I checked both 'BOOT.INI' lines

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition" /fastdetect

and this is what it said...

It appears that all BOOT.INI lines for Microsoft operating systems are OK.

You said...

"Should solve the problem of two op systems with one not working"

Actually they both boot.

Hi Fruit Bat /\0/\

I can't look at the moment, as its installing Nero 9. It's only done 25% so far.

I've been updating the WinXP PC today. It's the first time I've switched it on for several weeks. Because I got a new Win7 PC, but When I last ran the XP it was fine. No-one has tampered with it in the meantime, but now it keeps hanging.

As the day's run on, I've been installing all the MS updates. Cleaned the reg. Run CHCKDSK, ran 'sfc /scannow', tried to run 'Scan and attempt recovery of bad sectors', I tried a couple of times, but it said it couldn't do it?

As yet I haven't done a 'Defrag'.

When I boot or reboot it's fine untill it gets to the line of white increments right across a black background. It takes around 6 minutes to get past that section. the Windows starts fine.

I found out about the dual drive thing when I went into the 'F8' section, when booting. I had to re-boot because I got a blue screen that said...

STOP ERROR SCREEN DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

As for the 'C:\' drive showing the OS twice it was at boot and also in...System/Advanced/System Properties/Start Up & Recovery/Settings/System Start UP. But it isn't showing there now because I've just deleted one. It remains to be seen what happens next time I boot or re-boot.

I'm trying a Defrag now and it hasn't moved in all the time I've been typing this, with three fingers. I tell a lie, it just moved from 6% to 7%. It's going to be a long haul.

If you or anyone elese can find out anything about the blue screen ERROR I'd be much obliged.

Thanx Fruit Bat /\0/\

I've had that blue screen up about four times today. If it comes up again I'll have to get the exact details. Then perhaps I can sort it. The Defrag is still going, it's done 45% so far, when it finishes I'll have another go at running the...'Scan and attempt recovery of bad sectors'. Toes crossed. I'll leave this open for the time being, just in case.