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I'm needing to temporarily Block XP HOME from booting.
Basically....when the computer is turned on...it needs to default to just a command line, or show an error message, or something....and then, afterwards, be able to remove this block via an edit somewhere.
I used to do this in Win95 and 98 by just removing WIN from the autoexec file. Can something like that be done in XP?
IDEALLY...it would be great if the above could be pre-set to occur automatically after and certain DATE.
THANKS
Not possible with Windows XP as XP has no DOS. By the time the system is able to process a command line its to late, Windows is booted.
Stuart
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You could change the boot options in the BIOS to not boot to the HDD, but that would have to be done manually. I'm wondering though why you want to prevent the machine from booting..And, is this XP Home or Pro?
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Jenn Jenn, He said xp pro above. It appears he wants to prevent a fellow comrade from eyeing his prize possesions!
God made men and then rested, God made women and noones rested since..
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Oh and yeah, if he did the bios thing anyone could do that and therefore prevent his security system from being successfull.
God made men and then rested, God made women and noones rested since..
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He would of course put on a bios password.
But if going that route most bios have a hd lock or user password [different from system password] and he could lock the computer that way. I use this method on my kids pcs when they don't do their homework [such a mean dad :-)]
Since kev100 isn't saying why he wants to do what he wants other suggestions may be a moot point.
Simple put kev100 you can't do what you desire unless you partitioned, installed dos then Xp and could then point the boot.ini to default to the dos boot. XP doesn't boot like 9x since these OS's are worlds apart.
Maybe you can post what it is you are trying to accomplish so we can make a better recommendation.
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The bios password isnt any good either for anyone willing to reset the bios jumper could alter that too.
God made men and then rested, God made women and noones rested since..
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AND... I'd like to know if it's Pro or Home. :) Both are referenced. :) Dual boot Pro and Home perhaps? LOL
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My my....how the mind conjures answers when only partial information is provided. I think there's a term for that in psychology...can't remember what.
I did consider the bios option, and that would do in certain cases. However, the command based route (which would be set to automatically begin on a certain date) would be best.
For this application, working in XP HOME is all that is needed. While reading the responses, a possible option did come to mind:
I think that execuatable files can be created and run from within all vrs. of XP (using good ol' DOS-like commands in a text file). One could be created with the command line command to Shut-Down Windows (whatever that is) if it is presently x date or later. A shortcut to that file could be placed in the startup folder so that it runs each time.
IF the start-up folder items are NOT run in safe mode, then, one could simply boot to safe mode and remove it when needed.
Ideally, it would be best to place the trigger for this file in one of the MSCONFIG items so that it would note even appear in the startup folder.
Anyways...(in my case) this would be "sophisticated" enough to thwart those for whom such a block would apply.
So.....WHY is such a device needed?
Hint: If the "timed" option was used...it would be set to begin blocking Windows after 30-days.
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My bad jenn jenn, You sharp eyed beauty!
God made men and then rested, God made women and noones rested since..
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Hi
im having trouble understanding kev100's last post
but as i understand it you just want to block pc use?if so have a look here boot manager
http://btmgr.webframe.org/index.php3?body=about.html
or
http://www.boot-us.com/functions.htm
apparently (ive not tried it) you can password partitions/boot options.why not put passworded accounts in place
if its xp?
(ok its easy to bi-pass but you have to know how and if that 'unwanted person' can do that any other bios' password would be a cynch also:)
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