Drive partition letters swapped from c to d and vice versa.

  • Thread starter Thread starter wjcsr
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wjcsr

Note: I have read Lon's topic on this issue that first appeared on
July 19, 2006. Dave Patrick replied to this item.

I removed a Computer Associates spyware program and the result was the
loss of my 'ntoskrnl.exe'. I pulled the drive, put it in an enclosure
and cloned it in a file on another computer with Acronis True Image. I
followed Acronis instructions. I have used Acronis before
successfully. I then re-installed the drive to my computer and
re-installed Winn2000 Pro to what I thought was Partition C. I was
able to boot up without a problem. But somewhere in the process the
drive partition letters were swapped. It booted from D partition
rather from C partition.

I had previously used both IE and Netscape 7.1 browsers and had
installed Netscape 8.1 browser. I also used Outlook Express for email
on Partition C and Netscape email on Partition D. I thought having
Netscape email on Partion D this would protect my email if my OS got
mangled. Netscape files are now present on Partion C but the program
will not load. I have not gone any further fearing I would complicated
matters if I did the wrong things.

In short, I stopped after I re-installed Winw2000 and found the drive
partition letters had swapped. I am looking for some help.
 
Note: I have read Lon's topic on this issue that first appeared on
July 19, 2006. Dave Patrick replied to this item.

I removed a Computer Associates spyware program and the result was the
loss of my 'ntoskrnl.exe'. I pulled the drive, put it in an enclosure
and cloned it in a file on another computer with Acronis True Image. I
followed Acronis instructions. I have used Acronis before
successfully. I then re-installed the drive to my computer and
re-installed Winn2000 Pro to what I thought was Partition C. I was
able to boot up without a problem. But somewhere in the process the
drive partition letters were swapped. It booted from D partition
rather from C partition.

I had previously used both IE and Netscape 7.1 browsers and had
installed Netscape 8.1 browser. I also used Outlook Express for email
on Partition C and Netscape email on Partition D. I thought having
Netscape email on Partion D this would protect my email if my OS got
mangled. Netscape files are now present on Partion C but the program
will not load. I have not gone any further fearing I would complicated
matters if I did the wrong things.

In short, I stopped after I re-installed Winw2000 and found the drive
partition letters had swapped. I am looking for some help.
Click to expand...

If you installed Windows on drive D: then unfortunately it will
have to stay on drive D:. While it is possible to swap the drive
letters in the registry, you would end up with a very unhappy
installation.
 
Pegasus said:
If you installed Windows on drive D: then unfortunately it will
have to stay on drive D:. While it is possible to swap the drive
letters in the registry, you would end up with a very unhappy
installation.
Click to expand...

Could I have replaced 'ntoskrnll.exe' instead of re-installing Win2000?
 
Could I have replaced 'ntoskrnll.exe' instead of re-installing Win2000?
Click to expand...
Probably not, but you might have been able to edit boot.ini . That
file tells the loader where to find ntoskrnll.exe (the operating
system program). You would simply change the partition from 1 to 2. In
fact if you have not wiped your D:, you can still try it. Here's what
to do:

Format a floppy on your system or at least one running Win2K.
Copy ntdetect.com, ntldr, and boot.ini from your C: to the floppy.
On a:, right-click properties and set these files to be writeable,
non-system, visible.
Edit the boot.ini on the floppy to allow booting from D: (Disk 2). You
can add this line rather than changing the existing selection for C: .
With your floppy in the drive, reboot.
Follow your nose.
 
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