I know how to use the msbatch.exe etc. to help automate the Win98 install. I want to create a batch file and add it to a Win98 Boot Floppy. I need help with the following items:

1. I need a the commands that tell a batch file to search for the correct cd-rom drive or drive letter.

2. I want the .bat file to "md win98", in the root of C:\
[example C:\WIN98},
next, I want to use the command
{example, H:\copy *.* c:\win98} thus have the win98 cabs copied to
C:\WIN98.

Conclusion:
The combination of the items I listed in 1. & 2. ,
If the correct drive letter is H:\ or any other drive letter, I need the correct commands that tell the batch file to use the correct drive letter of the cdrom drive that contains the Win98 Cd. and then start the copy of the WIN98 CABS into the C:\WIN98 F0LDER.

Thanks in advance for any help.

I heard recently (though I've never persued it) that the path to the CD drive is specified within the W98 floppy. So during Windows install all you really need to do is type setup from the A prompt after booting with the floppy and there is no need to worry about the drive letter changing.

If I've read you right then what you are trying to automate is copying the W98 files onto the C drive for later install.

If what I said at first is correct then if you peer inside the floppy you should find a command somewhere that you can modify for your needs. I've never looked but assume it is in the autoexec.bat file on the floppy. Someone else might know for certain.

DerekW

Err..by W98 floppy I mean a normal Windows Startup disk.

DerekW

Simply add the commands to the autoexec.bat file on the boot floppy. Your boot floppy will set the drive letter for the CD-ROM, so there should be no question about what the drive letter will be.

HTH

Dave

If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is he homeless or naked?

Thx Dave357.

DerekW

I am visually handicapped and am trying to allow myself some sort of Independence when needing to install Win98 after a crash or HHD Failure.
If I may, let me try to re-explain what I need help with. I know and understand, that when using the Win98 Boot Floppy the autoexec.bat of the Win98 Boot Floppy contains the commands that set the cd-rom letter thereby displaying the Cd-rom Drive Letter. I am asking for a batch command that will read, select and auto use that correct Cd-rom Drive letter. Next after the batch finds the correct cd-rom drive letter the rest of the batch commands will then use that drive letter along with other commands to copy the Win98 Cabs to C:\win98.
NOTE....the below does not work. I need the example corrected. Also
I need all of the commands to accomplish the results contained within my first post.
EXAMPLE:
REM Locate the CDROM drive,
FOR %%d IN (c: d: e: f: g: h: i: j: k: l: m: n: o: p: q: r: s: t: u: v: w: x: y: z:) DO IF EXIST %%d\ SET CDROM=%%d

All of that is unnecessary. Since you are creating/modifying the boot floppy, just look at your autoexec.bat file to see what letter is assigned to the CD, and write your new commands accordingly:

MD C:\Win98

xcopy R:\Win98\*.* C:\Win98(assuming that your boot floppy sets the drive letter as R

C:\Win98\setup

Derek, YW. Our posts crossed.

HTH

Dave

If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is he homeless or naked?

Dave357 and others

I understand how to look at the screen and find the cd-rom drive letter that is being displayed during the Win98 Install. Your commands are correctly stated. What I am trying to say but wish I did not have to say it for all the world to know, is that I am almost blind and have to use special programs to read this text and all text. It is very hard to see the display of a DOS Window. That is why I am wanting to have a batch file find the Cd-rom Drive letter and then start the install. I can always have someone help me and/or do the install for me, but I want to be albe to do things without always depending on someone. {except for depending and hoping someone here can help me.}

Add the following to the :QUIT section of the autoexec.bat on the Win98 bootdisk;

:: NEW ADDITIONAL LINES
echo Making new directory WIN98 on C:
md c:\win98
echo.
echo Copying Windows 98 setup files to C:\WIN98
echo.
copy/v %cdrom%:\win98\*.* c:\win98
echo.
echo All files are now copied to C:\WIN98
echo.

