Interlopers Boot Camp Configuration

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Configuration File Information

The CONFIG.SYS file exists on all systems prior to Windows 95^*. Problems usually occur when changes are made during the installation of new software or accidental file deletion.

To go to configuration information relating to your system click on one of the following:

^*Windows 95 doesn't use one because it is a Plug and Play operating system.
Note: You will find a CONFIG.DOS file, on Windows 95 systems, which is used when you go to a DOS Prompt.

Configuration File Lock Up

If your computer locks up on re-boot, you have a couple of ways to get past this to restore your system files. These procedures apply whether you are using DOS or Windows.

You can insert a BOOTABLE floppy disk, and re-boot your computer.
BOOTABLE means the disk has to have the 3 DOS operating system file (COMMAND.COM and 2 Hidden Files: IO.SYS and MSDOS.SYS).
To create a bootable disk, insert a blank floppy and type this command:
FORMAT A: /S
When you get to the 'A:\' prompt, you can follow the instructions to restore your system files, and then re-boot.
DOS since version 5.0, allow you to press the 'F5' key when you see
'Starting MS-DOS...' or 'Starting Windows...'
This will bypass your start-up files and take you to a 'C:\' prompt.
Now you can restore your system files, and re-boot.
As a last resort, try holding down any key during the startup process. The system should stop, indicate a keyboard error, and offer some options.

To restore all your Windows system files see here.

MS-DOS Configuration File Information

Here is a typical MS-DOS CONFIG.SYS file:

DEVICE=C:\DOS\SETVER.EXE
DEVICE=C:\DOS\HIMEM.SYS
DEVICE=C:\DOS\EMM386.SYS X=C000-CFFF I=B000-B777 D:64
DOS=HIGH,UMB
BUFFERS=20
FILES=99
REM ---This line is reserved for your cdrom driver--
DEVICE=C:\CDROM\MANF.SYS /D:MSCD0001 /M:30

SUGGESTION: Make a copy of the AUTOEXEC.BAT and the CONFIG.SYS file before you install new software.

In DOS, the simplest way is to use a command like this:

COPY AUTOEXEC.BAT AUTOEXEC.OLD [Enter].

and

COPY CONFIG.SYS CONFIG.OLD [Enter].

If your system has problems after installing the new software, you can compare the changes made to these file in any text editor for possible conflicts.

Or you can restore your system to it's original condition simply by reversing the steps above, over-writing the changes made by the installation.

COPY AUTOEXEC.OLD AUTOEXEC.BAT [Enter].

and

COPY CONFIG.OLD CONFIG.SYS [Enter].

Note: Your new software may not work properly once you do this.

Windows 3.?? Configuration File Information

Here is a typical Windows 3.?? CONFIG.SYS file:

DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\HIMEM.SYS
DEVICE=C:\DOS\SETVER.EXE
DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\EMM386.SYS X=C000-CFFF I=B000-B777
DOS=HIGH,UMB
BUFFERS=20
FILES=99
REM ---This line is reserved for your cdrom driver--
DEVICE=C:\CDROM\MANF.SYS /D:MSCD0001 /M:30
DEVICE=C:\WINDOWS\IFSHLP.SYS

SUGGESTION: Make a copy of all your system files, on a floppy disk, in case of a major problem. Copy these files:

AUTOEXEC.BAT
CONFIG.SYS
WIN.INI
SYSTEM.INI
CONTROL.INI

The last 3 files are located in your WINDOWS directory.

In Windows, go to File Manager, locate the files, highlight them, then copy all of them to a fresh floppy disk. You do not need to change their names.

To restore them, install the floppy containing your copies, copy the first 2 to the 'C:\' directory, and the last 3 to your 'Windows' directory.

Note: Any changes made, since you made these copies, will be removed. This why it is a good idea to refresh these backup copies, after the installation of new software.

The same as with DOS, it's a good idea to copy these files to a floppy before you install new software. Most well written installation programs will backup these files as a courtesy, but why take a chance?!!

The Bottom Line On Configuration File Information

Before you do anything else:

Make copies of your system files

Once you have copies, you can restore your system in the event of an accidental deletion, or a crashed installation. It will give you some peace of mind in this chaotic world of computers.

For more information, look at my other pages below, or flip through my Tips & Tricks Page.

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