User Guide

44 Server Operating System Administration Guide
Server Operating System Administration Guide
103-000148-001
August 30, 2001
Novell Confidential
Manual 99a38 July 17, 2001
Using Optional Commands in Startup Files
During initialization, NetWare executes two server boot files that are created
by the installation process:
 STARTUP.NCF. Executes first and loads the server’s disk drivers, name
spaces, and some SET parameters. This file resides in the startup
directory, C:\NWSERVER.
 AUTOEXEC.NCF. Stores the server name and IPX
TM
internal network
number (if IPX is installed), loads the LAN drivers and settings for the
network boards, binds the protocol to the installed drivers, and loads other
NLM programs. This file resides in SYS:\SYSTEM.
IMPORTANT: Even if you use IP, the internal network number stored in this file
serves as a unique server ID. IP uses this number to provide passive IPX support
called Compatibility Mode.
An .NCF file executes all the commands within it. However, you can make a
command optional by placing a question mark (?) in front of it. For the
procedure, see “Making a Command Optional in a Server Batch (.NCF) File”
on page 58.
Using SET Commands in Startup Files
Remember that some SET commands can be executed only from the
STARTUP.NCF file. To find out whether a SET command must be executed
in STARTUP.NCF, see the detailed information for the parameter in NetWare
Remote Manager.
If a SET command is nonpersistent and you want its setting to remain when
the server is restarted, then add the SET command for any nonpersistent
parameters to the STARTUP.NCF file.
When you install the server operating system, the installation process adds
SET commands to the AUTOEXEC.NCF file—commands that control time
zone and daylight savings time information, bindery context, and time server
type.
You can add more SET commands to the AUTOEXEC.NCF file, if desired.
To modify server batch files, you can use NWCONFIG or Editor at the server
console or edit and upload the file using NetWare Remote Manger. When the
server is rebooted, any parameter values set by commands in the
AUTOEXEC.NCF file override previous values for those parameters.