In the end it should look like this;

@ECHO OFF
set EXPAND=YES
SET DIRCMD=/O:N
set LglDrv=27 * 26 Z 25 Y 24 X 23 W 22 V 21 U 20 T 19 S 18 R 17 Q 16 P 15
set LglDrv=%LglDrv% O 14 N 13 M 12 L 11 K 10 J 9 I 8 H 7 G 6 F 5 E 4 D 3 C
cls
call setramd.bat %LglDrv%
set temp=c:\
set tmp=c:\
path=%RAMD%:\;a:\;%CDROM%:\
copy command.com %RAMD%:\ > NUL
set comspec=%RAMD%:\command.com
copy extract.exe %RAMD%:\ > NUL
copy readme.txt %RAMD%:\ > NUL

:ERROR
IF EXIST ebd.cab GOTO EXT
echo Please insert Windows 98 Startup Disk 2
echo.
pause
GOTO ERROR

:EXT
%RAMD%:\extract /y /e /l %RAMD%: ebd.cab > NUL
echo The diagnostic tools were successfully loaded to drive %RAMD%.
echo.

IF "%config%"=="NOCD" GOTO QUIT
IF "%config%"=="HELP" GOTO HELP
LH %ramd%:\MSCDEX.EXE /D:mscd001 /L:%CDROM%
echo.
GOTO QUIT

:HELP
cls
call help.bat
echo Your computer will now restart and the startup menu will appear.
echo.
echo.
echo.
echo.
echo.
echo.
echo.
echo.
echo.
echo.
restart.com
GOTO QUIT

:QUIT
:: NEW ADDITIONAL LINES
echo Making new directory WIN98 on C:
md c:\win98
echo.
echo Copying Windows 98 setup files to C:\WIN98
echo.
copy/v %cdrom%:\win98\*.* c:\win98
echo.
echo All files are now copied to C:\WIN98
echo.
echo To get help, type HELP and press ENTER.
echo.
rem clean up environment variables
set CDROM=
set LglDrv=

If you want setup to start automatically, add;

c:\win98\setup

as the very last line in the a:\autoexec.bat file.

It's a good day when you learn something

There is supposed to be a space between the copy command and the /v (verify) switch.
copy /v %cdrom%:\win98\*.* c:\win98

Lee

No, it does not need the space. I've performed the procedure which I posted and tested it. It works fine. I won't post an untested procedure. If I personally have not tried something which I place in these forums, I'll state such in the posting.

The issue of a space before a switch has been "discussed" in these forums many times.

It's a good day when you learn something

Adding some underscores on the bottom makes the line post full here like this:

:: NEW ADDITIONAL LINES
echo Making new directory WIN98 on C:
md c:\win98
echo.
echo Copying Windows 98 setup files to C:\WIN98
echo.
copy/v %cdrom%:\win98\*.* c:\win98
echo.
echo All files are now copied to C:\WIN98
echo.

Those extraineous cr/lf pairs can confuse.
Best
________________________________________________

jubalsams, I gather you mean the;

set LglDrv=27 * 26 Z 25 Y 24 X 23 W 22 V 21 U 20 T 19 S 18 R 17 Q 16 P 15
set LglDrv=%LglDrv% O 14 N 13 M 12 L 11 K 10 J 9 I 8 H 7 G 6 F 5 E 4 D 3 C

lines?

I just copied my (bootdisk) autoexec contents in and posted, just trying to illustrate where in the file the new lines should be placed. It didn't occur to me to check for wrap as I was "working" with the bottom of the file area.

It's a good day when you learn something

I am also 'visibly impaired'.

But we worked out way bacj when that all these gyrations can be avoioded, and much time saved.

Add this to your MSCDEX line

/L:R

Then in your bat:

xcopy r:\win98 c:\win98\
c:\win98\setup

Away you go.

###
BTW, I'd be interested in comparing notes on msbatch.inf tips and tricks.

If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

M2

Thanks to everyone who helped.
I setup the Autoexec.bat of the Win98 Boot Floppy as directed. The commands work perfect.
I made an edit to the first few lines of the Config.sys of the Win98 Boot Floppy.
.......Config.Sys Before edit...........
[menu]
menuitem=CD, Start computer with CD-ROM support.
menuitem=NOCD, Start computer without CD-ROM support.
menuitem=HELP, View the Help file.
menudefault=CD,30
..............................................
..................Config.Sys After Edit ....................
[menu]
menuitem=CD, Start computer with CD-ROM support.
menudefault=CD,01
..............................................
The edit of the Config sets choice one of the menu within one second:
Start computer with CD-ROM support.
Thus, I do not have to look at the screen or make a choice.

Thanks again, for the wonderful help, commands and info..

Glad you got it up and working.

It's a good day when you learn something