Windows XP sp2
External usb hard drive
2006-06-25 16:43:37 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
OK, I changed folder options to show hidden system files on the external drive. A file "boot.ini" - "configuration settings" showed up. There is also a "config.sys" file that showed up. I suspect these are the culprits? If so, how do I get them to the main HDD and have proper boot up without the external drive being connected?
2006-06-26 07:34:49 · update #1
Doubt you installed your OS on the external drive.You may be using it for partitioning purposes.My bet is on a bios option that may have changed when you first plugged the drive in and restarted or are not familiar with configuring bios.The options are the boot device,boot priority and the (boot to or boottable USB device).I'm sure it is that last option I mentioned
2006-06-25 17:19:24 · answer #1 · answered by William C 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The answers posted so far all sound like they are on the right track. Either OS component(s), application(s) or both could be installed on the external drive, so Windows may be looking for them, or require them, to boot.
To check / verify this, do the following:
- turn the external HD back on
- boot Windows
- run Start / msconfig
- go to Startup tab
- review the path of the files listed in the startup stack; if any of them begin with the drive letter of the external hard drive, that could be related to your problem
- also review what programs or applications are in the Startup folder (Start menu, All Programs, Starup); right-click on the icons and see if the drive letter is NOT c:\blah blah and investigate.
One other check you could perform is to boot Windows using Safe mode and see if it comes up. If it does the issue is likely application-related. If it does not then it's a good bet some or all of your Operating System is installed on the external drive.
Good luck!
2006-06-25 23:56:14 · answer #2 · answered by Keith M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If Windows is installed on the external hard drive, of course it will not boot up, it's disconnected. Make sure that your OS is saved on a hard drive that you do not remove.
2006-06-25 23:53:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like u put ur os on the external drive.
2006-06-25 23:48:55 · answer #4 · answered by DeltaSR388 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have installed programs on the external drive, windows may be looking for them.
2006-06-25 23:48:22 · answer #5 · answered by lenny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did you install your OS on the external drive instead of c drive? that is what it sounds like
2006-06-25 23:46:33 · answer #6 · answered by butchell 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you have your bios set up so your external hard drive is the boot device??!!
2006-06-25 23:47:29 · answer #7 · answered by M S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OO....sure it wont boot... if that is the only hard-disk....
Connect it then it would....
Bye..
2006-06-26 01:17:19 · answer #8 · answered by Web-designer © 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
duh! your hard disk contains all the files and information your cpu needs to work.
2006-06-25 23:47:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