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From: rps@homxc.UUCP
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: Disabling floppy boot
Message-ID: <2046@homxc.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 6-Nov-87 14:22:54 EST
Article-I.D.: homxc.2046
Posted: Fri Nov  6 14:22:54 1987
Date-Received: Sun, 8-Nov-87 17:42:03 EST
References: <3543@uw-june.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Holmdel
Lines: 32
Summary: Disconnect the A: floppy

In article <3543@uw-june.UUCP>, context@uw-june.UUCP (Ronald Blanford) writes:
> 
> I am developing a PC application which will run as the command shell.
> In order to provide a measure of security, I wish to configure the PC
> so that it will never boot from a floppy disk.  Does anyone know how
> to do this short of replacing the boot rom? 
> 
> It is still necessary to have use of the floppy once the system has
> booted from the hard disk, so disconnecting the floppy will not
> suffice. 
> 
> Solutions which would require removing the cover to circumvent are
> perfectly acceptable. 
> 
> -- Ron

Simply disconnect the A floppy drive.  If is is a single drive system,
connect the B drive cable to the A drive.  If it is a dual drive system,
set it up for 3 or 4 drives and make the two drives B and C.  DOS
always goes for the A drive on boot so you just have to disconnect that 
one.  We have done this successfully with several PCs.  If your software
must use the A drive, then use a SUBST or ASSIG command to map the 
B physical drive to the A reference.

Russ Sharples
homxc!rps

NOTE:

The above in NO WAY reflects the opinions of AT&T.
These opinions are my own and the results of un-scientific and 
highly irregular analysis methods.