Microsoft Mouse Setup and Read-Only AUTOEXEC.BAT File

ID: Q79204

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Mouse Driver for MS-DOS, versions 7.x, 8.x, and 9.0

SYMPTOMS

If the attribute for the AUTOEXEC.BAT file is read-only, Microsoft Mouse Setup copies all the appropriate files to the hard disk, but Setup then displays a message similar to the following:

The Microsoft Mouse software was successfully copied onto your disk. However, SETUP can not complete the installation process because

C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT

is a Read-Only file and cannot be modified by SETUP.

To allow SETUP to complete the installation, you must change this file to have read and write permission, then run SETUP again.

For more information on Read-Only files, please refer to the "ATTRIB" in your DOS manual.

When ready, press Q to Quit.

CAUSE

If the attribute for the AUTOEXEC.BAT file is set to read-only, the Microsoft Mouse Setup program does not edit the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. This prevents the Microsoft Mouse software from loading automatically.

RESOLUTION

Remove the read-only attribute, then run Setup again.

NOTE: If you are running the Stacker program, see the section titled "Stacker," later in this article.

Changing File Attributes in MS-DOS

In the root directory (for example, C:\), type the following at the MS-DOS command prompt and then press ENTER:

attrib autoexec.bat If the file is read-only, the following is displayed:
```
      R   C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT 
```
NOTE: The "R" in the above message indicates the file is read-only. If an R is not displayed, the problem with Setup not editing the AUTOEXEC.BAT file is occurring for some other reason.

To remove the read-only attribute from the AUTOEXEC.BAT file, type the following at the MS-DOS command prompt and then press ENTER:

attrib -r autoexec.bat

To verify that the file now has the read/write attribute, type the following at the MS-DOS command prompt and then press ENTER:

attrib autoexec.bat If the file is changed correctly, the R indicating the file is read-only should not be displayed.

Changing File Attributes in Windows

In Windows, select the File Manager icon.

Select the root directory (for example, drive C), and highlight the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

From the File menu, choose Change Attributes.

If this file is a read-only file, the read-only option box is selected.

NOTE: If the read-only option is not selected, the problem with Setup not editing the AUTOEXEC.BAT file is occurring for some other reason.

To change the file attributes, deselect the Read-Only option box if it is enabled. This allows you to edit the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

Once the AUTOEXEC.BAT file has the read/write attribute, run the Microsoft Mouse Setup disk again, and choose to load the Microsoft Mouse driver software automatically.

MORE INFORMATION

Stacker

The Stac Electronics Stacker program works with read-only AUTOEXEC.BAT files. If you are running this program, contact Stac Electronics to determine how Stacker has affected the Mouse Setup program.

The Stacker product included here is manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

Additional query words: autoexec install problems msetup error stack


Keywords          : 
Version           : 7.x 8.x 9.00
Platform          : MS-DOS 
Issue type        :

Last Reviewed: August 9, 1999