cannot change boot.ini file

[Michael B]

The computer I was working on would not boot. I used the
xp recovery console (the one availble with the xp
installation disk) and restored the boot.int file. (I
probaly fixed other files too but I can't remember).
However in the repair process I thought I needed to use
the "bootcfg /rebuild" command. Well after running it and
realizing that wasn't necessary I ended up creating a boot
option that wasn't necessary. Well after fighting to get
rid of that one I now have a couple of unnecessary boot
options. Now I want to get rid of those options and I
tried accessing the boot.ini information on the "StartUp
and Recovery" window in the control panel. The problem is
that I keep getting the following message: "cannot change
boot.ini file....". I have searched the MS database and
could not find a help topic. Now I know it is not the most
important thing to fix but it delays my startup and I
would like to rememdy this.

 

[John]

You can also access it from the command prompt.
C:>edit boot.ini

 

[Michael B.]

Thanks for you help. But I keep running into the same
problem. I cannot get permission from XP to modify the
boot.ini file. Everytime I go to make a change it will not
save it. I am logged in as an administrator and I have
tried every setting (that I could find) to make file
modification possible but I still cannot not make the new
file save. Does anyone know how I can get that permission
from the OS?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

C:\Boot.ini is a hidden, protected system file at the root of your
C: drive. You need to set Windows Explorer to display such files. In
Windows Explorer, Tools > Folder Options > View, select "Show hidden
files and folders," and deselect "Hide protected operating system
files." Then right-click Boot.ini > Properties > deselect Read Only.

Alternatively, from a command prompt, type:

1) "ATTRIB C:\BOOT.INI -h -s -r"
2) "edit c:\boot.ini"
3) After saving the edited file, "ATTRIB C:\BOOT.INI +h +s +r"


Bruce Chambers

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