Computer and Software Support


bootcfg

This page is from Microsoft

Updated: January 21, 2005

Bootcfg

Configures, queries, or changes Boot.ini file settings.

 

bootcfg addsw

Adds operating system load options for a specified operating system entry.
Syntax
bootcfg/addsw [/s Computer [/u Domain\User /p Password]] [/mm MaximumRAM] [/bv] [/so] [/ng]/id OSEntryLineNum
Parameters
/sComputer
Specifies the name or IP address of a remote computer (do not use backslashes). The default is the local computer.
/uDomain\User
Runs the command with the account permissions of the user specified by User or Domain\User. The default is the permissions of the current logged on user on the computer issuing the command.
/pPassword
Specifies the password of the user account that is specified in the /u parameter.
/mmMaximumRAM
Specifies the maximum amount of RAM that the operating system can use. The value must be equal to or greater than 32 Megabytes.
/bv
Adds the /basevideo option to the specified OSEntryLineNum, directing the operating system to use standard VGA mode for the installed video driver.
/so
Adds the /sos option to the specified OSEntryLineNum, directing the operating system to display device driver names while they are being loaded.
/ng
Adds the /noguiboot option to the specified OSEntryLineNum, disabling the Windows XP Professional progress bar that appears before the CTRL+ALT+DEL logon prompt.
/idOSEntryLineNum
Specifies the operating system entry line number in the [operating systems] section of the Boot.ini file to which the operating system load options are added. The first line after the [operating systems] section header is 1.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.
Examples
The following examples show how you can use the bootcfg /addsw command:

bootcfg /addsw /mm 64 /id 2

bootcfg /addsw /so /id 3

bootcfg /addsw /so /ng /s srvmain /u hiropln /id 2

bootcfg /addsw /ng /id 2

bootcfg /addsw /mm 96 /ng /s srvmain /u maindom\hiropln /p p@ssW23 /id 2

Return to Top

bootcfg clone

On Itanium-based computers, creates a copy of an Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) boot entry for use in a mirrored boot volume.
Syntax
bootcfg /clone /tgGUID [/sgGUID | /idbootid [/ddescription | /d+description]] [/upddrv]
Parameters
/clone
Creates an EFI boot entry for a mirrored partition containing a Windows operating system.
/sgGUID
Specifies the globally unique identifier (GUID) of the partition containing the operating system from which the boot entry is being copied.
/tgGUID
Specifies the globally unique identifier (GUID) of the partition containing the operating system for which you are creating the cloned boot entry.
/idbootid
Specifies the boot entry to be copied.
/ddescription
Applies the specified friendly name to the cloned boot entry.
/d+description
Appends the specified text to the existing friendly name for the boot entry specified with the /id parameter. When /d+ is used with the /sg parameter, the specified text is appended to the string, (clone).
/upddrv
Updates the device path to the EFI drivers.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.
Examples
The following examples show how you can use the bootcfg /clone command:

bootcfg /clone /tgGUID/d+ test

Recommended when you have one EFI partition to clone from. It is best to use explicit arguments when you have multiple EFI partitions with multiple EFI partition boot entries to avoid confusion.

bootcfg /clone /sgGUID/tgGUID/d+ description

Recommended when you have multiple EFI partitions with multiple boot entries for each partition.

bootcfg /clone /tgGUID/idbootid/d description

Only clones the entry from the /id argument. This switch is useful if you have an EFI partition with multiple entries and you only want to clone one entry (not all entries). If you want to clone all entries from an EFI partition, use example 1 or 2.

bootcfg /clone /upddrvGUID

Only updates the floating point driver. No new boot entries will be added as a result of /upddrv. This switch is used if you add a new floating point driver to one EFI partition and you want to update the floating point driver on the other EFI partition.

