Unexpected Boot Menu after upgrading to Windows 8 & 8.1

I had a hard drive crash and had to install my o.s. again. I had to start with Windows XP SP1, SP2, and SP3, then install Windows 8. When I did this I got a menu that came up on booting that asked me if I wanted to boot to an earlier version of Windows. I Googled the way to remove the Windows.old folder created on my upgrading to Win 8 and followed the instructions (using the Disk Clean-up method). This did get rid of the Windows.old folder, but I am left with the Boot Menu. I don't want it as I only want to boot to Windows 8.1 (unless I decide to install some version of Linux). What does a guy have to do to get rid of this unwanted Boot Menu? I'd appreciate any help I could get. Thanks!

Hi,
go to:
Control Panel\System and Security\System

See following image for setup:



Make sure you select correct operating system from the list.

gittinsjr said:

I had a hard drive crash and had to install my o.s. again. I had to start with Windows XP SP1, SP2, and SP3, then install Windows 8.

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Next time when you do a clean installation.

How to download and clean install Windows 8.1 -> link

Note: This Windows 8.1 installation media accepts Windows 8/8.1 product keys, both OEM and retail (for example, "Windows 8 Pro $15/$40 Upgrade Offer" product key).

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earlier version of Windows

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That is how Windows 8.1 describes Windows XP.. Windows 8.1 does not upgrade XP.. But by installing XP first you install the XP ntldr boot manager..

Just download a create windows 8.1 setup media and do a clean install, as suggested above