Article ID: 326683 - Last Review: June 9, 2005 - Revision: 2.2

The system partition may be assigned a drive letter other than the one that you expect when you install Windows XP

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This article was previously published under Q326683

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SYMPTOMS

When you install or upgrade to Microsoft Windows XP, the system partition may be assigned a drive letter other than the one that you expect. For example, the system partition may be assigned a drive letter other than C.

The system partition contains the Ntldr, Boot.ini, and Ntdetect.com files.

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CAUSE

This problem may occur if a Zip drive is connected to the computer when you install Windows XP. The problem occurs when the computer detects the Zip drive as a hard disk.

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RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, disconnect the Zip drive from the computer. Then, reinstall Windows XP.

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STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

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MORE INFORMATION

For more information about system partitions and boot partitions, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

314470 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314470/ ) Definition of system partition and boot partition

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