Boot files tell the computer what to do when it starts, loads cd/dvd or usb device drivers for access to those devices in DOS.
Note # 1: At the time this
article was written DOS was a viable option for working on your computer.
However since the floppy drive is no longer being supported by computer
manufactures you will need to use a virtual floppy to create the media needed
to complete your task of creating a boot USB device instead of the floppy.
To use these examples copy and paste to Notepad. Do not use Word or any other
word processing program, the file will not work. Also see the note at the bottom
of the page on device drivers.
You will have to find the appropriate driver for
your usb or cd/dvd rom drive, I can not supply all the drivers out there because
there a literally millions!
You will also need to find these two files, from your hard drive or search Microsoft for the names:
HIMEM.SYS MSCDEX.EXE
Add the driver files to the floppy with those above.
Where I have put the XXXXX.XXX
is where you paste your driver name, be sure to copy the actual driver file to
the floppy, do not create any folders (or directories) on the floppy, it will
cause a boot time error if the drivers are in a separate folder (or directory).
When you find your drivers there should
be a text file called readme or something similar, check for the line that reads
DEVICE=A:\XXXXX.XXX
/D:IDECD001, you are looking for the part that reads: /D:xxxxxxxx that will be
the drive parameter for MSCDEX.EXE to find the driver when it loads, copy the
line and past it after the /D: in both the autoexec.bat and config.sys. Save
both files and then copy them with the other files to the floppy. Test the
floppy, when you start the system you should be at the a: prompt, it will look
like this: a black screen with a A:\ Next you need to test the drivers and
insure you can access the cd/dvd or usb drive. The drive will be E: for the
cd/dvd or the usb drive, type D: at the prompt, press enter. Do you have E:\ or
an error? If you have a E:\ then
you are done. Congratulations!
If on the other hand you
have an error you need to look at the syntax (how the command is formed) for the
cd/dvd or usb driver in both autoexec.bat and config.sys files to insure they
are correctly typed.
Now you have access to the computer without going into the installed OS. This
opens a new set of opportunities for you.
This site contains a lot of information. As
with any publication not all information is available due to space, time, or
subject constraints.
If you have a question that you did not find the answer
on this web site you a can
ask your question here and we will endeavor to get you the most up to date
answer possible!
