Some users need several versions of computer operating systems to work. Switching between them in the standard version is carried out during reboot. But the PC is configured in such a way that the time for choosing an OS to run is strictly limited. If the user does not have time on time, then the default system will turn on.
Foot.ini File
On Windows XP boot ini, it is responsible for loading procedures. This is a system file located in the title directory. The document has an attribute of secrecy, so just do not open it from the conductor. It spells out all the OS available for entry. From there, you can change their order, default option, as well as waiting time.
File Access Options
There are many file access options, including indirect ones. The article will examine four simple ways that will work anyway, regardless of the XP version.
Option 1: System Properties
This method is considered the most popular. Go to category “My computer” Explorer. Hover over the free area and click PCM. Open the properties of the folder.
There you need a section “Additionally”. Press the last (third button above) “Parameters”.
Now choose “Truth”. In this case, boot ini will open in a standard text editor. You can make any changes to it, but do not forget to then go out with saving.
Option 2: Run Window
Dialog box “Follow out” designed to access a large number of Windows components. It starts from the menu “Start” or by pressing Win + R at the same time. Insert request in text box msconfig and confirm it.
The system settings window opens. There, select the BOOT.INI section and proceed to make changes.
Option 3: Window’s Explorer
As already mentioned at the beginning of the article, physically boot.ini is located in the title catalog of a logic disc with Windows. It is masked not only by the attribute of secrecy, but also by systemic protection. This is done to close access to it by unprepared users who can make incorrect changes. But now we will consider the option of opening a document through the Windows Explorer. Open the section with the system (usually the local disk (C :)). On the browser toolbar, click on the item “Service”. There, choose “Folder Properties …” and go straight to the tab “View”. Scroll through the list to the bottom. Activate last item “Show hidden …” and uncheck “Hide the protected …”, then click “Ok”.
The result of the described actions will be the appearance of many elements that look more transparent than usual. Among them you will find the right document. Double-click on it and start editing.
Important: when all actions are completed, it is advisable to turn on the hiding of system elements again. This will increase computer protection against viral threats.
Option 4: Command Line
Editing at Win XP boot ini is also possible using the command line. In this case, you don’t have to open the document yourself, all actions are performed through the team bootcfg with the following posts:
- /timeout “digit” is the time that the user is given to activate self-selection.
- /add – activates the search for Windows versions present on the computer. When the procedure is completed, the user will be available to add them to the general list.
- /list – calls the contents of boot.ini for viewing. This is not available for editing.
Command line starts from the section “Standard” a complete list of Start items.
Content
Initially, only a few lines are indicated in the boot file.
The first after the opening indicates the time during which the user hangs the window for choosing the operating system. Then comes the standard operating system for loading. Further you can find the graph “[operating systems]”. She opens a list of all versions of Windows installed on the computer. Please note that four parameters are available for each element: partition, disk, multi and risk. There is another optional – scsi. They all serve to describe the recording of the system. Consider two of them in more detail:
- Partition is used to indicate the section of the physical disk on which the OS is located.
- The number of the hardest drive is recorded in risk.
The remaining parameters will interest only experienced users, since they are associated with different equipment options in BIOS. To change the OS by default when starting a PC, only the two mentioned ones are sufficient.@top-advice.ru
