How to Change Boot Order on the Boot Screen

The boot.ini file is used to create a boot menu at the start of your Windows system. If you have a dual boot system, several operating systems are listed. You can choose the order in which these operating system choices are shown. The boot.ini file is a plain text file, so you can edit it without any special software. The order that the operating systems are listed is determined by the list's order. Changing this order edits the way the operating systems are displayed when you start the machine.

Instructions

1. Double-click the "My Computer" icon on the desktop. For Windows Vista and 7, the icon is listed as "Computer." Click the "Tools" menu item and then select "Folder Options." Click the "View" tab.

2. Check the box labeled "Show Hidden Files and Folders" and then remove the check mark labeled "Hide Protected Operating System Files (Recommended)." This allows you to see the boot.ini file in the root directory.

3. Double-click the "C" drive icon on the computer. Scroll down to the boot.ini file. Right-click it and select "Edit With." Select "Notepad" from the list of program options.

4. Reorder the list of operating systems displayed in the "[Operating Systems]" section. Make sure you copy and paste the entire information listed with the operating system, including the location for the operating system partition.

5. Save the boot.ini file and reboot the machine. The operating systems listed are in the order in which you set them.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you make a copy of the boot.ini file before editing it.

References

• Microsoft: How to Edit the Boot.ini File in Windows XP