Editing the BCD is a simple process with VistaBootPro. You can install and use it from Windows XP or Vista, and also Longhorn Server, Server 2003 and Windows 2000 Pro and Server. Among the many useful things it offers is the ability to disable and later re-enable the BCD. Although it doesn't actually delete the Boot folder, it does eliminate the problem I described above. The only hitch is that you have to do this after you delete Vista and before you restart your computer. Change the order, and even VistaBootPro can't help you. So, wouldn't it be nice if VistaBootPro came with its own boot disc? A 2.0 version of VistaBootPro is due out shortly. We'll see what new features it offers. But every Vista beta tester should have this tool. And it's currently free. VistaBootPro is a Scot's Newsletter "Program of the Month."

Microsoft is also in the process of making changes to BCD and bcedit.exe, although it's not clear what changes it's making. For more information from Microsoft about BCD, see this FAQ (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/library/85cd5efe-c349-427c-b035-c2719d4af778.mspx).

One key point to remember is that your Windows XP boot.ini file must remain in place as long as XP remains on your system. It controls XP's boot, while BCD controls Vista's boot. Editing the boot.ini file will have no effect on Vista, but it does affect the way XP boots, even with Vista installed.

Installing Vista in a virtual machine

If you've never tried a modern virtualization utility, you're in for a treat. Nowadays, such utilities are very easy to use. They don't require gobs of RAM or disk space. And as long as they support ACPI (the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface), they more than likely offer the ability to let you install and run Windows Vista Beta 2 in a virtual machine running from Windows XP.