• Microsoft Windows 95
• Microsoft Windows 98

SUMMARY

This article describes how to create a new System.ini file without third- party drivers. You may need to create a new System.ini file if, after using standard troubleshooting procedures to determine the cause of a problem, the System.ini file becomes incorrect, missing, or damaged.

MORE INFORMATION

To create a new System.ini file without references to third-party device drivers, follow these steps.

NOTE: These instructions assume that Windows is installed in the Windows folder on drive C. If you are using a different drive or folder, adjust the following instructions accordingly.

1. Restart your computer to a command prompt. To do so, restart your computer, press the F8 key when you see the "Starting Windows 95" message, and then choose Command Prompt Only from the Startup menu. In Windows 98, restart your computer, press and hold down the CTRL key until you see the Windows 98 Startup menu, and then choose Command Prompt Only.
2. Type the following line to change to the Windows folder:

         cd \windows

3. Type the following line to rename the current System.ini file:

         ren system.ini system.xxx

4. Type the following line to create a new System.ini file:

         copy system.cb system.ini

5. Type the following line to edit the new System.ini file:

         edit system.ini

6. Add the following lines at the top of the file:

         [boot]
   
         mouse.drv=mouse.drv
   
         drivers=mmsystem.dll

   Add the following line in the [386Enh] section of the file:

         mouse=*vmouse

7. Save the System.ini file and then exit the editor. To save the file, press ALT+F, press X, and then press Y.
8. Type "win" (without quotation marks) to start Windows.

   NOTE: If your mouse does not work when Windows starts, it is likely that it is not supported by the standard Windows mouse driver. You can install the Windows 3.1 driver included with your mouse to regain mouse functionality. For information about installing the driver, consult the documentation included with the mouse.

9. Click the Start button, click Run, type the path to the Windows Setup program in the Open box, and then click OK.

   For example, if your Windows CD-ROM is in drive D, type the following line:

         d:\setup

   Or, if you are using Windows disks, insert disk 1 in drive A and then type the following line:

         a:\setup

10. When the Setup dialog box appears, click Continue, and follow the instructions to set up Windows again. If you see the "Restore Windows files that are changed or corrupted" option, choose it. If you do not see this option, choose to reinstall Windows.

If, after Setup is finished, you find that some of your programs, tools, or peripherals are not working correctly, reinstall the program or device.

Default Entries for the System.ini File

The following entries are the default entries for a new System.ini file: