Creating boot files
Installation – Creating the Boot Files
Creating the Boot Files
The next step in the installation process is to use the included bootmaker utility to generate the boot programs required to start Color 64. All boot programs begin with a “+” symbol. The +bbs file you previously copied to the Boot Files is an example.
These boot programs are essential because they store important configuration parameters, including whether you are using hardware such as the SwiftLink RS-232 cartridge or a TurboMaster CPU.
The bootmaker utility works by loading the +bbs program into memory, modifying it based on your selections, and then saving updated boot files back to disk. For this reason, the +bbs file must already exist on your Boot disk before running bootmaker.
Running the Bootmaker Program
Insert your Boot disk, then LOAD and RUN the program named:
bootmaker
During execution, you will be prompted for device numbers, drive numbers, and initialization commands.
- Device numbers must be between 8 and 30.
- Drive numbers must be 0 or 1.
- Initialization commands may be up to 16 characters.
Refer to the section Drive Initialization Commands for proper syntax.
When entering drive initialization commands:
- Do not remove or add quotation marks.
- Multiple commands may be separated with “!”
- The boot programs can access only drive 0 or drive 1 of a device.
You may press RETURN to accept defaults where appropriate.
Bootmaker Questions Explained
Device, Drive, and Init Command for Boot Programs
Enter the parameters for the drive containing your Boot Files. This drive must contain the +bbs program.
For SD2IEC users operating in native directory mode (not disk images), ensure your folder structure is finalized before running bootmaker.
Example SD2IEC folder layout:
| Folder | Purpose | Example Init Command |
|---|---|---|
| ROOT (//) | Program and System Files | 0:!cd// |
| PUBMSGS | Public Messages | 0:!cd//pubmsgs |
| PRIVMSGS | Private Messages | 0:!cd//privmsgs |
| UD64UPLOADS | Upload Area | 0:!cd//ud64uploads |
| UD64GAMES | Download Area – Games | 0:!cd//ud64games |
| UD64UTIL | Download Area – Utilities | 0:!cd//ud64util |
| HELP | Help and Text Files | 0:!cd//help |
Running System with Ram Expansion Unit
You will be asked whether you are using a Commodore 17XX-series REU.
If this is your first installation, it is recommended to complete setup without the REU first. Once the system is stable, you may rerun bootmaker and SETUP to enable REU support.
Answer “Y” only if you intend to run overlays from the REU.
Boot Drive
Enter the device, drive, and initialization parameters for your Boot drive. This is the drive from which you will load +SETUP and other boot utilities.
This may be the same as your Program drive if sufficient space is available.
Program Drive
Enter the parameters for the drive containing your overlays.
If you are using a single disk drive and must swap disks during boot, use the same parameters as the Boot drive.
If using an REU:
- This refers to the device from which overlays will be loaded before transfer to RAMDOS.
- Drive will always be 0.
- ICT users should note that the included ICT utility assumes the REU is device 15.
Need to Swap Disks
If Boot and Program drives are identical and you have only one physical drive, answer “Y”.
If using the smaller “bm small” utility, this question will not appear.
Using TurboMaster CPU
Answer “Y” if you are running the Schnedler Systems 4.09 MHz TurboMaster CPU.
Using SwiftLink Cartridge
Answer “Y” if you are using a CMD SwiftLink cartridge (or SwiftLink CRT image in VICE).
Using Lt. Kernal HD
If you answered “N” to SwiftLink, you will be asked whether you are using a Lt. Kernal hard drive. Answer “Y” if applicable.
SwiftLink Address
If SwiftLink is enabled, you must specify its memory address.
Factory default: $DE00
Optional hardware modifications may set it to:
- $DF00
- $D700
If unsure, use $DE00. If modem communication fails, verify the correct address.
Completion
After all questions are answered, bootmaker will create the necessary boot programs on the disk containing +bbs.
Standard boot files created include:
- +reboot
- +setup
- +net setup
- +editor
- +shell
If REU support was enabled, the following will also be created:
- +ram.start
- +ram.restart
- +ram.reinit
- +ram.bbs
- +ram.reboot
These files are approximately three disk blocks each and will be used regularly during system operation.
Next Section: Boot Program ("+") Details"