You can edit the boot.ini file either by using Bootcfg (bootcfg.exe), a tool included in Windows XP and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 or by using a text editor such as Notepad.

You can also view and change some boot options in the Startup and Recovery dialog box on the Advanced tab in System in Control Panel. Because this functionality is limited, it is not discussed in this section. For information about the Startup and Recovery dialog box, see Help and Support Center.

1. Bootcfg
   Bootcfg is a command-line tool that edits boot options on local and remote computers. Using the same Bootcfg commands and procedures, you can edit the boot.ini file on an x86-based computer or the boot options in non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) on a Itanium-based computer. Bootcfg is included in the %Systemroot%\System32 directory in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. You can use Bootcfg to add, delete, and change all boot entry parameters and Boot Loader options, except that you cannot use it to set an indefinite boot timeout value. You can also use Bootcfg commands in a script or batch file to set boot options or to reset them after you replace or upgrade an operating system. Unlike manual editing, Bootcfg edits boot options without changing the protective attributes on the boot.ini file. It also helps you to avoid typing errors that might prevent the operating system from starting. You must be a member of the Administrators group on the computer to use Bootcfg. For detailed instructions on using Bootcfg, see Help and Support Center.
2. Editing in Notepad
   You can edit the boot.ini file by using a text editor, such as Notepad. Before editing the boot.ini file, you must remove the file attributes that Windows uses to protect the file from inadvertent changes. When the boot.ini file is on an NTFS drive, you must be a member of the Administrators group on the computer to change its attributes. Use the following procedure to prepare the boot.ini file for manual editing. To configure the boot.ini file attributes for editing Open a command window and navigate to the root of the boot directory.
   Type the following text at the command line.
   attrib -s -h -r boot.ini This procedure removes the system, hidden, and read-only attributes of the file. When your editing is complete, you can restore the file attributes to protect the boot.ini file. However, Ntldr can use the boot.ini file with any attribute set.
   Use the following command to restore the attributes. attrib +s +h +r boot.ini

Built on Friday, April 11, 2003