I think the problem was caused by windows updates - every time I updated it said after that the boot info was missing & the updates failed to install but after putting vista disc in and running the start up repair it was ok - I have now hopefully sorted that out the updates to install but the computer wont boot up without the vista disc - without it it says file boot\bcd - an error while attempting to read the boot config data - I have run the vista start up repair and it now says there isnt a problem but if the vista disc isnt there it wont boot into windows - any help would be muchly appreciated as it is really annoying me! thanks

Later - from the command prompt at start up I used the bootrec commands - it says there are no windows installs on the disc & bootrec /rebuildBcd didnt work, because I guess it cant see an install to rebuild?? Does anyone know if using the /FixMbr would sort the problem?