Dig Windows Vista Out from Deep Inside Vista + XP

The Windows Vista startup option can disappear completely from Vista's System Configuration Utility. This scenario applies to both dual-boot and multi-boot configurations with Windows XP and Windows Vista installed on different partitions but on the same system.

The System Configuration Utility in Windows Vista is a tool designed to enable users to manage the startup options, among a range of additional settings. The utility can be accessed by typing "msconfig" in the Search Box under the Start menu. "You have a computer on which Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) is installed on the main partition. On this computer, you install Windows Vista on a different partition. Then, you try to use the System Configuration Utility (Msconfig.exe) in Windows Vista to remove or change the Windows XP startup option. However, the option is unavailable. You expect the option to be available on the Boot tab of the utility," informed Microsoft.

According to Microsoft, there are two ways of mitigating this issue. Windows Vista features multiple tools that will enable users to perform the same action, in this case configure the startup options. And if msconfig fails, Microsoft advises you to turn to the System properties dialog box.

In order to access it you have to make your way from Start, right-click Computer, and then select Properties, identify Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings and choose Change settings. Allow for the elevation of privileges if you are prompted by the User Account Control and in the System Properties dialog box, select the Advanced tab and in the Startup and Recovery area click Settings.

Now all that you have to do here is to point to Vista in the Default operating system drop-down menu in System Startup. Additionally, you will have to modify the timeout to load the operating system to zero. Restart the computer.

The alternative method involves using the Windows Vista Boot Configuration Data Editor. Enter "cmd" in the Start menu Search Box and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter in order to launch command prompt with administrative privileges. Type "bcdedit /enum all" in the command prompt window and identify the GUID for Windows XP; there will be a series of numbers and letters enclosed in {}. Next, you will have to delete the Windows XP startup option. In order to do so, type "bcdedit /delete ID" where the ID placeholder is the GUID for XP. Additionally, you have the option to force delete the startup option with this command "bcdedit /delete {default} /f".

For all you have and will ever need to know about Advanced Boot Architecture Management in Windows Vista click here.