Deleting an XP partition from Vista... having problems.

[Richdog]

Basically I have a single HD split into C:\ for Vista and D:\ for XP so I can dual-boot. I now want shot of the XP partition as I no longer use it but i'm having real difficulty removing it as everything I try tells me that it can't delete it because it contains a system partition of pagefile. This is via the cmd line methods, computer management\disk management methods etc. The D:\XP is marked only as "System" and "Primary Partition" in Disk management as I changed the active to the C:\.

Is my only option booting into DOS with a disk and formatting the partition that way to clear it?

EDIT - Noooooo just read the following: http://www.windowshelp.microsoft.co...3ccec49c-2c67-4ff7-b672-ea1d32977aa81033.mspx

Deleting the partition that contains the original operating system on a multiboot system could render your system inoperable. That partition contains system files that your computer's basic input/output system (BIOS) relies on to start your computer, regardless of which operating system you want to use.

You can still access files stored on the Windows XP partition, as well as any free space, from within Windows Vista, so the free space on the Windows XP partition is not lost. You can create shortcuts to both new and existing folders on the Windows XP partition to make accessing the storage space there more convenient. For more information, see Shortcuts: frequently asked questions.

If you want to permanently remove Windows XP from your computer, consider performing a clean installation of Windows Vista. Restart your computer using the Windows Vista installation disc (this is commonly known as booting from the installation disc). During the Setup process, you can repartition and reformat your hard disk and then reinstall Windows. The process will erase your files and programs, so be sure to make backups of your data and have your program installation discs or files saved before you begin. For more information, search Windows Help and Support for "installing and reinstalling Windows."

****!

 

[Richdog]

Aghhhh i've made a schoolboy error of epic proportions...

I changed the active partition from the D: XP partition to the C: Vista partition completely forgetting that Vista needs this to boot the PC... whether I want to use XP or not, due to the way in which Vistas replacement for the boot.ini (BCD) works. My system is now hanging on boot before it gets to the stage where I can choose operating systems.

How can rescue myself and change it back to how it was, or am I now essentially screwed?

EDIT - think I may have found a fix, not sure... http://techrepublic.com.com/5208-6230-0.html?forumID=102&threadID=210954&messageID=2198938