boot question

glow,
More info http://cwdixon.com/support/win98_support/bootprocess.htm
PL

glow,
Your computer's environment includes settings from the following files

Msdos.sys
Config.sys
Autoexec.bat
Winboot.ini
Windows\Winstart.bat
Windows\System.ini
Windows\Win.ini
Windows\Wininit.ini
Windows\System.dat
Windows\User.dat

These files are loaded as part of the boot process as Windows starts and help create the environment used by the operating system (OS) and programs.
PL

you are truly an expert, Pete.  

let's say i wanted to have something run along the lines of

java Foobar

along the way, before Windows starts, like every time.  where could i put that?  would autoexec.bat be the place like in the "old days" or what?

heheh if autoexec.bat exists then it will be processed yes but win 9x can start without an autoexec.bat and config.sys
they are only included for backwards compatability and loading 16 bit drivers etc

if you want an application to run EVERY time windows starts you need to place a pointer to the executable here....

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

you can get to this key by simply running regedit

or if thats too much hassle remember windows 9x dosnt have profiles so you can put the executable in the startup folder and it will execute for everyone, if you have a clever user though they will look in the startup folder :0) but it takes a bit more knowledge to hunt the registry :0)

Pete

What exactly would your hypothetical "Java Foobar" program do to the computer?

What I mean is, would this run something as a background process, or would it run something and then exit.

If it is is intended to run as a background process, then the registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices

would be the key to place the entry in.

Note, entries in:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices

can all be disabled by running MSCONFIG and then rebooting.

If you really want to start running covert background processes or startup programs, and disallow users from interfering with them, then you have to start employing some System Policies or other Registry modifications to hide or disable options from users.

note that i don't want my program to run WHEN Windows starts up, but BEFORE that.  i was just thinking of a program that would write out a file of the time and date of it's own running.  so maybe the autoexec.bat option is better?

at what point is win.com run?  is that not the actual executable that starts windows running from DOS?

your suggestion, Bill, of a background process is very intriguing though, just from a theoretical (fun) perspective.  if it started before windows starts, would it be interrupted?  

i think i will try to write a java program that does a subliminal screen flash every so often just for kicks, and try it...this conversation is really fertilizing my brain, thanks you guys! :)

<<<If you really want to start running covert background processes or startup programs, and disallow users from interfering with them, then you have to start employing some System Policies or other Registry modifications to hide or disable options from users.>>>

just how hidden can a process be?  can you hide it from something like WinPatrol even?  just curious.  

how are System Policies set/adjusted?  

ThanQ

Configuring Account Policies in Active Directory

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=http://support.microsoft.com:80/support/kb/articles/q255/5/50.asp&NoWebContent=1