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Resolved Question

XP installed but on boot asks to load Vista (not installed)

Dec 19, 2012 3:44AM PST

I currently use a Dell Optiplex 960 which runs windows XP. This is the only operating system that has been installed on it. I recently tried to delete some files, but I found it would require me to start up my computer in Safe Mode first to delete them. However, upon pressing F8 to pull up the option to startup in safe mode, I only get two options: Load Windows Vista (which has never been installed on my system), or run the memory test. When I select the windows vista option, my computer boots up as normal in XP. When I choose the memory test option, I get a message which states that there is some sort of error with a file called "\boot\memtest.exe" with the following status: "0x000000e".
Why is my computer telling me I have Vista installed? And how can I fix it? How can I make it possible for me to bootup in Safe mode again? And how can i fix the memory test issue? Any help would be appreciated. If more details are required, please let me know. Thanks.

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adtsolutions has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

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Problem Solved
Dec 19, 2012 11:53PM PST
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Answer
Why fix it?
Dec 19, 2012 4:41AM PST

Keep in mind that one wrong move and it might not boot. Once you are ready to dive into this (you have a backup and a backup) you can try EASYBCD to see if it's in the BCD since Vista would use that. If not, google BOOT.INI and look in that file.
Bob