XP Home repair from install CD failed

I was tried to do a repair because the “ntldr” file was missing in "C". I made a wrong choice in the repair options & instead re-installed Just the windows folder in another folder as it said there was already a “windows” folder. (It was late, I was very tired & made a stupid careless mistake) I did Not format nor did I do a clean install I was just trying to do a repair is all.

When it rebooted it appears to be almost like a clean install. When used as the master, most everything is gone like in programs from the start menu, none of my regular icons on desktop, Docs, etc.

When I use that hard drive as a slave & open it up everything is still there. Programs, Docs, music, Vids etc.
Is there a way to use my old Windows folder, or delete the new one or trick it into using the old original one? "ntldr" is now in the C Drive that this happened in but will not boot into my original windows folder when used as the master. I don't want to do another clean install if I don't have to though all 51 GB is backed up.

What options do I have? Any thoughts? This is my 2nd post as the 1st one had no response. If I am not explaining this clear enough please ask me to expound with your questions.
Thanks in advance. I'll refreshing this page often for any replies.

 

I think I know how you've done it. I sometimes do this myself to avoid losing files on a corrupted operating system.

When you switch on the computer, you should get a screen with some boot options. The default one is usually the most recently installed. You can change the order.

Start
Run
msconfig

Click the 'BOOT.INI' tab
Highlight the first instance of the operating system with the mouse.
Click "Move Down".
Click 'Ok' and / or 'Apply'.
You might also want to change the timeout from its default to something like 5 or 10 seconds.

The next time you successfully start windows, you'll probably get a message confirming that you've made changes to the way windows starts, and asking if you want to be constantly reminded about this. Check the box telling it to go away and never hassle you again (my words, not Microsoft's).

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/12quidkidinnit/z1/Systemconfigurationscreencap.jpg

 

Thank You so much for replying 12quidkidinnit. Unfortunately I have only 1 line & not 2 in msconfig as in your pic. I looked at that option too.
I do have a "Windows" folder (the orignal) & another folder with Windows in it (the new one) from my pain in the butt mistake both located in "C".
Anything other ideas? Thanks

 

If I manually modify the boot.ini file to point to the original windows folder can I just copy/paste from “an” (Any) original boot.ini file that already points to a good windows folder??
If not, what would I type in there to be safe. IE, (I hope I explain this right) Would I leave out/in “fastdetect/NoExecute=OptIn” and it would or should correct itself?? Or should I just copy/paste the whole line that is directly below this text? (this is from the drive I'm using now)


multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn


I'm searching for options here. It appears that not many people want to touch this thread. I guess better safe than sorry : )
Thank You

 

All is well. I modified the boot.ini file like I said in my last post above this. It worked. This was another great learning experience. But now when when I reboot I'm presented with another screen. Basically all it gives me is a choice between “Windows XP Home Edition” or “Windows (Default)” The later boots me to the my newest mess up (Read above) The Windows XP Home Edition boots me up to my original which is the reason for this thread in the first place. I'm going to keep the 'extra' newest Windows folder (it's only 950 MBs) as a kind of safe guard to do a repair without the lengthy repair using the install CD.
Thanks again 12quidkidinnit