Starting applications automatically in safe mode

[Frank]

I need to start a logger application under Windows98 when the system
is started in safe mode.
I know that I have to use the registry key HKLOCALMACHINE\System
\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot
but I don't know what to add.
Perhaps a new Key under Minimal and Network keys with the name of the
application?
And so, where is the information about which program to launch?
I need to launch a program .EXE in a specific folder.
I tried with win.ini on [BOOT] section, keys run= and load= without
any result.
I tried also to prefix with a * the key that starts the application
when OS is started in normal mode under HKEYLOCALMACHINE\Software
\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
with no result.


Thanks.

 

[MEB]

It would be instrumental to advise WHAT this application might be and what
its function might be, as that MAY effect whether this can be achieved due
to the minimal functions available within Safe Mode.

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
________


"Frank" <frank73@libero.it> wrote in message
news:1194512641.829193.78090@57g2000hsv.googlegroups.com...
| I need to start a logger application under Windows98 when the system
| is started in safe mode.
| I know that I have to use the registry key HKLOCALMACHINE\System
| \CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot
| but I don't know what to add.
| Perhaps a new Key under Minimal and Network keys with the name of the
| application?
| And so, where is the information about which program to launch?
| I need to launch a program .EXE in a specific folder.
| I tried with win.ini on [BOOT] section, keys run= and load= without
| any result.
| I tried also to prefix with a * the key that starts the application
| when OS is started in normal mode under HKEYLOCALMACHINE\Software
| \Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
| with no result.
|
|
| Thanks.
|

 

[Frank]

On 8 Nov, 18:20, "MEB" <meb@not h...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> It would be instrumental to advise WHAT this application might be and what
> its function might be, as that MAY effect whether this can be achieved due
> to the minimal functions available within Safe Mode.
>
> --
> MEBhttp://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
> ________
>
> "Frank" <fran...@libero.it> wrote in message
>
> news:1194512641.829193.78090@57g2000hsv.googlegroups.com...
> | I need to start a logger application under Windows98 when the system
> | is started in safe mode.
> | I know that I have to use the registry key HKLOCALMACHINE\System
> | \CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot
> | but I don't know what to add.
> | Perhaps a new Key under Minimal and Network keys with the name of the
> | application?
> | And so, where is the information about which program to launch?
> | I need to launch a program .EXE in a specific folder.
> | I tried with win.ini on [BOOT] section, keys run= and load= without
> | any result.
> | I tried also to prefix with a * the key that starts the application
> | when OS is started in normal mode under HKEYLOCALMACHINE\Software
> | \Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
> | with no result.
> |
> |
> | Thanks.
> |

It is a trace application for tracing web-surfing and it is memory
resident

 

[MEB]

A tracing application - IN SAFE MODE - for Internet access. Interesting, so
you have configured Safe Mode to allow Internet access? In 98? May I ask
why?

So this is apparently Safe Mode with Networking?

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
________


"Frank" <frank73@libero.it> wrote in message
news:1194601446.758080.248890@d55g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
| On 8 Nov, 18:20, "MEB" <meb@not h...@hotmail.com> wrote:
| > It would be instrumental to advise WHAT this application might be and
what
| > its function might be, as that MAY effect whether this can be achieved
due
| > to the minimal functions available within Safe Mode.
| >
| > --
| > MEBhttp://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
| > ________
| >
| > "Frank" <fran...@libero.it> wrote in message
| >
| > news:1194512641.829193.78090@57g2000hsv.googlegroups.com...
| > | I need to start a logger application under Windows98 when the system
| > | is started in safe mode.
| > | I know that I have to use the registry key HKLOCALMACHINE\System
| > | \CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot
| > | but I don't know what to add.
| > | Perhaps a new Key under Minimal and Network keys with the name of the
| > | application?
| > | And so, where is the information about which program to launch?
| > | I need to launch a program .EXE in a specific folder.
| > | I tried with win.ini on [BOOT] section, keys run= and load= without
| > | any result.
| > | I tried also to prefix with a * the key that starts the application
| > | when OS is started in normal mode under HKEYLOCALMACHINE\Software
| > | \Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
| > | with no result.
| > |
| > |
| > | Thanks.
| > |
|
| It is a trace application for tracing web-surfing and it is memory
| resident
|

 

[Franc Zabkar]

On Thu, 08 Nov 2007 01:04:01 -0800, Frank <frank73@libero.it> put
finger to keyboard and composed:

>I need to start a logger application under Windows98 when the system
>is started in safe mode.
>I know that I have to use the registry key HKLOCALMACHINE\System
>\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot
>but I don't know what to add.
>Perhaps a new Key under Minimal and Network keys with the name of the
>application?
>And so, where is the information about which program to launch?
>I need to launch a program .EXE in a specific folder.
>I tried with win.ini on [BOOT] section, keys run= and load= without
>any result.
>I tried also to prefix with a * the key that starts the application
>when OS is started in normal mode under HKEYLOCALMACHINE\Software
>\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
>with no result.
>
>
>Thanks.

