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surfengine11

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Changing Boot Order in XP

Changing boot order in XP.
Does anyone know how this can be done?
I have tried a program called BOTDR32 but this gives me a checksum error after reboot.

I need to have the boot order set to CD,FDD,HDD.

I also tried a program called cmosav but that seemed to corrupt the bios.

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LukaFox

You should be able to do it your BIOS set up.
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ASKER

This needs to be an automated and  repetative sequence.

For example:
1) Unit boots to CD (CD fails because not bootable)
2) Unit boots to HDD partition 1 (active partition is changed to 2)then reboots
3) Unit boots to partition 2 (win xp partition)
4) During XP; boot order needs to be changed to CFH (CD/FDD/HDD)

Hope this is more clear now.  I need a program that alters the boot order while in XP.  Or else some type of command line, etc.



The computer has a bios where you can change the order of boot devices. it got nothing to do with XP or other OS´s,
it depends on the motherboard of your PC.
to get the bios just hold down the del key while it is counting the RAM for example. a menu appears that tells you all about your motherboard and RAM and drives installed. if you have an award bios system goto
bios features-enter. choose bootdevice and change the drive by hit picture up/down.you choise is called CDROM,A,C. then hit ESC to go back to the menu. goto save and exit. hit enter, Y, enter again.now the system boots from CDROM first, then floppy(a:), then Harddisk (C:).
to boot from CD you have to have a bootable CDROM inside the CD-Drive.but attetion: floppys can cause virus like activity on the harddisk. it can change the master boot record (data on c: for its boot), and your OS disclaims about a virus found. dont forget to switch back to c:only
for having fast systemstart. did you ever opend a bios before?
so what a board do you have???
Balltiti thanks for comment.
Please read the comment I have posted above.

This needs to be an automated process.  Capable to make the boot order change without maunal input.

This is a simple process using MS-DOS.  But with a 32-bit system there are not any applications available that I know of that can alter boot sequence in XP.  The expection was BOTDR32 but as i mentioned I get a checksum error on reboot.

The MBX is an ASUS.
surfengine11
What you do seem to understand is once you get as far as the "boot menu" where you can select XP or whatever, you have already bypassed the other boot devices that you had set to boot before the HD, you are now at the HD and cannot start over once you choose the OS.

Or are you not using the bootloader menu?
Well since this post I did get some information about another program called "AMIBOOT".  But unfortunately this is also a 16 bit program and only works when im in MS-DOS.  Has anyone seen a 32 Bit for AMIBOOT?

I am not using bootloader menu.  

I do boot to DOS, but that is to run a couple scripts then I use FDISK to change to partition 2 as active.

Then boot to XP where a batch file is run.  In this batch file I need to call a executable or a command that can access the BIOS and switch the boot order.

Then end result being the unit is left to boot from the floppy.
Why don't you use the XP bootloader? that would seem to make more sense to me, unless there is a reason you need to do things the way you are.
Isn't bootloader just a utility to select which partition to boot off of?

Something else to tell about this process.  When the unit boots to the floppy, the HDD will not be connected.



"Isn't bootloader just a utility to select which partition to boot off of?"

Yes it is but that is much easier then booting to a bootdisk, running fdisk and changing which partition is active.

And if the HD is disconnected then the bootorder will not matter, it should either end at the floppy drive no matter what the boot order is as long as no CD is in the CD-Rom.
I am sorry I don't understand what you are doing here, it seems like you are making a simple solution a big problem.
Unless you are leaving alot of info out as to why you need to manually do these steps?
> the HD is disconnected then the bootorder will not matter, it should either end at the floppy drive no matter

I agree, but can see that there may be a need to fix the final state of machine, for whatever purpose.

> it seems like you are making a simple solution a big problem

ditto

> Unless you are leaving alot of info out as to why you

I suspect so, but there may be not need to spell out whole thing, just something more. I just dunno what. Maybe hide the FD for awhile to keep 3rd party from interrupting, then letting it go back in front upon completion. But I wonder yet if FD is actually used, and if so, is it physical or not?
The purpose:
To run script files in windows XP, then prep the unit for next process which boots from the floppy.  
Floppy disk will be in the unit the entire time and needs to be accessed during the script file execution.

Sorry comtech, this question was not answered correctly by the first person or by you.

Of course, using boot magic will let me select an OS.  But that wasn't the question.

I need a program that will access the BIOS during windows XP and alter boot order.
surfengine11
The part you fail to understand is you cannot access the BIOS after you are booted into an OS. It simply is not possible.
Sorry rayt333, that is an incorrect statement.
I already do it under MS-DOS.

