Invalid Boot.ini

When I restarted my computer I got a message saying "invalid boot.ini loading from c:\windows". The machine then proceeds to boot normally. Is there anything to worry about? What should I do?

 

The real boot.ini file is located on C:\
And it's not invalid because your computer is booting normally.
I don't know! confused

What if your original boot.ini file was edited by a malware in order to display this tricky line?

Anyway, malware experts will be here soon.

 

Hmmm, I had this problem a long long long time ago. I just got cleared of malware (http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?p=994073#post994073). I told him this problem, and he said to make a topic in the software area.

 

I tried, but unfortunately it didn't work because I don't have the Boot.ini "tab" he is talking about:

"To fix this - and its a pathetically simple fix after having done all of this, go to run and type in MSCONFIG. Then click on the "Boot.ini" tab. First, make sure if using XP Pro that the following is listed:"

I think its because I have Home edition, and he has Pro.

 

If you have your Windows Operating System Disc, follow this procedure for future reference.

1. Make sure the computer is set to BOOT from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.

2. Insert the Windows XP CD-ROM into your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and then restart your computer.

3. When you receive the "Press any key to boot from CD" message, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM.

4. When you receive the "Welcome to Setup" message, press R to start the Recovery Console.

5. If you have a dual-boot or multiple-boot computer, select the installation that you have to use from the Recovery Console.

6. When you are prompted, type the administrator password, and then press ENTER.
Note: If you do not have one, just press ENTER.

7. At the command prompt, type bootcfg /list, and then press ENTER. The entries in your current Boot.ini file appear on the screen.

8. At the command prompt, type bootcfg /rebuild, and then press ENTER.
This command scans the hard disks of the computer for Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, or Microsoft Windows NT installations, and then displays the results. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to add the Windows installations to the Boot.ini file. For example, follow these steps to add a Windows XP installation to the Boot.ini file:

a. When you receive a message that is similar to the following message, press Y:
Total Identified Windows Installs: 1

[1] C:\Windows
Add installation to boot list? (Yes/No/All)

b. You receive a message that is similar to the following message:

Enter Load Identifier
This is the name of the operating system. When you receive this message, type the name of your operating system, and then press ENTER. This is either Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition.

c. You receive a message that is similar to the following:

Enter OS Load options
When you receive this message, type /fastdetect, and then press ENTER.

Note: The instructions that appear on your screen may be different, depending on the configuration of your computer.

9. Type exit, and then press ENTER to quit Recovery Console.

 

How do I make sure my "computer is set to BOOT from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive." and is this the disc I need:

Drivers and Utilities: (Already installed on your computer) Dell Dimension ResourceCD

or

Operating System: (Already installed on your computer) Reinstallation CD Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Including Service Pack 1a

 

You need the operating system disk, and your computer is probably set to boot from disk. If it is not you need to boot into the BIOS (Basic Input/Output Services). Info on BIOS here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BIOS
Below is a good read for how to get into the BIOS, be careful in there, and make note of any changes you make, you should only need to check that CD-ROM (optical drive) is at the top of the boot order list, if it isn't highlight it and the + key should move it up the list. Save Changes and Exit.
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/bios3.htm

Bug

 

All you need to do is entering the "Setup" of your BIOS.
while booting, and during the phase of "device Detection", you are prompted to press "Del" or "F1" or anything else... look carefully, it's written!

Or, don't you have the manual that came with your Mother Board?
Get it and read the chapter related to "BIOS Setup" or something like this...