Creating a New System.ini File Without Third-Party Drivers

• 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 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.

Default Entries for the System.ini File

   [386Enh]
   device=*vshare
   device=*dynapage
   device=*vcd
   device=*vpd
   device=*int13
   keyboard=*vkd
   display=*vdd
   mouse=*vmouse, msmouse.vxd
   woafont=dosapp.fon
   device=*enable

   [keyboard]
   layout=kbdus.kbd
   subtype=
   type=4
   keyboard.dll=
   oemansi.bin=

   [Intl]
   ACP=1252
   OEMCP=437
   SystemLocale=00000409

   [boot]
   system.drv=system.drv
   drivers=mmsystem.dll
   user.exe=user.exe
   gdi.exe=gdi.exe
   sound.drv=mmsound.drv
   dibeng.drv=dibeng.dll
   comm.drv=comm.drv
   shell=Explorer.exe
   keyboard.drv=keyboard.drv
   fonts.fon=vgasys.fon
   fixedfon.fon=vgafix.fon
   oemfonts.fon=vgaoem.fon
   386Grabber=vgafull.3gr
   display.drv=pnpdrvr.drv
   mouse.drv=mouse.drv
   *DisplayFallback=0

   [power.drv]

   [drivers]
   wavemapper=*.drv

   [iccvid.drv]

   [mciseq.drv]

   [mci]
   cdaudio=mcicda.drv
   sequencer=mciseq.drv
   waveaudio=mciwave.drv
   avivideo=mciavi.drv
   videodisc=mcipionr.drv
   vcr=mcivisca.drv

   [NonWindowsApp]

   [vcache]

   [nwnp32]

   [boot.description]
   keyboard.typ=Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard
   aspect=100,96,96
   display.drv=Standard Display Adapter (VGA)
   mouse.drv=Standard mouse
   system.drv=Standard PC

   [MSNP32]

   [display]

   [drivers32]
   vidc.CVID=iccvid.dll
   VIDC.IV31=ir32_32.dll
   VIDC.IV32=ir32_32.dll
   vidc.MSVC=msvidc32.dll
   VIDC.MRLE=msrle32.dll 

Additional query words: clean build rebuild

Keywords          : kbenv win95 win98 
Version           : 95
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbhowto 

Last Reviewed: January 23, 1999