Changing parameters of the ‘boot.ini’ file using the command prompt

Startup parameters for Windows can be determined via the ‘boot.ini’ file. Within that, you can define the OS that needs to be booted into by default. Here you can change the time limit, add an OS or delete one.

• To edit it, you do not need a text editor; you can simply use the command line.
• With the command line program ‘bootcfg.exe’, you can manage all important parameters of the ‘boot.ini’ file using simple text commands.
• Open it by going to ‘Start | Run...’, typing ‘cmd’ and clicking ‘OK’. The ‘bootcfg /?’ command gives further information about its usage and parameters.
• For example, if you want to add an operating system entry for further confi guration options, you can do it with the following command: bootcfg /copy /d designation /IDx. Here, ‘Designation’ stands for the official name of the operating system, e.g. ‘Windows XP Home Edition’, and ‘x’ for the start entry code in the ‘[operating systems]’ section of the ‘boot.ini’ file.
• The command bootcfg /delete / IDx deletes an operating system from the list of entries. Here, ‘x’ again describes the start entry code, thus, e.g. ‘2’ stands for the second listed operating system. Typing bootcfg /default /IDx allows you to determine the operating system used by default, which is even loaded automatically after a certain queue time.
• The time limit ‘x’ in seconds can be defi ned with the command bootcfg /timeoutx Note: To quickly check for changes made to the ‘boot.ini’ file, right click on ‘My Computer’ and select ‘Properties’. Now navigate to the ‘Advanced’ tab and click on ‘Settings’ under ‘Startup and Recovery’. Now click on ‘Edit’ under ‘System Startup’. You will be able to view the changes made to the ‘boot.ini’ file