I was also able to do it in XP, but not without a checksum error.
you access the BIOS while running DOS?
You may have ran a script that would then change some setting in the CMOS (BIOS) on next boot but access the CMOS setup directly??

I haven't been around the world and so I know I still haven't seen it all, so please let us in on your little secret on how you do that.
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rayt333

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2 programs I found that work in MS-DOS are BTODR.EXE and AMIBOOT.EXE
In XP the program I used was BTODR32.EXE

Is CMOSChk an application that I can try?  To restore the CMOS may be all I need as long as I can restore it to be CFH.
Original factory setting is CHF.  



FYI - I already tried CMOSSav.exe and that corrputed the BIOS.
You missed the whole point, these program still do not allow you access to the CMOS setup, they simple allow you to run a script that upon rebooting then resets the CMOS.
There is a big difference and you simply do not understand it.
:>)

Irregardless of whether I understand your point or not.  I do not care whether the program access it then or runs a script that changes the boot order upon reboot.
I simply need a program that will do that.
surfengine11
Humm, I was just responding to your statement that I was wrong.
"Sorry rayt333, that is an incorrect statement.
I already do it under MS-DOS."

So you call someone a liar, then when they prove they were correct, then you simply do not care.
What a moron you are.  A real man would have admitted they were wrong and offered an apology but I guess that leave you out huh?
Avatar of GUEEN
Ummmm I am not getting this comment:

Comment from surfengine11  12/19/2002 09:34AM PST  
Sorry comtech, this question was not answered correctly by the first person or by you.

Of course, using boot magic will let me select an OS.  But that wasn't the question.

I need a program that will access the BIOS during windows XP and alter boot order.
>>I can't find comtech's question or input anywhere in this thread so I think this is a bogus question.  This means that surfengine11 is playing a game and the question is not valid...
 
It cannot be done with any known software, period. With the research I have done, two programmers think they could possibly write something for your request.  Regardless of whom I spoke with, couldn't understand WHY you wish to do this.  And the risk for messing up your bios, and running fdisk in the process, I don't see where you are coming from.

I think you are barking up the wrong tree in this venture, and even though you will not like my answer, I only have two things to say:

1. Respect those who try to help, Rayt333 has been trying to help you, and then you insult him?  Nice!

2. Irregardless in not a proper word.

SYLLABICATION: ir·re·gard·less

PRONUNCIATION:   r-gärdls

ADVERB: Nonstandard Regardless.  

ETYMOLOGY: Probably blend of irrespective and regardless.

USAGE NOTE: Irregardless is a word that many mistakenly believe to be correct usage in formal style, when in fact it is used chiefly in nonstandard speech or casual writing. Coined in the United States in the early 20th century, it has met with a blizzard of condemnation for being an improper yoking of irrespective and regardless and for the logical absurdity of combining the negative ir– prefix and –less suffix in a single term. Although one might reasonably argue that it is no different from words with redundant affixes like debone and unravel, it has been considered a blunder for decades and will probably continue to be so .

Regards,
wlennon
 
Dave
That program at the link you provided, it just gives BIOS info, it says:
" Looking to tweak your BIOS settings? You can always do it by restarting your system, but if you want to do it from Windows, this tool is essential. It's easy to use, and it lets you troubleshoot many of your system's hardware functions."

I tried it and all it did was tell me what BIOS I had and the date of it. Looks kinda worthless to me. I could find no place to change anything in the BIOS.
:>)

I know now, I had not run it, however, if you read about it it indicated you should be able to do changes, it lied! hehehe:>)
I agree, it sounded good, but it was a worthless program.
Yup! :>)
It was free but why would you want it? :>)
I thought it might me wrong about being able to access the BIOS from Windows.
LOL, I guess not yet!
Iunderstand what they are doing, however, have never run into a program that would do what they are trying.
Wow, some pretty strong statements by rayt333 and crew.
I would have to side with surfengine on this one.

He didnt call you a liar.  He simply said he didnt care either way.  Seems like the guy just wants the get the program that he needs.

Wish I could help him out...but alas...BIOS programing is not my expertise.
Wow, some pretty strong statements by rayt333 and crew.
I would have to side with surfengine on this one.

He didnt call you a liar.  He simply said he didnt care either way.  Seems like the guy just wants the get the program that he needs.

Wish I could help him out...but alas...BIOS programing is not my expertise.
Rayt333 was recovering from spilling their coffee and typing fast! hehehe They knew that it appears that nothing exists that would help except to have a special program developed and programming is not my expertise either. :>)Dave
dogg1782
Which statement are you refering to as being "pretty strong"?
The one after he said I was incorrect? yet he offered no proof that I was wrong? I believe he is misunderstanding what those other programs are doing, they are not allowing direct access to the CMOS setup (BIOS) from windows, they are simply executing a script on next boot to change something in the CMOS setup, that is not the same as accessing from inside Windows.
I do not like someone saying I am wrong with out offering any proof that I am. I am not always right and I will admit it when I am wrong.
Thanks to those that tried to help.

