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Bootcfg Command Usage

Last reviewed: March 2004


The Bootcfg command manipulates the Boot.ini file.
    Bootcfg commands include:
  • Bootcfg /default
  • Bootcfg /add
  • Bootcfg /rebuild
  • Bootcfg /scan
  • Bootcfg /list
  • Bootcfg /redirect
Boot.ini can also be modified from Windows GUI.

After using /rebuild when a Win9x is involved,
you may need to add the line
C:\="Microsoft Windows 9x"
to the [operating systems] section of Boot.ini.

The information supplied below was copied from Microsoft's
Knowledge Base Article - Q291980


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A Discussion About the Bootcfg Command and Its Uses

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional

SUMMARY

This article discusses the bootcfg command and its uses.

MORE INFORMATION

The bootcfg command is a Microsoft Windows XP Recovery Console command that manipulates the Boot.ini file. This command has a function that can scan your hard disks for Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft Windows 2000, and Windows XP installations, and then add them to an existing Boot.ini file or rebuild a new Boot.ini file, if one does not exist. The bootcfg command enables additional Boot.ini file parameters to be added to existing or new entries.

To use the bootcfg command, start the Recovery Console with the Windows XP CD-ROM, and then click Recovery Console. Or, install the Recovery Console locally, and then select the command from the Boot menu.

The bootcfg command and its uses:
  • The bootcfg /default command sets the default operating system option in the Boot menu (the command selects the operating system entry automatically).
     
  • The bootcfg /add command scans the computer for Windows NT, Windows 2000, or Windows XP (if dual booting) installations, and then displays the results. From this location you can add an installation to the Boot menu.

    An example of the message that may be displayed:
      Scanning all disks for Windows Installations
      Please wait, since this may take a while...

      Total Identified Windows Installs: 2

      [1] C:\Windows
      [2] D:\Windows

      Select installation to add: (select a number)

      Enter Load Identifier: (Custom description for an operating system loading from the Boot menu)
      Enter Operating System Load Options: (that is: /fastdetect)
    This process adds a new entry into the Boot menu. When you add an installation, the bootcfg command also makes the installation the default operating system boot entry.
     
  • The bootcfg /rebuild command scans the hard disks of the computer for Windows NT, Windows 2000, or Windows XP installations, and then displays the results. You can add the detected Windows installations.


    • An example of the message that may be displayed:
      Total Identified Windows Installs: 2

      [1] C:\Windows
      Add installation to boot list? (Yes/No/All):
      Enter Load Identifier: (Custom description for an operating system loading from the Boot menu)
      Enter Operating System Load Options: (that is: /fastdetect)

      [2] D:\Windows
      Add installation to boot list? (Yes/No/All):
      Enter Load Identifier: (Custom description for an operating system loading from the Boot menu)
      Enter Operating System Load Options: (that is: /fastdetect)

     
  • The bootcfg /scan command scans the hard disks of the computer for Windows NT, Windows 2000 or Windows XP installations, and then displays the results.

    An example of the message that may be displayed:
      • Scanning all disks for Windows Installations
      Please wait, since this may take a while...

      Total Identified Windows Installs: 2

      [1] C:\Windows
      [2] D:\Windows


       
  • The bootcfg /list command reads the Boot.ini file, and then displays the operating system identifier, the operating system load options, and the operating system location (path).
    • An example of the message that may be displayed:
      Total entries in boot list: 2

      [1] Microsoft Windows Whistler Professional
      Operating System Load Options: /fastdetect
      Operating System Location: D:\Windows

      [2] Microsoft Windows Whistler Server
      Operating System Load Options: /fastdetect
      Operating System Location: C:\Windows
       
  • The bootcfg /redirect command enables redirection in the boot loader with the configuration specified as port and baudrate. This command is used to enable the Headless Administration feature.

    An example of this command:

    bootcfg /redirect com1 115200
    bootcfg /redirect useBiosSettings
  • The bootcfg /disableredirect command disables redirection in the boot loader with the configuration specified as port and baudrate. This command is used to disable the Headless Administration feature.

EDIT BOOT.INI

You can also modify the Boot.ini file in the Windows XP graphical user interface (GUI):
    1. In Control Panel, double-click System.
    2. On the Advanced tab, click Startup and Recovery, and then click Settings.
    3. Under System Startup, click Edit.
    4. You must save your changes, and then click OK to leave the Startup and Recovery window before the changes to the Boot.ini file are seen.
    5. Click Start, click Run, and then type: msconfig to start the System Configuration utility.
    6. Click the Boot.ini tab.



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