Using the BOOTEDIT utility (provided with MBA) ensures correct syntax,
offers search/sort capabilities, and other helpful features. BOOTEDIT must
be used when loading the optional MSD NLM.
Using an ASCII editor (such as the MS-DOS editor, EDIT). This is
recommended only in emergencies, or when BOOTCONF.SYS contains only
a few entries. Avoid using EDIT when MSD is being used, because
BOOTCONF.SYS must be sorted.
Editing BOOTCONF.SYS using BOOTEDIT
BOOTEDIT is the BOOTCONF.SYS editor supplied with MBA. This editor hides all
BOOTCONF.SYS syntax requirements and offers helpful features such as
searching, sorting, undo, automatic address insertion, and more. BOOTEDIT
conforms to the extended BOOTCONF.SYS syntax requirements of the MSD NLM
options supported by MBA.
BOOTEDIT has the following syntax:
Usage: bootedit [servername] [/mono]
If the file server name is omitted, the current file server is used. BOOTEDIT
automatically detects monochrome screen modes, but this mode may be forced
with the “/mono” parameter. BOOTEDIT uses the full height of a screen or window
(that is, 43 rows); the minimum required size is 80x25 characters.
When BOOTEDIT loads BOOTCONF.SYS, any errors detected in the data format
are displayed and BOOTEDIT will not enter the edit mode. If any PC entries with
comments over 40 characters long are found, a warning is displayed.
BOOTEDIT has a capacity of approximately 3,000 records, depending on the
amount of free conventional memory.
For further information on using BOOTEDIT, refer to online help information by
pressing F1 from within BOOTEDIT.
Editing BOOTCONF.SYS Using an ASCII Editor
Each line of BOOTCONF.SYS should be entered using the following format:
0x[network],[node]=[image file name]
where if the network number is 1, the node address is 00A024D6055F, and the
boot image filename is WRKSTN2.SYS, then the appropriate syntax is:
0x1,00a024d6055f=wrkstn2.sys
N
N
O
O
T
T
E
E
:
:
The first character of a BOOTCONF.SYS entry is a ZERO (not
the letter O). Although most node addresses are 12 digits long,
you do not need to include the leading zeros.
To avoid confusion and problems related to network numbers, you should enter
wild cards for the network number followed by the node address which can be
obtained from the NIC. To use wildcards insert eight question marks (?) instead of
the network numbers as follows:
0x????????,[node]=[image file name]
Entries in this format must be generated for each PC that needs a boot file other
than the default NET$DOS.SYS.
Wild cards can also be used for the node address. This allows several workstations
to use the same image file. A common use of wildcards in the node address is to
use question marks for the last 6 characters of the address. This will allow all NICs
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