Two copies of XP Professional on my computer

Hello,

I had my laptop downgraded to XP Pro from Vista by a friend. For some reason, when he did so he put two copies of XP on my computer. When I start up, it asks me to pick an OS. I always hit the top one, but I would like to get rid of the extra copy to free up space. I think he said he partioned my hard drive too, but I don't know what that means.

It's been this way for about a year now, I would guess. It's the latest version of XP Pro released, as far as I understand. Some help in removing it would be greatly appreciated!

First...how many Windows folders do you see in C: when you boot into the version you want to keep?

If two, there is one set of instructions...if one, there is a slightly altered set.

The fact that the boot menu presents two options...does not necessarily indicate two installs now. A previous install that was never removed from the boot.ini file may result in the appearance that there are two choices/options.

Also...when you go to My Computer...how many partitions exist?

C: is a partition, a way of dividing hard drive space for use, just as drawers divide a dresser or chest into compartments.

Louis

Thanks for your speedy response I don't quite understand what you're asking, though. Where would I look to see how many folders are in C:? I clicked on it from My Computer and there're 24 folders, like Program folders and Users. But I don't think that's what you were asking for :/

In My Computer there are C: and E:, my DVD drive. So I guess he didn't partition it, then. He mentioned something about it so I thought he had. My bad.

Double click on your C Drive and look for C:\Windows or C:\Windows.000 the former is the main install, and the latter is the old install.

Ah, got it! There're three- Windows, Windows.0, and Windows.1 .

Now go into the Advanced Options under properties by right clicking on My Computer and going to the Advanced Tab and select Start up and Recovery. What is listed first in the boot options?

"Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect/r

Show the others as well. Usually the first one is the one you are using.

The second one is exactly the same, down to the letter.

FWIW: XP FAQ, Two XP Installs On Same Partition - http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#20. Scroll down to #20.

Start/Run...type cmd and hit Enter to open command prompt.

Louis

Edited by hamluis, 26 January 2010 - 05:32 PM.

Started following the directions on #20 but got an error upon trying to delete Windows (apparently I'm on Windows.1):

Cannot delete AcGenral.dll: Access is denied.
Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use.

edit: Windows.0 was deleted. Spoke too soon.

Edited by Switchy, 26 January 2010 - 10:29 PM.