Return to Top

bootcfg copy

Makes a copy of an existing boot entry, to which you can add command-line options.
Syntax
bootcfg/copy [/s Computer [/u Domain\User /p Password]] [/d Description] [/id OSEntryLineNum]
Parameters
/sComputer
Specifies the name or IP address of a remote computer (do not use backslashes). The default is the local computer.
/uDomain\User
Runs the command with the account permissions of the user specified by User or Domain\User. The default is the permissions of the current logged on user on the computer issuing the command.
/pPassword
Specifies the password of the user account that is specified in the /u parameter.
/dDescription
Specifies the description for the new operating system entry.
/idOSEntryLineNum
Specifies the operating system entry line number in the [operating systems] section of the Boot.ini file to copy. The first line after the [operating systems] section header is 1.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.
Examples
The following examples show how you can use the bootcfg /copy command:

bootcfg /copy /d "\ABC Server\" /id 1

bootcfg /copy /s srvmain /u maindom\hiropln /p p@ssW23 /d " Windows XP " /id 2

bootcfg /copy /u hiropln /p p@ssW23 /d "AB Ver 1.001" /id 2

Return to Top

bootcfg dbg1394

Configures 1394 port debugging for a specified operating system entry.
Syntax
bootcfg/dbg1394 {ON | OFF}[/s Computer [/u Domain\User /p Password]] [/ch Channel] /id OSEntryLineNum
Parameters
{ON | OFF}
Specifies the value for 1394 port debugging.ValueDescriptionONEnables remote debugging support by adding the /dbg1394 option to the specified OSEntryLineNum.OFFDisables remote debugging support by removing the /dbg1394 option from the specified OSEntryLineNum.
/sComputer
Specifies the name or IP address of a remote computer (do not use backslashes). The default is the local computer.
/uDomain\User
Runs the command with the account permissions of the user specified by User or Domain\User. The default is the permissions of the current logged on user on the computer issuing the command.
/pPassword
Specifies the password of the user account that is specified in the /u parameter.
/chChannel
Specifies the channel to use for debugging. Valid values are integers between 1 and 64. Do not use the /chChannel parameter if 1394 port debugging is being disabled.
/idOSEntryLineNum
Specifies the operating system entry line number in the [operating systems] section of the Boot.ini file to which the 1394 port debugging options are added. The first line after the [operating systems] section header is 1.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.
Examples
The following examples show how you can use the bootcfg /dbg1394 command:

bootcfg /dbg1394 /id 2

bootcfg /dbg1394 on /ch 1 /id 3

bootcfg /dbg1394 edit /ch 8 /id 2

bootcfg /s srvmain /u maindom\hiropln /p p@ssW23 /dbg1394 off /id 2

Return to Top

bootcfg debug

Adds or changes the debug settings for a specified operating system entry.
Syntax
bootcfg/debug {ON | OFF | EDIT}[/s Computer [/u Domain\User /p Password]] [/port {COM1 | COM2 | COM3 | COM4}] [/baud {9600 | 19200 | 38400 | 57600 | 115200}] [/id OSEntryLineNum]
Parameters
{ON | OFF| EDIT}
Specifies the value for debugging.ValueDescriptionONEnables remote debugging support by adding the /debug option to the specified OSEntryLineNum.OFFDisables remote debugging support by removing the /debug option from the specified OSEntryLineNum.EDITAllows changes to port and baud rate settings by changing the values associated with the /debug option for the specified OSEntryLineNum.
/sComputer
Specifies the name or IP address of a remote computer (do not use backslashes). The default is the local computer.
/uDomain\User
Runs the command with the account permissions of the user specified by User or Domain\User. The default is the permissions of the current logged on user on the computer issuing the command.
/pPassword
Specifies the password of the user account that is specified in the /u parameter.
/port {COM1 | COM2 | COM3 | COM4}
Specifies the COM port to be used for debugging. Do not use the /port parameter if debugging is being disabled.
/baud {9600| 19200| 38400| 57600| 115200}
Specifies the baud rate to be used for debugging. Do not use the /baud parameter if debugging is being disabled.
/idOSEntryLineNum
Specifies the operating system entry line number in the [operating systems] section of the Boot.ini file to which the debugging options are added. The first line after the [operating systems] section header is 1.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.
Remarks
  • If 1394 port debugging is required, use bootcfg /dbg1394.
Examples
The following examples show how you can use the bootcfg /debug command:

bootcfg /debug on /port com1 /id 2

bootcfg /debug edit /port com2 /baud 19200 /id 2

bootcfg /s srvmain /u maindom\hiropln /p p@ssW23 /debug off /id 2

Return to Top

bootcfg default

Specifies the operating system entry to designate as the default.
Syntax
bootcfg/default [/s Computer [/u Domain\User /p Password]] [/id OSEntryLineNum]
Parameters
/sComputer
Specifies the name or IP address of a remote computer (do not use backslashes). The default is the local computer.
/uDomain\User
Runs the command with the account permissions of the user specified by User or Domain\User. The default is the permissions of the current logged on user on the computer issuing the command.
/pPassword
Specifies the password of the user account that is specified in the /u parameter.
/idOSEntryLineNum
Specifies the operating system entry line number in the [operating systems] section of the Boot.ini file to designate as default. The first line after the [operating systems] section header is 1.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.
Examples
The following examples show how you can use the bootcfg /default command:

bootcfg /default /id 2

bootcfg /default /s srvmain /u maindom\hiropln /p p@ssW23 /id 2

Return to Top

bootcfg delete

Deletes an operating system entry in the [operating systems] section of the Boot.ini file.
Syntax
bootcfg/delete [/s Computer [/u Domain\User /p Password]] [/id OSEntryLineNum]
Parameters
/sComputer
Specifies the name or IP address of a remote computer (do not use backslashes). The default is the local computer.
/uDomain\User
Runs the command with the account permissions of the user specified by User or Domain\User. The default is the permissions of the current logged on user on the computer issuing the command.
/pPassword
Specifies the password of the user account that is specified in the /u parameter.
/idOSEntryLineNum
Specifies the operating system entry line number in the [operating systems] section of the Boot.ini file to delete. The first line after the [operating systems] section header is 1.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.
Examples
The following examples show how you can use the bootcfg /delete command:

bootcfg /delete /id 1

bootcfg /delete /s srvmain /u maindom\hiropln /p p@ssW23 /id 3

Return to Top

bootcfg ems

Enables the user to add or change the settings for redirection of the Emergency Management Services console to a remote computer. By enabling Emergency Management Services, you add a "redirect=Port#" line to the [boot loader] section of the Boot.ini file and a /redirect option to the specified operating system entry line. The Emergency Management Services feature is enabled only on servers.
Syntax
bootcfg/ems {ON | OFF | EDIT} [/s Computer [/u Domain\User /p Password]] [/port {COM1 | COM2 | COM3 | COM4 | BIOSSET}] [/baud {9600 | 19200 | 38400 | 57600 | 115200}] [/id OSEntryLineNum]
Parameters
{ON | OFF| EDIT}
Specifies the value for Emergency Management Services redirection.ValueDescriptionONEnables remote output for the specified OSEntryLineNum. Adds a /redirect option to the specified OSEntryLineNum and a redirect=comX setting to the [boot loader] section. The value of comX is set by the /port parameter.OFFDisables output to a remote computer. Removes the /redirect option from the specified OSEntryLineNum and the redirect=comX setting from the [boot loader] section.EDITAllows changes to port settings by changing the redirect=comX setting in the [boot loader] section. The value of comX is reset to the value specified by the /port parameter.
/sComputer
Specifies the name or IP address of a remote computer (do not use backslashes). The default is the local computer.
/uDomain\User
Runs the command with the account permissions of the user specified by User or Domain\User. The default is the permissions of the current logged on user on the computer issuing the command.
/pPassword
Specifies the password of the user account that is specified in the /u parameter.
/port {COM1 | COM2 | COM3 | COM4 | BIOSSET}
Specifies the COM port to be used for redirection. BIOSSET directs Emergency Management Services to get the BIOS settings to determine which port should be used for redirection. Do not use the /port parameter if remotely administered output is being disabled.
/baud {9600 | 19200 | 38400| 57600 | 115200}
Specifies the baud rate to be used for redirection. Do not use the /baud parameter if remotely administered output is being disabled.
/idOSEntryLineNum
Specifies the operating system entry line number to which the Emergency Management Services option is added in the [operating systems] section of the Boot.ini file. The first line after the [operating systems] section header is 1. This parameter is required when the Emergency Management Services value is set to ON or OFF.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.
Remarks
  • For more information on the Emergency Management Services, see Related Topics.
Examples
The following examples show how you can use the bootcfg /ems command:

bootcfg /ems on /port com1 /baud 19200 /id 2

bootcfg /ems on /port biosset /id 3

bootcfg /s srvmain /ems off /id 2

bootcfg /ems edit /port com2 /baud 115200

bootcfg /s srvmain /u maindom\hiropln /p p@ssW23 /ems off /id 2

Return to Top

bootcfg list

On Itanium-based computers, lists partition information for the specified disk.
Syntax
bootcfg /list [disknumber]
Parameters
/listdisknumber
Lists the partition information for the specified disk. Defaults to Disk 0.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.
Examples
The following examples show how you can use the bootcfg /list command:

bootcfg /list

bootcfg /list 1

Return to Top

bootcfg mirror

On Itanium-based computers, adds a boot entry for a mirrored drive.
Syntax
bootcfg /mirror /addGUID [/d] [/id]
Parameters
/addGUID
Adds a new boot entry for the mirrored partition with the specified GUID.
/ddescription
Specifies the description of the boot entry being added.
/idbootid
Specifies the loader path of the boot entry. Defaults to current boot entry id.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.
Examples
The following examples show how you can use the bootcfg /mirror command:

bootcfg /mirror /addGUID/d "Mirrored OS Entry" /id 3

bootcfg /mirror /addGUID/id 2

Return to Top

bootcfg query

Queries and displays the [boot loader] and [operating systems] section entries from Boot.ini.
Syntax
bootcfg/query [/s Computer [/u Domain\User /p Password]]
Parameters
/sComputer
Specifies the name or IP address of a remote computer (do not use backslashes). The default is the local computer.
/uDomain\User
Runs the command with the account permissions of the user specified by User or Domain\User. The default is the permissions of the current logged on user on the computer issuing the command.
/pPassword
Specifies the password of the user account that is specified in the /u parameter.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.
Remarks
  • The following is a sample of bootcfg /query output:
    Boot Loader Settings
--------------------
timeout: 30
default: multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS

Boot Entries
------------
Boot entry ID:   1
Friendly Name:   ""
Path:            multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS
OS Load Options: /fastdetect /debug /debugport=com1:
  • The Boot Loader Settings portion of the bootcfg query output displays each entry in the [boot loader] section of Boot.ini.
  • The Boot Entries portion of the bootcfg query output displays the following detail for each operating system entry in the [operating systems] section of Boot.ini: Boot entry ID, Friendly Name, Path, and OS Load Options.
 
Examples
The following examples show how you can use the bootcfg /query command:

bootcfg /query

bootcfg /query /s srvmain /u maindom\hiropln /p p@ssW23

bootcfg /query /u hiropln /p p@ssW23

Return to Top

bootcfg raw

Adds operating system load options specified as a string to an operating system entry in the [operating systems] section of the Boot.ini file.
Syntax
bootcfg/raw [/s Computer [/u Domain\User /p Password]] OSLoadOptionsString [/id OSEntryLineNum] [/a]
Parameters
/sComputer
Specifies the name or IP address of a remote computer (do not use backslashes). The default is the local computer.
/uDomain\User
Runs the command with the account permissions of the user specified by User or Domain\User. The default is the permissions of the current logged on user on the computer issuing the command.
/pPassword
Specifies the password of the user account that is specified in the /u parameter.
OSLoadOptionsString
Specifies the operating system load options to add to the operating system entry. These load options will replace any existing load options associated with the operating system entry. No validation of OSLoadOptions is done.
/idOSEntryLineNum
Specifies the operating system entry line number in the [operating systems] section of the Boot.ini file to update. The first line after the [operating systems] section header is 1.
/a
Specifies that the operating system options being added should be appended to any existing operating system options.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.
Remarks
  • Bootcfg raw is used to add text to the end of an operating system entry, overwriting any existing operating system entry options. This text should contain valid OS Load Options such as /debug, /fastdetect, /nodebug, /baudrate, /crashdebug, and /sos. For example, the following command adds "/debug/fastdetect" to the end of the first operating system entry, replacing any previous operating system entry options:

    bootcfg /raw "/debug /fastdetect" /id 1

  • For more information about optional OS Load Options and how Windows uses the Boot.ini file during startup, see article Q170756, "Available Switch Options for Windows NT Boot.ini File," in the Microsoft Knowledge Base
     