I searched for SafeBoot but most of the references where for malware
that exploited this registry key. AFAICT, this key does not exist in
Windows 98.

I found these URLs to be useful:

http://members.tripod.com/aliesther/how_do_i_start_my_computer_in_safemode.htm
http://www.md4pc.com/questions/25.htm#Starting the Microsoft Windows®
98 Operating System in Safe Mode:

I think the way to a solution is to find some flag that indicates
whether the system is in safe or normal mode, test for this flag, and
then execute your program if the flag is set.

If you can't find such a flag, then it may be possible to create your
own in an environment variable. For example, we know that autoexec.bat
is executed in normal mode but is bypassed in safe mode. So I would
add the following line to autoexec.bat:

set bootmode=normal

I would then create a .bat file, eg tracer.bat with this line:

if not #%bootmode%==#normal start your_program

Type ...

start /?

.... for a list of options.

Add tracer.bat to the Run key in your registry (I haven't tried this)
or add a link to this file in your Startup group in Start->Programs.

Alternatively you could just create a shortcut (PIF) for the following
command line:

command /c if not #%bootmode%==#normal start your_program

- Franc Zabkar
--
Please remove one 'i' from my address when replying by email.

 

[Frank]

On 10 Nov, 22:54, Franc Zabkar <fzab...@iinternode.on.net> wrote:
> On Thu, 08 Nov 2007 01:04:01 -0800, Frank <fran...@libero.it> put
> finger to keyboard and composed:
>
>
>
>
>
> >I need to start a logger application under Windows98 when the system
> >is started in safe mode.
> >I know that I have to use the registry key HKLOCALMACHINE\System
> >\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot
> >but I don't know what to add.
> >Perhaps a new Key under Minimal and Network keys with the name of the
> >application?
> >And so, where is the information about which program to launch?
> >I need to launch a program .EXE in a specific folder.
> >I tried with win.ini on [BOOT] section, keys run= and load= without
> >any result.
> >I tried also to prefix with a * the key that starts the application
> >when OS is started in normal mode under HKEYLOCALMACHINE\Software
> >\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
> >with no result.
>
> >Thanks.
>
> I searched for SafeBoot but most of the references where for malware
> that exploited this registry key. AFAICT, this key does not exist in
> Windows 98.
>
> I found these URLs to be useful:
>
> http://members.tripod.com/aliesther...://www.md4pc.com/questions/25.htm#Startingthe Microsoft Windows®
> 98 Operating System in Safe Mode:
>
> I think the way to a solution is to find some flag that indicates
> whether the system is in safe or normal mode, test for this flag, and
> then execute your program if the flag is set.
>
> If you can't find such a flag, then it may be possible to create your
> own in an environment variable. For example, we know that autoexec.bat
> is executed in normal mode but is bypassed in safe mode. So I would
> add the following line to autoexec.bat:
>
> set bootmode=normal
>
> I would then create a .bat file, eg tracer.bat with this line:
>
> if not #%bootmode%==#normal start your_program
>
> Type ...
>
> start /?
>
> ... for a list of options.
>
> Add tracer.bat to the Run key in your registry (I haven't tried this)
> or add a link to this file in your Startup group in Start->Programs.
>
> Alternatively you could just create a shortcut (PIF) for the following
> command line:
>
> command /c if not #%bootmode%==#normal start your_program
>
> - Franc Zabkar
> --
> Please remove one 'i' from my address when replying by email.- Nascondi testo tra virgolette -
>
> - Mostra testo tra virgolette -


What you suggest is not possible because you suggest to create a
tracer.bat file. And then ? For running it in safe mode?
You CANNOT place it on Run registry key because are bypassed when in
safe mode.
You CANNOT place in Startup group in Start->Programs because all items
are bypassed when in safe mode.
The PIF file is bypassed when in safe mode.

So?

