The Explorer: A Bevy Of Boot Disks

Copy the entire line to the floppy's config, sys, but edit the line so it no longer references the C drive:
DEVICEHIGH=SBCD.SYS /D:MSCD001 /P:220

Next, copy the SYS file itself from its original location (C:\SB\SBCD.SYS) to the floppy.

Now do the same thing for C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT: Look for a file with "CD" in it. For example, you might see something like:
rem - By Windows Setup - C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD001 /V /M:15

Copy this line to the floppy's Autoexec, but remove the REM and the references to the C:\ drive, like this:
LH MSCDEX.EXE /D:MSCD001 /V /M:15

And then -- if you haven't already -- copy the referenced EXE to the floppy. In this case, you'd copy C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\MSCDEX.EXE to the floppy.

Now reboot, and see what happens. You might have to dig more lines from your existing C:\CONFIG.SYS and C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT, but when you're done, you'll have a versatile floppy that's specific to your PC and that has the files you need to perform just about any kind of low-level work you need to do.

Experts: Please click on over to the discussion area and share your best Boot Disk tips, tricks, and tweaks; and please share your knowledge with those who are just starting out. Novices: Please click on over to the discussion area and post your questions and comments. The Experts in this forum are a wonderfully helpful lot, and chances are, someone will be willing to help you learn what you need to know.

Once again, let's help each other!

To discuss this column with other readers, please visit Fred Langa's forum on the Listening Post.

To find out more about Fred Langa, please visit his page on the Listening Post.