Previous Next Chapter

Customizing Startup Files

Each time your Amiga is booted, it executes the Startup-sequence script file Startup-sequence script file located in the S: directory. The Startup-sequence file allocates disk buffers, makes device assignments, reads saved Preferences settings, and performs other functions that configure the Amiga for use.

Because any errors introduced into the Startup-sequence file can cause a fatal disruption of the normal system startup, we strongly recommend that you do not alter your Startup-sequence file. Instead, we recommend that you create a file called User-startup User-startup file in the S:directory. Creating a User-startup file allows you to customize your system at startup while preventing any disruption of the normal booting process. This file is automatically executed by the Startup-sequence before opening Workbench.

Note:

Do not modify the original Startup-sequence file. Altering your Startup-sequence file can cause fatal system startup errors.

The User-startup and other startup files in the S:directory can be modified to run programs at startup, print special introductory messages, or automatically open a Shell window on the Workbench screen. Any AmigaDOS command can appear in a startup script, including commands to execute other scripts.

Refer to Chapters 6 and 7 for complete specifications about each command before making changes to any existing script.

Editing Startup Files

If you have a floppy-only system, make changes to your startup files only if you are working on a copy of your Workbench disk, not the original. If you make a mistake in your startup files and the execution of the Startup-sequence is aborted, only a Shell prompt remains. Normally, the FAILAT 21 command ensures that the Startup-sequence completes execution even after an error.

As long as you do not alter your standard Startup-sequence file, the possibility of a serious startup error is unlikely. If you attempt to boot from a disk that has no file named S:Startup-sequence or there is serious error in the startup process, you may see a screen similar to that shown in Figure D-2.

Figure D-2. AmigaDOS Boot Failure Shell Window

This is a Shell window at which you can enter commands, but from which your usual aliases and search path may not be available. This Shell allows you to try to edit the startup file that caused the problem. Because the system has not been fully configured, this can be difficult. It is usually easier to reboot using a different disk.

When editing your User-startup file:

Common Additions to the Startup Files

The following is a list of some of the most common additions that can be made to your startup files.

Top Previous Next Chapter