 

[Franc Zabkar]

On Mon, 12 Nov 2007 06:00:16 -0800, Frank <frank73@libero.it> put
finger to keyboard and composed:

>On 10 Nov, 22:54, Franc Zabkar <fzab...@iinternode.on.net> wrote:
>> On Thu, 08 Nov 2007 01:04:01 -0800, Frank <fran...@libero.it> put
>> finger to keyboard and composed:

>> >I need to start a logger application under Windows98 when the system
>> >is started in safe mode.
>> >I know that I have to use the registry key HKLOCALMACHINE\System
>> >\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot
>> >but I don't know what to add.
>> >Perhaps a new Key under Minimal and Network keys with the name of the
>> >application?
>> >And so, where is the information about which program to launch?
>> >I need to launch a program .EXE in a specific folder.
>> >I tried with win.ini on [BOOT] section, keys run= and load= without
>> >any result.
>> >I tried also to prefix with a * the key that starts the application
>> >when OS is started in normal mode under HKEYLOCALMACHINE\Software
>> >\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
>> >with no result.
>>
>> >Thanks.
>>
>> I found these URLs to be useful:
>>
>> http://members.tripod.com/aliesther...://www.md4pc.com/questions/25.htm#Startingthe Microsoft Windows®
>> 98 Operating System in Safe Mode:
>>
>> I think the way to a solution is to find some flag that indicates
>> whether the system is in safe or normal mode, test for this flag, and
>> then execute your program if the flag is set.
>>
>> If you can't find such a flag, then it may be possible to create your
>> own in an environment variable. For example, we know that autoexec.bat
>> is executed in normal mode but is bypassed in safe mode. So I would
>> add the following line to autoexec.bat:
>>
>> set bootmode=normal
>>
>> I would then create a .bat file, eg tracer.bat with this line:
>>
>> if not #%bootmode%==#normal start your_program

>> Add tracer.bat to the Run key in your registry (I haven't tried this)
>> or add a link to this file in your Startup group in Start->Programs.
>>
>> Alternatively you could just create a shortcut (PIF) for the following
>> command line:
>>
>> command /c if not #%bootmode%==#normal start your_program
>>
>> - Franc Zabkar
>>
>> - Mostra testo tra virgolette -
>
>
>What you suggest is not possible because you suggest to create a
>tracer.bat file. And then ? For running it in safe mode?
>You CANNOT place it on Run registry key because are bypassed when in
>safe mode.
>You CANNOT place in Startup group in Start->Programs because all items
>are bypassed when in safe mode.
>The PIF file is bypassed when in safe mode.
>
>So?

Sorry, I didn't test any of my suggestions because every time I go
into safe mode, my desktop settings are disturbed.

Anyway, the links I referred to above made no mention of not executing
the registry Run key or the Startup programs group. What I *did* find
was a statement to the effect that the Shell and Drivers lines in the
[boot] section of system.ini are still executed in safe mode, so I
experimented by amending the Shell line as follows:

shell=explorer.exe defrag.exe

This resulted in both commands being executed, ie I had a normal
desktop plus a defrag window.

I also tried ...

shell=tracer.bat

.... where tracer.bat contained two lines ...

c:\windows\explorer.exe
command /k echo got here

Unfortunately the latter case resulted in a blank desktop with a DOS
Prompt window and an Explorer window (the same as you get when you
type "explorer" in the Start->Run box).

I suggest you try the line ...

shell=explorer.exe tracer.bat

.... with an autoexec.bat file amended as described earlier.

- Franc Zabkar
--
Please remove one 'i' from my address when replying by email.

 

[Frank]

No, you are wrong.
What I *did* find
was a statement to the effect that the Shell and Drivers lines in the
[boot] section of system.ini are still executed in safe mode,

Shell and Drivers lines are NOT executed in safe mode

 

[Franc Zabkar]

On Tue, 13 Nov 2007 07:19:07 -0800, Frank <frank73@libero.it> put
finger to keyboard and composed:

>No, you are wrong.
>What I *did* find
>was a statement to the effect that the Shell and Drivers lines in the
>[boot] section of system.ini are still executed in safe mode,
>
>Shell and Drivers lines are NOT executed in safe mode

Then I have no more ideas. Sorry.

I searched for info on safe mode in Win98 but the best I could find
was the following MSKB article for Win95. I assumed Win98 would behave
similarly. Apparently that is not the case.

How Windows 95 Performs a Safe-Mode Start:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/122051

"Note that although the [Boot] section of the System.ini file is
bypassed, the "shell=" and "drivers=" lines in the [Boot] section are
processed."

If you can find an article that describes *exactly* what happens or
does not happen in Win98 safe mode, I will be happy to try again.

- Franc Zabkar
--
Please remove one 'i' from my address when replying by email.

