Invalid boot file ? now sorted, thanks everyone

Cobra

Cobra

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Guys
I turn off the computer overnight.
The last couple of days or so
When I have turned it back on I get
"Invalid boot file INI" on the "black boot screen)
(I think that what it says as it flashes up quite quick)
booting from windows"
and the computer continues to start as it would without that message.

is it anything to worry about?

I am running XP Pro
Thanks in advance
 
Cheers Chaz but I am a bit of a numpty as far as "raking around" the C drive goes
 
itll be a hidden file, easiest way to find out what its doing would be (i dont have an XP machine to hand so forgive me if this is slightly inaccurate..):

right click my computer -> properties -> advanced tab -> startup and recovery options.

there should be a series of boot options one of them should be to edit your boot.ini? if you can do that then copy and paste the contents here for scruiteneering :)
 
neil_g said:
itll be a hidden file, easiest way to find out what its doing would be (i dont have an XP machine to hand so forgive me if this is slightly inaccurate..):

right click my computer -> properties -> advanced tab -> startup and recovery options.

there should be a series of boot options one of them should be to edit your boot.ini? if you can do that then copy and paste the contents here for scruiteneering :)
Click to expand...

Thanks Neil :thumbs:
I got as far as edit then got
a pop-up cannot find the c:\boot.ini file
do you want to create a new file?
with the usual options yes no cancel
I "cancelled" as I didn't want to go in anymore without
knowing what I was doing
 
So is it corrupt - or missing?

Last time I encountered this it was just before the HD failed. My suggestion:

Make a complete backup of your important data files.

Boot from the XP CD and enter the Recovery Console

Type bootcfg/rebuild

If you get asked about Load Options then type in /fastdetect

to exit the recovery console type exit and let it reboot.

This suggestion comes from a mac user. You have been warned ;)
 
id also run a chkdsk just in case..

go to start -> run and type in:

cmd

press return. in the black box type:

chkdsk c: /f

press return and press Y then return to schedule at next reboot. then restart your computer.
 
Thanks again Neil, I'm just nipping out so I will do that now.
 
You may have issues with chkdsk not running or freezing depending upon the nature of the underlying problem. Your HD may well benefit from a chkdsk but I'd be tempted to run chkdsk /r/p under the recovery console AFTER the bootcfg/rebuild
 
chkdsk should run before windows even thinks about loading so should be okay.

just for the OP's reference the /p command from 2blue4u will only run from within the recovery console it wont work from windows the way i said. but /p implies /r and /r implies /f so theyre all much and much the same.. :)

but yes chkdsk may not fix your boot.ini file if just checks for hard disk issues and tries to recover info from bad areas, so you will either need to run bootcfg as suggested or click yes to recreating one when you had the prompt earlier.. see how you get on though.
 
This is the Microsoft article for this particular error LINK

It looks straightforwards enough, but it's still advisable to make a copy of your data files first. It doesn't really matter about the operating system and programs because you can always reinstall all of that. Yes I know it's a PITA to do it, but at least you can do it if you have to. It's the data files that you can't replace!
 
2blue4u said:
You may have issues with chkdsk not running or freezing depending upon the nature of the underlying problem. Your HD may well benefit from a chkdsk but I'd be tempted to run chkdsk /r/p under the recovery console AFTER the bootcfg/rebuild
Click to expand...

neil_g said:
chkdsk should run before windows even thinks about loading so should be okay.

just for the OP's reference the /p command from 2blue4u will only run from within the recovery console it wont work from windows the way i said. but /p implies /r and /r implies /f so theyre all much and much the same.. :)

but yes chkdsk may not fix your boot.ini file if just checks for hard disk issues and tries to recover info from bad areas, so you will either need to run bootcfg as suggested or click yes to recreating one when you had the prompt earlier.. see how you get on though.
Click to expand...

I ran the check disc and after the "scan" windows booted normally
I re-booted and the "error is still there

Bill Roberts said:
This is the Microsoft article for this particular error LINK

It looks straightforwards enough, but it's still advisable to make a copy of your data files first. It doesn't really matter about the operating system and programs because you can always reinstall all of that. Yes I know it's a PITA to do it, but at least you can do it if you have to. It's the data files that you can't replace!
Click to expand...

Cheers Bill :thumbs: I will take a look shortly

neil_g said:
sorry i have that around the wrong way dont i.. it should be the chkdsk /r that needs running..

my bad.
Click to expand...
No worries Neil, Thanks again all, for your help :thumbs:

edit, just had a quick scan through the link, I have not upgraded :thinking:

and I don't have a disk either the XP is on a partitioned part of the HD

Its a pain in the Ass but actually not causing ( I don't think) any problems
 
All sorted guys ( after a total nightmare)
Thanks for everyone's input much appreciated :thumbs:
 
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