Motherboard
    ?
    Memory
    2GB DDR3 RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 9400M @256MB Dedicated DDR3 VRAM
    Sound Card
    Intel High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop: 32 bit Color LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    HITACHI HTS545025B9SA02 250GB (Internal)
    IOMEGA PRESTIGE PORTABLE 500GB (External)
    PSU
    N/A
    Case
    N/A
    Cooling
    N/A
    Keyboard
    Black Chiclet-Style Keyboard (Standard US) with Backlight
    Mouse
    No-Button Aluminum Trackpad w/ Mouse Gestures
    Internet Speed
    T1
Thanks Computer Age, I chose AME as it has the "as is" option and as I wanted the hidden Factory Image on my new Hard drive I thought it was convenient. However, the Repair with Vista disc made the new Hard drive bootable.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Biostar
    CPU
    AMD Athlonx64 Dual Core 3800+ 2.0GHz
    Motherboard
    Biostar MCP6P-M2
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 8400GS
    Monitor(s) Displays
    CIBOX
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi 160GB
You are welcome. Please add to my rep.

--RF
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Apple MacBook Pro 13inch
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.26GHz
    Motherboard
    ?
    Memory
    2GB DDR3 RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 9400M @256MB Dedicated DDR3 VRAM
    Sound Card
    Intel High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop: 32 bit Color LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    HITACHI HTS545025B9SA02 250GB (Internal)
    IOMEGA PRESTIGE PORTABLE 500GB (External)
    PSU
    N/A
    Case
    N/A
    Cooling
    N/A
    Keyboard
    Black Chiclet-Style Keyboard (Standard US) with Backlight
    Mouse
    No-Button Aluminum Trackpad w/ Mouse Gestures
    Internet Speed
    T1
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