 

[Franc Zabkar]

On Wed, 14 Nov 2007 06:08:11 +1100, Franc Zabkar
<fzabkar@iinternode.on.net> put finger to keyboard and composed:

>On Tue, 13 Nov 2007 07:19:07 -0800, Frank <frank73@libero.it> put
>finger to keyboard and composed:
>
>>No, you are wrong.
>>What I *did* find
>>was a statement to the effect that the Shell and Drivers lines in the
>>[boot] section of system.ini are still executed in safe mode,
>>
>>Shell and Drivers lines are NOT executed in safe mode
>
>Then I have no more ideas. Sorry.
>
>I searched for info on safe mode in Win98 but the best I could find
>was the following MSKB article for Win95. I assumed Win98 would behave
>similarly. Apparently that is not the case.
>
>How Windows 95 Performs a Safe-Mode Start:
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/122051
>
>"Note that although the [Boot] section of the System.ini file is
>bypassed, the "shell=" and "drivers=" lines in the [Boot] section are
>processed."
>
>If you can find an article that describes *exactly* what happens or
>does not happen in Win98 safe mode, I will be happy to try again.

In this thread ...

http://www.syschat.com/no-mouse-in-safe-mode-w98-384.html

.... one person writes that "Win98 does not start in safe mode with
system.ini but with system.cb" (cb = cleanboot). His solution for
adding mouse functionality to Windows 98 safe mode (???) was to edit
the [boot] and [386Enh] sections of system.cb.

The following MS document also describes how to edit system.cb to add
functionality of your own choosing.

Creating a New System.ini File Without Third-Party Drivers
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=140441

Maybe you could experiment by adding the following to system.cb:

[boot}
shell=explorer.exe clock.exe

FWIW, my own system.cb has the following entries:

[Keyboard]
layout=kbdus.kbd

[Intl]
ACP=1252
OEMCP=437
SystemLocale=00000c09

- Franc Zabkar
--
Please remove one 'i' from my address when replying by email.

 

[PCR]

Franc Zabkar wrote:
| On Wed, 14 Nov 2007 06:08:11 +1100, Franc Zabkar
| <fzabkar@iinternode.on.net> put finger to keyboard and composed:
|
|>On Tue, 13 Nov 2007 07:19:07 -0800, Frank <frank73@libero.it> put
|>finger to keyboard and composed:
|>
|>>No, you are wrong.
|>>What I *did* find
|>>was a statement to the effect that the Shell and Drivers lines in the
|>>[boot] section of system.ini are still executed in safe mode,
|>>
|>>Shell and Drivers lines are NOT executed in safe mode
|>
|>Then I have no more ideas. Sorry.
|>
|>I searched for info on safe mode in Win98 but the best I could find
|>was the following MSKB article for Win95. I assumed Win98 would behave
|>similarly. Apparently that is not the case.
|>
|>How Windows 95 Performs a Safe-Mode Start:
|> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/122051
|>
|>"Note that although the [Boot] section of the System.ini file is
|>bypassed, the "shell=" and "drivers=" lines in the [Boot] section are
|>processed."
|>
|>If you can find an article that describes *exactly* what happens or
|>does not happen in Win98 safe mode, I will be happy to try again.
|
| In this thread ...
|
| http://www.syschat.com/no-mouse-in-safe-mode-w98-384.html
|
| ... one person writes that "Win98 does not start in safe mode with
| system.ini but with system.cb" (cb = cleanboot). His solution for
| adding mouse functionality to Windows 98 safe mode (???) was to edit
| the [boot] and [386Enh] sections of system.cb.
|
| The following MS document also describes how to edit system.cb to add
| functionality of your own choosing.
|
| Creating a New System.ini File Without Third-Party Drivers
| http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=140441
|
| Maybe you could experiment by adding the following to system.cb:
|
| [boot}
| shell=explorer.exe clock.exe
|
| FWIW, my own system.cb has the following entries:
|
| [Keyboard]
| layout=kbdus.kbd
|
| [Intl]
| ACP=1252
| OEMCP=437
| SystemLocale=00000c09

Mine is a bit different...

[Keyboard]
layout=kbdus.kbd

[Intl]
ACP=1252
OEMCP=437
SystemLocale=00000409

[boot]
*DisplayFallback=0

| - Franc Zabkar
| --
| Please remove one 'i' from my address when replying by email.

--
Thanks or Good Luck,
There may be humor in this post, and,
Naturally, you will not sue,
Should things get worse after this,
PCR
pcrrcp@netzero.net

 

[Franc Zabkar]

On Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:02:51 +1100, Franc Zabkar
<fzabkar@iinternode.on.net> put finger to keyboard and composed:

>Maybe you could experiment by adding the following to system.cb:
>
> [boot}
> shell=explorer.exe clock.exe

Sorry, clock.exe is not included with Win9x. Try some other
executable, eg calc.exe.

- Franc Zabkar
--
Please remove one 'i' from my address when replying by email.