Reinstalling Das/Xentry in a multiboot system

[stupidguy]

Hello Onece Again,

I have a multiboot HDD from China I've been trying to square away. It boots F1 DIS, F2 SSS, F3 DAS/Xentry Star finder, SD media, Star Browser, EPC Net. The problem is when the HDD arrived it requires a usb key and I was not supplied with one. I've fixed the DIS and SSS to work however when I try to reinstall DAS/Xentry I have a problem when it tries to verify partitions. It shows on the report that they are 0mb.
Anybody run into this? I think I may have to install on an HDD and then copy partitions to the multi-boot hdd? Any help is always appreciated.
Oh yeah, they are versions 01/2010 and I'm trying to reinstall 01/2010.

[the_riddler]

after you press F3
then, as far as the harddrive is concerned you are in xp root

but when you install das / xentry,
Make certain your partions for MB soft are correctly Labeled.
C: Das
D: Recovery
E: Wis
F: Xentry

This is from memory, but i think it is correct. THIS IS IMMPORTANT.
Download zolookas latest guide posted by Gmatj
ALL is explained FULLY.

[stupidguy]

Yes, they are correct in name and size. C=Star, D=Recover, E=Wis, F=Das.

[the_riddler]

Yes, they are correct in name and size. C=Star, D=Recover, E=Wis, F=Das.

when you re-installed
did you perform Format?
of your f3 boot

[stupidguy]

No I did not reformat. I am afraid of wiping the multi boot. I do not understand what is managing the multiboot nor how to rebuild it. However I do have a backup of the drive. I think I'll try reinstalling Windows and formatting all other drives. It's just a shame to have to reinstall everything else, especially since I do not have the software anymore after my storage drive crashed. Oh well...I'll start from scratch.

[the_riddler]

No I did not reformat. I am afraid of wiping the multi boot. I do not understand what is managing the multiboot nor how to rebuild it. However I do have a backup of the drive. I think I'll try reinstalling Windows and formatting all other drives. It's just a shame to have to reinstall everything else, especially since I do not have the software anymore after my storage drive crashed. Oh well...I'll start from scratch.

step 1, go into Bios change boot priority so your cd drive is
BEFORE harddrive.
step 2, Boot machine and press F3. and machine will boot from CD (Watch screen, you have to confirm CD Boot).
step 3, Let windows do its thing, when promted choose
fresh instal, then when windows asks which partion to install on, MAKE CERTAIN you choose the one where Das was..
and perform Format (quick one, or youll be there all night)
step 4. finish install, sort drivers ect, update xp to
Service Pack 3.
step 4, install partion software, re-setup nessasary partions
for Das / Xentry, if they are allready there then use partion manager to check sizes lables and Re-format D,E,F,

Dont worry to much if you loose ability to F3 boot,
it is re-installable...

And Your all good to go..........

[stupidguy]

I wish I read this first....I just installed and lost multi-boot. I checked with partition software and found that the boot manager partition was gone. I did select correct drive for install. I hate the amount of time it takes to reload the backup. Thanks Again, I'll keep you posted.

[the_riddler]

I wish I read this first....I just installed and lost multi-boot. I checked with partition software and found that the boot manager partition was gone. I did select correct drive for install. I hate the amount of time it takes to reload the backup. Thanks Again, I'll keep you posted.

there is a file called boot.ini (can't remmember exactly)
its just simply edited.

if you need it i will search for you....let me know..

if you have formated / erased all software.
then create 3 primary partitions, install xp (or other OS)
to each primary, and windows will create new boot.ini file for you..

[stupidguy]

OK, I have backup copy in laptop now. I reinstalled Windows and it now boots to Windows rather than boot manager. I have an Acronis recovery of the drive saved. After I'm done installing DAS/Xentry I will select all other partitions to recover. This should recover DIS, SSS, and boot manager leaving the repaired DAS install intact, correct?

[the_riddler]

OK, I have backup copy in laptop now. I reinstalled Windows and it now boots to Windows rather than boot manager. I have an Acronis recovery of the drive saved. After I'm done installing DAS/Xentry I will select all other partitions to recover. This should recover DIS, SSS, and boot manager leaving the repaired DAS install intact, correct?

Yes it "Should" do.

if you are formatting any of the primary partions then a ".ini"
file will be destroyed and will need rebuilding,
either by a boot manager OR you can just modify the Boot.ini file your self.

so short answere YES be ok.

If you wish to modify boot.ini your self
here is a simple guide. but i think a boot manager might be better for you..
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/289022

[stupidguy]

Thanks for all the help. I love when somebody actually takes an interest in something. I plan on sharing this when completed. I'll add you to the list.

[stupidguy]

Yeah, after doing a format of the "c:" drive for Das I now have all of the other Windows drives on "my computer"
They are all of the SSS partitions.

[the_riddler]

Thanks for all the help. I love when somebody actually takes an interest in something. I plan on sharing this when completed. I'll add you to the list.


thats ok mate

Most of us have been where you are at the moment
and having people to ask for advice, keeps the cost down
of having to keep buying new laptops, because the other one got taken into workshop and placed in a 50 tonne press..........:roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao :