I installed XP Pro.... sound, ethernet, and video cards not working. I INITIALLY thought installation went wrong I reinserted OS CD for repair option and ejected when I realized it was complete new install, tried it again, and quit a SECOND time. I used another machine to download drivers from Dell to fix the three cards. Now during start up I have 3 boot options, if I don't select option 1 within approx. 6 sec. machine will automatically try to boot to option 3. Options 2 & 3 will not work. How can I delete options 2 & 3?      Why not just format and start again? This time, immediately after getting into the OS do the following:

1) Install the chipset driver and reboot. Then install all other drivers
2) Install a GOOD anti virus utility
3) Download all Windows Updates EXCEPT for hardware / driver related updates
4) Make sure you have the latest service pack installed (SP3)I spend a good deal of time doing all on the list. all is up to date including anti-virus. I know that if I start all over I can eliminate the other two options but I was hoping to avoid if possible as I have already spent time installing other software.Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
On the Advanced tab, click Settings under Startup and Recovery.
Under System Startup, click Edit. This will open boot.ini FILE in Notepad.
Copy all content, and post it in your next reply.[Boot Loader]
Timeout=5
Default=C:\$WIN_NT$.~BT\BOOTSECT.DAT
[Operating Systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect /safeboot:minimal /basevideo /bootlog /noguiboot
C:\$WIN_NT$.~BT\BOOTSECT.DAT="Microsoft Windows XP Professional SETUP"
It LOOKS little bit strange.
Which option works for you?only option # 1This one?
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetectYes, should I delete everything after that on notepad?You have to edit that file.
Be very careful. Make sure, you don't make any mistake.

Delete last two lines.

This line:
Default=C:\$WIN_NT$.~BT\BOOTSECT.DAT
should read:
Default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS

So, you entire file should look like this:

[Boot Loader]
Timeout=5
Default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[Operating Systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetectI copied and pasted to avoid mistakes. I'm restating the machine after some automatic updates. I do appreciate your help. I'll post the result.OK....PERFECT!!!! THANKS A LOT! YOU SAVED ME SOME A LOT OF TIME AND TAUGHT ME SOMETHING.You're very welcome Keep in mind however you still have 2 botched Win installs on that system...not only taking up space.