.bat file to change boot.ini, timeout to 0

When I change Msconfig and restart, boot.ini timeout is changed from 0 to 3. Is there a way to put something in a .bat file that runs at startup to change boot.ini timeout back to 0.

 

Is three seconds that important?

I could throw something together for you but it'd be risky and not worth the gamble IMHO.

Perhaps we should ask Why is MSCONFIG adding this delay, and why are you using it (MSCONFIG) anyway? Usually it's better to solve the problem rather than the side effects.

Copies of your boot.ini before and after would be helpful.

 

Some programs put a check in msconfig, startup. The only way I find to stop that is in msconfig. The startups are not in services, or in the program. My boot .ini timeout=0, is changed by msconfig, to timeout=3. Nothing fatal there, but a pain in the neck for me.

 

Yes, you can do that but it wouldn't affect the first boot since it wouldn't run until you had already been paused. If that's acceptable, post back and I'll continue.

 

I'll leave you in Surferdude's capable hands but messing with boot.ini just to save 3 seconds is still dodgy in my opinion.

You're far better editing by hand, you shouldn't be using MSCONFIG that often.

 

I'm getting the supper call here so 'll pass along the instructions and check back later in case you need further. This will keep it simple and safe:

All you need to do is open your existing boot.ini file and save it under a different name, boot.xyz for example. Be sure it's saved to the root of your C: drive. Then open notepad and type:

copy C:\boot.xyz C:\boot.ini

Save that line to a file name of your choice but use the .bat extension, such as BOOT.BAT. Put that on the root of your C: then right click it and create a shortcut. Click that shortcut and select CUT. Then go to Start > Run and type:
"%userprofile%\start menu\programs\startup " and click OK. When the startup folder opens right click in it and select paste. The shortcut will appear in the field. It will run upon startup and return your boot.ini file to its original version.

 

@Surferdude2

Let's just hope wahlroot doesn't change to a multiboot system in the future

A small exe which only removes the timeout would be better rather than restoring a previous boot.ini which may become invalid.

 

Yes, there are possible pitfalls to modifying the startup process and one must be careful to not get locked out. That's not tragic but just a little inconvenient.

I always keep a "Quick Boot" CD and floppy to direct the process if/when necessary. I also keep a NTFS (editbini.exe) editing floppy and CD to complete the 2 belts, 2 suspenders, and 2 pieces of rope backup method.

However, without a good safety net, it's not advisable to take chances. I no doubt go overboard in both areas.

 

Surferdude2! I have a .bat file that runs at startup to do other things, so I put what was said in it, and it did not work.

 

Be sure you remove the "Read Only" attribute from your present boot.ini file.

 

Boot.ini is never Read Only.

 

Actually it's also set to "Hidden" by default. Change that and test.

The COPY command cannot see hidden files nor can it write to read only files.

I checked with MS, they say the boot.ini file is a HIDDEN, READ-ONLY, SYSTEM file.

 

I have hidden files shown at all times. If boot.ini is Read-only, msconfig can still change it to timeout=3. I cannot change it without changing out of Read-only to go back to timeout=0. So I leave it out of Read-only. OK surferdude2. Thanks for your help. Appears that I am stuck again by MS. I did make a .bat file to get rid of the notice that appears at restart after making changes to msconfig. I make a lot of changes with that .bat file at startup. Mostly delete junk. It not only saves time, but I do not have to sit and watch it startup.

 

That's not the same thing as removing the HIDDEN attribute on a file. The COPY command won't see hidden files even though you are set to view them in Windows Explorer. That's two different things altogether.

 

@surferdude2

Perhaps it's best to leave batch editing of boot.ini alone?

@wahlroot

Have you looked at petec's suggestions earlier?

You've already mentioned you don't need to watch start up, again I'll ask is 3 seconds that important? I'll happily throw together an exe file for you that can be run in a batch file but is it really worth it?

 

No lets leave well enough alone. I will go on as before.

 

I expect that's true. If you can't cut the mustard, you'd best leave the lid on the jar and leave the genie alone.

 

it is system file, can't replace, must use attrib:

.bat 1 code (time out 0 -> 3):

Code:

attrib -r -h -s boot.ini
ren boot.ini boot.backup
copy X\boot.ini c:                        note:(X: path of file boot.ini (new))
attrib +r +h +s c:\boot.ini

note: you can use file boot.ini here:

Code:

[boot loader]
[B]timeout=3[/B]
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS= "Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect

.bat 2 code (time out 3 -> 0):

Code:

attrib -r -h -s c:\boot.ini
del boot.ini
ren c:\boot.backup boot.ini
attrib +r +h +s c:\boot.ini

I am not good at english, maybe I help you ??

good luck !!

 

If you ask me it's much ado about 3 seconds.