Examples
The following examples show how you can use the bootcfg /raw command:

bootcfg /raw "/debug /sos" /id 2

bootcfg /raw /s srvmain /u maindom\hiropln /p p@ssW23 "/crashdebug " /id 2

Return to Top

bootcfg rmsw

Removes operating system load options for a specified operating system entry.
Syntax
bootcfg/rmsw [/s Computer [/u Domain\User /p Password]] [/mm] [/bv] [/so] [/ng] /id OSEntryLineNum
Parameters
/sComputer
Specifies the name or IP address of a remote computer (do not use backslashes). The default is the local computer.
/uDomain\User
Runs the command with the account permissions of the user specified by User or Domain\User. The default is the permissions of the current logged on user on the computer issuing the command.
/pPassword
Specifies the password of the user account that is specified in the /u parameter.
/mm
Removes the /maxmem option and its associated maximum memory value from the specified OSEntryLineNum. The /maxmem option specifies the maximum amount of RAM that the operating system can use.
/bv
Removes the /basevideo option from the specified OSEntryLineNum. The /basevideo option directs the operating system to use standard VGA mode for the installed video driver.
/so
Removes the /sos option from the specified OSEntryLineNum. The /sos option directs the operating system to display device driver names while they are being loaded.
/ng
Removes the /noguiboot option from the specified OSEntryLineNum. The /noguiboot option disables the Windows XP Professional progress bar that appears before the CTRL+ALT+DEL logon prompt.
/idOSEntryLineNum
Specifies the operating system entry line number in the [operating systems] section of the Boot.ini file from which the OS Load Options are removed. The first line after the [operating systems] section header is 1.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.
Examples
The following examples show how you can use the bootcfg /rmsw command:

bootcfg /rmsw /mm 64 /id 2

bootcfg /rmsw /so /id 3

bootcfg /rmsw /so /ng /s srvmain /u hiropln /id 2

bootcfg /rmsw /ng /id 2

bootcfg /rmsw /mm 96 /ng /s srvmain /u maindom\hiropln /p p@ssW23 /id 2

Return to Top

bootcfg timeout

Changes the operating system time-out value.
Syntax
bootcfg/timeoutTimeOutValue [/s Computer [/u Domain\User /p Password]]
Parameters
/timeoutTimeOutValue
Specifies the timeout value in the [boot loader] section. The TimeOutValue is the number of seconds the user has to select an operating system from the boot loader screen before NTLDR loads the default. Valid range for TimeOutValue is 0-999. If the value is 0, then NTLDR immediately starts the default operating system without displaying the boot loader screen.
/sComputer
Specifies the name or IP address of a remote computer (do not use backslashes). The default is the local computer.
/uDomain\User
Runs the command with the account permissions of the user specified by User or Domain\User. The default is the permissions of the current logged on user on the computer issuing the command.
/pPassword
Specifies the password of the user account that is specified in the /u parameter.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.
Examples
The following examples show how you can use the bootcfg /timeout command:

bootcfg /timeout 30

bootcfg /s srvmain /u maindom\hiropln /p p@ssW23 /timeout 50

Return to Top

bootcfg update

On Itanium-based computers, updates boot entry information.
Syntax
bootcfg /updateGUID
Parameters
/updateGUID
Modifies the boot entry with the specified globally unique identifier (GUID), and updates the partition number in the boot entry if needed.
/?
Displays help at the command prompt.
Examples
The following examples show how you can use the bootcfg /update command:

bootcfg /updateGUID

Return to Top

Formatting legend

 
Format Meaning
Italic Information that the user must supply
Bold Elements that the user must type exactly as shown
Ellipsis (...) Parameter that can be repeated several times in a command line
Between brackets ([]) Optional items
Between braces ({}); choices separated by pipe (|). Example: {even|odd} Set of choices from which the user must choose only one
Courier font Code or program output