Boot Error: Multiboot System

Question

Hi, I had a multiboot setup - Windows 8 and Windows XP. Since Microsoft expired its support for Windows XP (plus i barely used it) I was going through a tutorial to remove windows XP. It asked me to set the Windows 8 partition as 'Active' in the Disk Management. I did so and did a reboot, just to check if it dosen't harm my computer; I now see a Boot Error (probably from the XP as it is all black & white) saying the boot configuration is either corrupt or has errors, so insert system disk and start repair. Please help ASAP.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Hi Agastya,

You might be facing this issue due to corrupt or missing boot files. Let’s try Automatic Repair for Windows 8 on the computer and check if it can resolve the issue.

If you don’t have a Windows 8 DVD, you can refer to the article mentioned below to know how to create a bootable USB for Windows 8.

How to create installation media for a PC refresh or reset

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

I suggest you to change the first boot priority to DVD\USB if you are not able to get the boot menu when you insert a DVD\USB.

BIOS Disclaimer:

Modifying BIOS/ complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the configuring of BIOS/CMOS settings can be solved. Modifications of the settings are at your own risk. 

Method 1: Booting to Recovery Environment with Windows 8 installation media.

Please follow the steps given below. Insert the Windows 8 installation DVD in the DVD ROM and restart your computer.

a) After you boot your computer using Windows 8 DVD or System Repair Disc, a black screen appears with gray text "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD". Press any key.

b) Select the correct time and Keyboard type.

c) Click Repair your computer in the lower left corner.

d) Select Troubleshoot from Choose an optionscreen.

e) Click Advanced options in Troubleshoot screen.

f) Click Automatic Repair from Advanced Options screen.

g) Next, choose the operating system by clicking on its button.

h) Windows 8 will look for problems on hard drive(s) and verify that all required files are intact.

**Method 2:**If automatic repair doesn’t help to repair the startup files, you may try to repair them using these commands through Command Prompt under Advance Options.

Refer to the steps:

a) After you boot your computer using Windows 8 DVD or System Repair Disc, a black screen appears with gray text "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD". Press any key.

b) Select the correct time and Keyboard type.

c) Click Repair your computer in the lower left corner.

d) Select Troubleshoot from Choose an optionscreen.

e) Click Advanced options in Troubleshoot screen.

f) Click on command Prompt.

g) Type these following commands and hit enter after each line of command:

Bootrec /fixmbr

Bootrec /fixboot

Bootrec /scanos

Bootrec /rebuildbcd

Hope this helps.

Please post back if the issue persists and we will be glad to assist you further.

Answer 2

Hi Agasta,

Glad to know that the issue has been resolved.

Please post back if you have any issues related to Windows and we will be glad to assist you further.

Answer 3

Thanks a ton Karthik! Method 2 worked for me!