Universal TCP/IP Network Bootdisk for M$ Networks
2 November 2006Universal TCP/IP Network Bootdisk for M$ Network
Building the Disk http://www.netbootdisk.com/
Once you have downloaded the files for the disk, follow the instructions on this page:
Step 1: Format a floppy disk as a Startup/Bootable disk.
A computer running Windows XP computer is required for this. Alternatively, a PC-DOS 7 bootdisk can be used. Windows 95/98 can not be used for this. The reason for this is that Windows XP places much smaller sized startup files on the disk when compared to previous versions. A Win95/98/ME formatted disk will simily not have the free space to fit everything.
In Windows XPs Explorer, format a Floppy Disk with the “Create an MS-DOS startup disk” option ticked.
Screen Capture
Step 2: Unzip the downloaded ZIP File
Extract the ZIP archive you downloaded to a temporary folder, preferablely where nothing else is. A batch file should appear, along with a subdirectory called FILES. Make sure the Winzips Extract with Use Folder Names otpion is selected.
Step 3: Run MakeDisk.bat
Run MakeDisk.Bat and follow the on screen instructions. This batch file will use the command.com from the disk and compress it, along with all the other networking files required.
PC-DOS 7 users will have to manually add HIMEM.SYS to the floppy disk, then un-comment the himem.sys line in the A:\config.sys file.
Once this is complete, the disk is ready for use, unless you want to add read-only NTFS support.
Once your done, Id highly recommend making a backup or a Disk Image of the floppy in case the floppy disk breaks.
Adding NTFS Support Optional
To add support for reading/accessing NTFS partitions, youll need a copy of NTFSDOS on another source, like a 2nd floppy disk, CDROM, or a network share that the bootdisk can access.
There is a big catch to using NTFSDOS with this bootdisk - The good old 640k conventional memory limitations of DOS is often a real big problem when it comes to running NTFSDOS. It seems to vary from network card driver to driver. Enabling extra options like Full Redirector, DNS, CD-ROM, Packet Driver, will also have a negative impact on memory and the success of NTFSDOS being able to load.
To modify the disk so your copy of NTFSDOS automatically loads, follow these intructions:
Note: Needless to say, DOS skills are highly recommended if you want to be able to understand the following
Running NTFSDOS off a network drive:
1. Download the read only NTFSDOS from here: http://www.sysinternals.com/files/ntfs30r.zip 39KB. Or use the full version if you have that.
2. Extract this ZIP to a suitable share on your Server computer. Three files should appear. eg, a PC on the network that the bootdisk can connect to
3. Edit SCRIPT2.BAT - scrolling down towards the end of the file, youll see a section regarding NTFS support. Or use your editors Find function to search for the line “net use x: \\server\share”
4. Edit the net use command to suit your setup.
Running NTFSDOS off a second Floppy, or CD-ROM:
1. Download the read only NTFSDOS from here: http://www.sysinternals.com/files/ntfs30r.zip 39KB. Or use the full version if you have that.
2. Extract this ZIP to a seperate floppy / CD.
3. Edit A:\SCRIPT2.BAT - scrolling down towards the end of the file, youll see a section regarding NTFS support. Or use your editors Find function to search for the line “net use x: \\server\share”
4. Delete the line net use x: \\server\share
5. Edit the next line, so it points to B:\ or R:\ CD-ROM instead of x:\ntfsdos
FYI: entering B:\ instead of A:\ will make DOS prompt you to change floppies
SCRIPT2.BAT is now compressed inside FILES.UHA - You will have to extract the UHA file and recompress all the files again.
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