How can I fix a multiple bootscreen problem in Windows XP?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting issues related to customizing boot screens in Windows XP. Participants share their experiences and methods for modifying the boot screen, including editing the boot.ini file and replacing system files.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their attempt to create a multi-boot screen setup by modifying the boot.ini file but encounters an issue where the original boot screen always appears regardless of the selection made.
  • Another participant suggests that Windows File Protection may prevent the replacement of the ntoskrnl.exe file and recommends performing the swap in Safe Mode.
  • A third participant shares a link to a website that provides additional information on the topic, indicating that they found the material helpful.
  • One participant expresses frustration with a method they found straightforward but ineffective, speculating that differences between pre and post Service Pack 1 versions of Windows XP might be a factor.
  • A later reply mentions that the issue was not related to Service Pack 1 but rather due to the length of the filenames used for the boot screens, which was resolved by shortening them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing experiences and methods regarding the customization of boot screens, with no consensus on a single effective solution. Some participants agree on the challenges posed by Windows File Protection, while others have found success with different approaches.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues related to the specific methods of replacing system files and the impact of different Windows XP service packs on the process. The discussion also highlights potential limitations in the instructions provided by various sources.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for users looking to customize their Windows XP boot screens, particularly those encountering difficulties with file replacements and boot.ini configurations.

Pauly Man
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Hi Guys,

I decided I wanted to have the option of choosing between a few bootscreens upon startup of win xp. I downloaded some bootscreens, and renamed them, then put them into c:\windows\system32 as I was told to. I then went and backed up my boot.ini file, just in case. Then altered it, as told to. Where by I create a startup menu in the [operating system] section of the ini file, this is what I have:

Code:
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS = "Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS = "Microsoft Windows XP Professional: Crap Edition" /fastdetect /kernel=ntoscrap.exe
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS = "Microsoft Windows XP Professional: Jupiter Edition" /fastdetect /kernel=ntosjupiter.exe
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS = "Microsoft Windows XP Professional: Galaxy Edition" /fastdetect /kernel=ntosgalaxy.exe

The menu turns up as I wanted it. The problem is that whatever choice I make, the original bootscreen ALWAYS appears. Now i have looked all over the net, and everywhere says to do it the way I have, why the hell is it not working?
 
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Ok, I misread your post and thought you were having trouble switching between OS's, and not just the boot screen.

All I know about this subject is the way I alter my own boot screen in XP; by single replacement only. Windows File Protection will defeat attempts to replace the ntoskrnl.exe in the System32 folder unless you perform the swap in Safe Mode.

Here is a link to a utility and instruction on one method, just in case it might be of use. I tried something similar once but found that it interfered with the ability of DriveImage to perform properly.

http://www.extrememhz.com/winxpcust-p2.shtml

PS, I’d enjoy a link to the site where you were receiving instruction.
 
Actually most of the info is explained the best at the website for a book I have. Visit the website at:

http//www.oreilly.com/catalog/winxphks
 
Well, I can't get this method to work for me either. Below is a site that details the procedure, which is quite straitforward and simple but just doesn't seem to work. I even disabled Windows File Protection While trying to make this work, all to no avail. It is certainly an easy matter to replace ntoskrnl.exe with another boot-executable of the same name, but I don't think the method being described works. Maybe it's the Pre SP1 and post SP1 business that is preventing it from working.

http://www.diabloworld.com/forums/archive/topic/33553-1.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yeah, the SP1 bit could be the problem. I tried replacing the ntoskrnl file and it worked fine, so atleast I know it can be done. I'll keep looking around I guess.

*EDIT*

Well the problem wasn't SP1 afterall. It was the filenames, they were to long. I shortened them a bit, and voila, it works!
 
Last edited:

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