What happened to the "boot.ini" file? 2

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I've just noticed that all the XP computers here are now missing the boot.ini file!!!

Has a recent XP update removed, hidden or changed it or ???

[Cheers]

 

[linney]

The boot.ini is a hidden and a system file, usually with read only attributes, located in the root of (usually) C: drive. To access it you need to show both hidden an system files via Folder Options/ View.

 

[Freestone]

You can also access it via instructions here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/289022/

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Thanks guys ... I am familiar with the hidden system files and its read only attribute. All of the PCs I administer have the "hidden" files showing with the admin account that I use on each. I have opened and modified the boot.ini file many times.

The thing is, the boot.ini file used to be available in the root of the c:\ drive, but now it isn't. I can access it easy enough via the Startup and Recovery section in the advanced properties of My Computer, but just wanted to know if anyone knew how, why & when it was removed.

My home PC has it still available in the root, but the XP PCs at work do not. All the machines start & run fine. Strange.

[Cheers]

 

[Freestone]

I moved my boot.ini from C:\ to another folder then tried to access it via the Startup and Recovery section in the Advanced properties of My Computer and received an informational message saying:

"The C:\boot.ini file can not be opened. Operating System and Timeout settings can not be changed."

So if you can access boot.ini by the same means without the message, I venture to say the file is present in c:\.

Start, Run..., Cmd then dir c:\ /ah

does it show up in the list?

 

[linney]

Just clarify that you are showing both Hidden, and System files, there are two check boxes to adjust.

What does it say in Disk Management about which drive is the System drive? That is where Boot.ini lives.

Is something like the following occurring at work?

Remote Network Boot via PXE

http://www.kegel.com/linux/pxe.html

Are there any type of other Boot Managers involved?

 

[bcastner]

Use Search.
Be sure to set Advanced Options for hidden and system files, and System folders.


____________________________
Users Helping Users

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

OK ... the Hide protected operating system files option had been reset. I don't know how it was changed, but it was.
I'll know better to check that first next time.

Thanks again to all.

[Cheers]

 

[allteltec]

Start run "CMD"
cd\
attrib boot.ini
It should show as "A SHR C:\boot.ini"
System, Hidden and read only.