How to Modify Boot.ini Using Sysdiff

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------

SYMPTOMS

When you use Sydiff.exe in your deployment of Windows NT Server and Windows NT Workstation, you may notice that it does not propagate the changes to the Boot.ini file, even though it does note the modifications to the file between the /snap command and the /diff command.

CAUSE

This happens because the Boot.ini file has the file properties hidden, system, and read-only.

WORKAROUND

To allow Sysdiff to modify the Boot.ini file, you will need to change the properties of the Boot.ini file. Use Attrib.exe to change the properties; Attrib.exe can be found in your %Systemroot%\System32 subdirectory. To use Attrib.exe to change the properties of the Boot.ini file:

1. Below your /i386 share of the source files, create a $OEM$ subdirectory, if it does not already exist.

2. Place a copy of Attrib.exe in the $oem$ subdirectory.

3. Perform step a or step b below, depending on whether you are using Sysdiff in the /inf mode or not.

   a. If you are using Sysdiff in the /inf mode, the $oem$ directory

         structure and the Cmdlines.txt file will already exist. Your
         Cmdlines.txt file should look like the following:
   

            [Commands]
            ".\attrib c:\boot.ini -s -r -h"
            ".\Rundll32 setupapi,InstalllHinfSection DefaultInstall 128
                .\diff.inf
            ".\attrib c:\boot.ini +r +s +h"
   
         NOTE: Make sure the attrib line appears first because commands are
         executed in order; the file will then have the correct properties
         applied when the package runs.
   
      b. If you are not using Sysdiff in the /inf mode, you will have to
         create the Cmdlines.txt file using any text editor. The file should
         be similar to the following example:
   
            [Commands]
            ".\Attrib c:\boot.ini -s -r -h"
            ".\sysdiff /apply /m .\%diff_file%"
   
      This step will clear the hidden, system, and read-only attributes from
      the file and allow sysdiff /apply to propagate the changes to the file.
   
   

4. Check your answer file and in the [Unattended] section, and make sure the following entry is set:

         OemPreinstall = Yes