uh, boot.ini doesn't exist?

After recouping from my latest crash, I thought it was high time to take some preventive measures. So, besides finally downloading a backup program, I thought I'd try to make a boot disk. I found the file in the FAQ threads about making an NTFS bootdisk, and followed the instructions.... but search couldn't find a boot.ini file. Yes, I searched in the hidden files and folders. I'm running XP home, SP2. I just got the computer running again after a crash (I had to system restore back about 2 months worth before the problem was fixed) (I still haven't uncrossed my toes yet, though... )

My question is this: is it normal for my computer not to have this file? Search managed to find a boot.ini.backup in C:windows/pss, however. Is this the file I'm looking for?

p.s. I found the other two files I need for the bootdisk just fine.
p.s.s. Any other preventive steps I should be taking? I've got AntiViral and Spyware removal covered, and as I mentioned, I've begun backing up some of my save files. I also picked up Bigfix off your site; it seemed like a good idea.

Thanx in advance for all your help

 

Your boot.ini file should be c:/boot.ini If it isn't there you need to make one and copy it to your hard drive. it probably needs to be this...

Make sure that your connection settings in IE are set to the connecton you need

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn

 

Cobra: Okaaaaaaaaaay...

Um, how can I get/make a boot.ini file? And as for the rest of your post.....
/me blushes as his newbie begins to show
What in the world was that stuff???

Unfortunately, it's all kinda mute anyway. I apparently didn't keep my toes crossed long enough, cause the computer still intermittently freezes during bootup. I've tried everything I can think of (short of formatting the hard drive). Heck even the computer doctor couldn't figure it out. But at least now that it's back from the computer doctor, I can still boot up in safe mode. I'll get it cracked, but not tonight. beedtime.

Thanx for your reply, Cobra, even if I didn't understand it.

 

all you have to do is copy/paste the follwing into notepad:

Code:

[boot loader]
timeout=30
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition" /fastdetect /NoExecute=OptIn

and save it as "boot.ini" and make sure it is set to save as type: All Files .... though I don't think you should c\p the last bit " /NoExecute=OptIn" ... cause i've never seen it before .... hopefully someone can confirm this ... although you might feel more comfortable just deleting the ".backup" by renaming the copy in your c:\windows\pss folder and copying it to c:\ ... leaving a backup in its place

 

The boot.ini file is probably there its just really hidden. If you look for it with dos you can find it.

Windows does this for some reason.

It wont do any harm to make a newone anyway. It will just make life easier.

 

Well, what do you know. It IS there. And it reads just as stated in this thread. Darn, I was kinda half hoping that it was why the computer always hangs when I try to boot up.

What kind of software issues might be causing .... ahh, I'll just start a new thread for my problem... tomarrow.