Alternative methods to change OS boot on Dual Boot.

[Dogway]

I have XP set as default OS, the problem is that I want to boot to 7 when using the PC as a HTPC, but when I do so the only HID device I have available is a XBOX360 Joystick, which I tested and doesn't work on the boot menu.

So I'm trying to find a way to solve this. What devices apart of keyboards work on boot menus? Do those infrared controllers work?

Another option is to edit the boot loader (7's boot loader) to default to boot to 7 (from XP if that's possible) every time I want to do this, but I don't think it's a so nice idea to write to the MBR so frequently.

[jaclaz]

Another option is to edit the boot loader (7's boot loader) to default to boot to 7 (from XP if that's possible) every time I want to do this, but I don't think it's a so nice idea to write to the MBR so frequently.

Well, if it helps you , the boot loader (7's boot loader) does not reside in the MBR.

jaclaz

[Dogway]

Then it should be safe (?), at least if I can change boot priority from XP.

Edited February 25, 2014 by Dogway

[submix8c]

Under Windows 7, BCDEDIT (google that) or (alternative) EasyBCD.

HTH

[Dogway]

Yes I use EasyBCD over Win7, but much better if I find one for XP. Or maybe just buy something that works on the boot menu.

Edited February 25, 2014 by Dogway

[cdob]

if I find one for XP.

Bcdedit.exe works both at XP and Windows 7.

So does BOOTICE

http://bbs.ipauly.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2&sid=ebc27aec23a8eb21006e07ab6f3b01cb

[Dogway]

Great! I might just use that.

Now that I'm here, to clear the other question, what type of device do I need to operate on POST, boot menu, etc?

Keyboard, mouse, joystick, pen tablet, remote controller, they are all HIDs, but AFAIK only keyboards work, why is this?

[cdob]

AFAIK only keyboards work, why is this?

The BIOS suuports keyboard device like devices only.

A UEFI firmware supports a mouse too.

[Dogway]

And what makes keyboards different to other devices? (so I know what to look at)

[Kelsenellenelvian]

Drivers, it's all down to what the bios supports.

Drives, keyboard that's about it.

Basic initialization support for video cards

Edited February 25, 2014 by Kelsenellenelvian

[Dogway]

and what's considered a keyboard?

why a remote controller cannot be passed as a keyboard, because technically it's a board with keys...

Do I always need a half meter keyboard to manage on BIOS, boot menus, etc?

[Kelsenellenelvian]

That's how it's always been done. New graphical uefi bios have mouse support.

Older systems only check for the presence of keyboards the mouse isn't even working until the very first windows start routines.

[Kelsenellenelvian]

Yes it's a board with keys but not keys that say a,b,c 1010110 so on....

They say 1=3,+\- all sorts of wierd sh*t the bios can't understand

[Dogway]

Yes, but my question is still the same, what makes technically a keyboard a keyboard and a mouse a mouse.

Just in case I am going to search for a working device I know what to look for.

[Kelsenellenelvian]

Yes it's a board with keys but not keys that say a,b,c 1010110 so on....

They say 1=3,+\- all sorts of wierd sh*t the bios can't understand