Quickly edit the Boot.ini file in Windows XP

by Greg Shultz | May 11, 2005 2:23:00 PM

Tags: Microsoft Windows, Greg Shultz, Boot.ini, Boot.ini file, Microsoft Windows XP, Windows XP Tips Newsletter

Takeaway: If you need to make changes to the way your systems starts up, you'll have to edit the Boot.ini file in Windows XP. Find out how to make this process easier by utilizing the Boot.ini tab in the System Configuration Utility.

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Have you ever needed to edit the Boot.ini file in order to make changes to the way your system starts up? If so, you know the drill. Show Hidden files, locate the Boot.ini file, disable the Read-only attribute, load the file into Notepad, make your alterations, and then re-enable the Read-only attribute.

However, there's an easier way in Windows XP. The System Configuration Utility includes a Boot.ini tab that offers a GUI way to add and remove entries to your boot.ini. Here's how to utilize the Boot.ini tab:

1. Access the Run command and type Msconfig.exe in the text box and click OK.
2. Select the Boot.ini tab.

Now you can now make any of the most common alterations to the Boot.ini file simply by clicking buttons and selecting check boxes or radio buttons. When you're done, just click Apply or OK. When you click OK, the System Configuration Utility displays a dialog box and prompts you to restart the computer in order for the changes to take effect.

Print/View all Posts Comments on this article

Lack of clarityfdcampbell@...  | 05/12/05

msconfigj.lupo@...  | 05/12/05

FWIW -Todd@...  | 05/12/05

Very short articledlw6  | 05/12/05

Thank you!!!!Jonathanty  | 02/23/07

Cannot edit file from msconfigBR-549  | 05/12/05

Editing Boot.inijshotsky@...  | 05/12/05

This is only a Tip...Greg Shultz  | 05/12/05

IT Pro or not....wescrook  | 05/12/05

you are quite right, it is usefull to know for profi tooLukCAD  | 05/12/05

What happend to the newsletters?matt_o  | 05/13/05

Those who know how to edit Boot.ini, know how to access it too.deepsand  | 05/19/05

Come on, be fairBob.Roy  | 05/13/05

NOTICE: Lack Of InformationTraders Net  | 05/12/05

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Boot.INI Explainedjorge@...  | 05/19/05

Exactlyj.lupo@...  | 05/12/05

It is all that easy!lachandler2000@...  | 05/12/05

Edit Boot.ini?john.thierry  | 05/12/05

HUH?braindude8373@...  | 05/12/05

or....Garret`  | 05/12/05

Duh!tl.eckels@...  | 05/12/05

This is only a Tip...Greg Shultz  | 05/12/05

Lighten up guys.........Databit  | 05/12/05

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