ASUS finally came through and wrote me a utility that will work.

Sorry, no one got this question correct (cept maybe Fred from ASUS)
Strange, why do I find that so hard to believe?
but it is your story and as long as you believe it then it must be true.
Well I highly doubt that Asus would do that for anyone. :>)
I will write Fred at ASUS since I want a copy of that special utility - will post back here when I get a response.
Please do, If you can't do that in a timely manner let me know and I will give him a call. Thanks!
I called and there wasn't a "Fred" available, I did get to talk to Bob but didn't have a clue as to what I was talking about. Is there a better number to reach "Fred" at? I tried at 502-995-0883 since I am in USA, should I call another number?

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)       Technical Support       Motherboard Support: +886-2-2890-7121       Notebook Support: +886-2-2890-7122       Server Support: +886-2-2890-7123       Fax: +886-2-2895-9254       BBS: +886-2-2896-4667       E-mail: http://www.asusmall.com.tw/forms/complaint_TSD.asp       WWW: http://www.asus.com.tw/index.htm       FTP: ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/asus/pub/ASUS       
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)   Technical Support  

Motherboard and Other Products Support:
Email: tsd@asus.com
Tel: +1-502-995-0883 (Please select Option 3. Hours for TSD: 5:30 am to 5:00 pm (PST) Pacific Time)
Fax: +1-502-933-8713
For faster service please call during our off peak hours of 5:30 am to 9am and 11am to 1:30 p.m Pacific Standard Time.
Notebook Support:
Email: notebooktsd@asus.com
Notebook ONLY Hotline: 1-877-918-ASUS (Hours for Notebook Support are 9 am to 6 pm (PST) Pacific Standard Time)
RMA Support
RMA Support: rma@asus.com
RMA FAX: +1-510-608-4511
WWW: http://usa.asus.com

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany/Austria)   Technical Support   Hotline: MB/Others: +49-2102-9599-0
Notebook: +49-2102-9599-10
Fax: +49-2102-9599-11   E-mail: http://www.asuscom.de/support/support.htm (for online support)   WWW: http://www.asuscom.de   FTP: ftp://ftp.asuscom.de/pub/ASUSCOM   
ASUS Holland B.V. (Netherlands)   Technical Support   Notebook Hotline: +31-(0)591-668190   Fax: +31-(0)591-666853   E-mail: notebook@asustek.nl (Notebook only)   E-mail: motherboard@asustek.nl (Motherboard only)   E-mail: vga@asustek.nl (VGA only)   WWW: http://www.asus.com.tw/index.htm   FTP: ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/asus/pub/ASUS   
ASUS COMPUTER (China)   Tel: +86-10-65542784~90   E-Mail: tsd@asus.com.cn    
Ray: I will send you the number by e-mail, it is a personal number so please do not pass it around. Sorry I can't post it here. Dave
>>Comment from emery800
>> 01/08/2003 04:47PM PST
>> 
>>Well I highly doubt that Asus would do that for >>anyone. :>)
 
I am not sure why I am responding to this.
Why would you "highly doubt" that ASUS (a fortune 500 company) would "do that" for a customer who uses 2+ million of their boards a year?


No Ray333 I will not pass out Freds phone number.
Get your own contacts at ASUS. (suggestion, make freinds with a coworker who speaks Tawainese and have them call ASUS QA)
The utility they created for us is confidential.  Also, as many pointed out many times, why would anyone want to do this.

BTW - This little process saved my company $350,000 a year.
So your little sidewise comments only make me laugh.  
surfengine11: I am glad for you that you are pleased with what you have, however, I will stick by my comment. By the way you should keep those type of comments to yourself as you could get them in dutch. Best to you, Dave
> BTW - This little process saved my company $350,000 a year.

An old business trick to show some solution has good ROI is to begin by implementing something extremely costly in first place, such that nearly any change can yield a cost improvement.

> company) would "do that" for a customer who uses 2+ million

That warrants both source code and a special version of it. IMO it is unfair to expect commenters here to be able to compete on that level of finance and on-hand resource.
When asking question, EE advises choices for offered points, including this one:

> This question is not important and easy(50 points)

So, for this:

> Points: 35

it would appear that you thought this question was less than "not important". So if 350K is not of least importance, how about handing out 100K to each participant here?
Ditto! :>)