Semi-colon, I forgot how to use it.

Periodically, I have to run the recovery disk on win95 computer and that disk has some OEM software to devices that have been replaced - like sound card and modem - and when recovery disk runs it installs software no longer appropriate. So, then the system is looking for the hardware and get error messages. How do I go into system and place semi-colon so can stop this from happening. Used to know, but forgot - old age, of course.
All help appreciated.
Norm72
its for win95 - system on PC - with 32 RAM - 8 gb on 2 hdd's.

I think I know what you're referring to Norm, inserting the semicolon ahead of lines in the SYTEM.INI file to act as a REMark identifier to stop that line from being executed.

Without knowledge of what the replaced devices are, I'd suggest first use Windows own facilities to remove as many redundant functions as possible. The Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel may allow you to remove some support software eg comms programs or audio suite, but in Win95 not usually drivers.

If you start Windows in safe mode by tapping F8 repeatedly as Windows starts, Device Manager will show you any inactive .VXD drivers on the system so you can remove them.

Finally, re-boot into normal Windows, load the file C:\BOOTLOG.TXT into Notepad, scroll down and note if any files show a LoadFail (ignore any DeviceInitFailed earlier in the file eg MTRR often fails). Note the name of any files that fail to load.

It is wise to make a backup copy of SYSTEM.INI before altering it. Then run SYSEDIT from the Run option on the Start menu, select SYSTEM.INI and look for any occurrence of the names of files that failed to load. Put a ; in front of any of these lines, save SYSTEM.INI & I think you will have cleaned the system up, you can then install drivers for any replacement devices.

You can also use a semi-colon in a CONFIG.SYS or Win95 MSDOS.SYS file instead of "REM" to "hide" a line. You can't use a semi-colon in a batch file (like AUTOEXEC.BAT) instead of "REM", but you can use a double-colon ("::"). Go figure.

Jerry