Sample Startup Menus

Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu

   1. Normal
   2. Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT)
   3. Safe mode
   4. Safe mode with network support
   5. Step-by-step confirmation
   6. Command prompt only
   7. Safe mode command prompt only

Enter a choice: 1       Time remaining: 06

Microsoft Windows Millennium Startup Menu

   1. Normal
   2. Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT)
   3. Safe mode
   4. Step-by-step confirmation




Enter a choice: 1       Time remaining: 06

Set the Folder Options

This step will allow you to see the Hidden MSDOS.SYS file:

• Open up 'My Computer'.
• Next, open up the (C:) drive, select 'View' and then 'Folder Options'.
• Check the box for 'Show All Files'.
• Click 'Apply' and 'Close'.

Edit the MSDOS.SYS File

The file named MSDOS.SYS file in the root directory of C: is a text file that contains an [Options] section that you can use to personalize the boot process:

• In the C:\ drive (root folder) look for the file named: MSDOS.SYS, right-click it and select 'Properties'. Turn off the Read-Only attribute, then 'Apply' and 'Close'
• Right-click the MSDOS.SYS file again and select 'Open with...' and then 'NOTEPAD' (or, if you have added a shortcut to Notepad in your Send To menu, choose 'Send To' and select Notepad).
• In the [Options] section add the following lines:

Logo=0
;
; Boot Menu by www.hexff.com
;
BootWin=1
BootMenu=1
BootMenuDefault=1
BootMenuDelay=6
Network=1

• Add the first line (Logo=0) to get rid of the Windows splash screen (recommended). The splash screen may be hiding startup error messages!
• Add the last line only if you use this PC on a network (this will add the boot option 'Safe mode with network support' to the Menu).

This menu will automatically default to a normal Windows boot in 6 seconds. If you press the ENTER key, the computer will continue booting immediately. Change the Boot Menu Delay if you want a different time limit. Before the timer expires you can select from Booting to the DOS prompt, Safe Mode, and other options.

Save Your Changes!

Save the file.

(Optional) Go back to the Folder View Options and select 'Do not show hidden or system files'.
The Startup Menu will be displayed the next time you re-boot.

Additional References

Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 118579
Contents of the Windows Msdos.sys File

Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 129998
How to Create an Msdos.sys File Larger Than 1024 Bytes