I know that it is possible and even advantageous to have more than one operating system on a computer. I would like to pose the question as to whether it is harmful to have more than one of the same type on a computer. The reason I ask is that my hard drive on my computer has been depleted for some time. At one point I had to reinstall my xp operating system and I believe that it when I obtained the second one. I also have one that is labled tuneup backup. I will paste them here from the notepad retrieved from the advanced tab under startup and recovery-default operating systems in the control panel. does anyone see a problem here? If so Why? What should I do about it?


[boot loader]
timeout=3
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOW S
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect /TUTag=WT9LU4 /NoExecute=AlwaysOff
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP Professional (TuneUp Backup)" /fastdetect /TUTag=WT9LU4-BAK /NoExecute=AlwaysOff
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Micro soft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect /NoExecute=AlwaysOff

There is no advantage in having multiple copies of the same operating system on one computer.

Partition 2 you should be able to just delete.

As to the copies on partition 1 see this FAQ #20

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#020

Originally Posted by columbiaman

Dear Jephree,

You seem pretty computer savy. I appreciate your suggestion regarding my multiple operating systems. I would like to ask you one more thing.
How do I delete the operating system that is on partion 2? Do you care to elaborate a little? also, I am curious as to exactly why there are 3 systems in the first place. Do you suppose that one is a back up for tuneup and one is from my previous windows repair?

Thanks,

Columbiaman

What is the make and model of the computer?

What types of reinstalls have you done in the past? What XP CD are you using? Have they been Repair Installs or Clean?

Most manufacturers put Recovery versions of XP on hidden partitions.

You can try to delete partition 2 via Disk Management. Right click My Computer then click Manage then Disk Management. Then right click in the graphical area of this partition and choose Delete. If that option is not available you can use GParted outside of Windows.

As to the multiple partitions on partition 1 see the above link re: editing Boot.ini