AUTOEXEC.BAT on OS's > Win98

[Dilbert]

Question
I need to add a variable to AUTOEXEC.BAT, but this file is blank. Is this normal?

Important note

Whether it be editing AUTOEXEC.BAT or using alternate means, changing system variables can be very hazardous to your system. Make sure you either follow directions to the letter or know what you are doing.

Answer
Assuming that your Operating System is Windows NT, 2000, ME, or XP, this is perfectly normal*. This is a security feature added so malicious hackers could not damage the system by erasing or changing variables in AUTOEXEC.BAT. It is still possible, but more difficult. The flip-side to this is that it makes it a little harder to edit these variables yourself. To add/remove/edit a veriable:

In Windows NT:
1. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel
2. Select and open the System icon
3. Select the environment tab
4. Modify variables as you would in the AUTOEXEC.BAT. Buttons should be available to Add, Delete, or Edit these variables.
5. When done, select Set, Apply, and OK

In Windows 2000:
1. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel
2. Select and open the System icon
3. Select the Advanced tab
4. Select the Environment Variables button
5. Modify variables as you would in the AUTOEXEC.BAT. Buttons should be available to Add, Delete, or Edit these variables.
6. When done, select Set, Apply, and OK

In Windows ME:
1. Select Start > Run
2. Type "msconfig" minus the quote marks and press Run or [Enter]
3. Click the Environment tab
4. Modify variables as you would in the AUTOEXEC.BAT. Buttons should be available to Add, Delete, or Edit these variables.
5. When done, click OK
NOTE: You must restart your PC in WinME for the changes to take effect.

In Windows XP:
1. Select Start > Control Panel > Performance and maintenence** > System
2. Select the Advanced tab
3. Select the Environment Variables button
4. Modify variables as you would in the AUTOEXEC.BAT. Buttons should be available to Add, Delete, or Edit these variables.
5. When done, click OK

*If you have Windows 95 or Windows 98, and the AUTOEXEC is blank, back up all needed data ASAP, because the file is not supposed to be blank.

**Windows can be configured to the Classic view (not sorted into categories). If this is the case on your machine, the Performance and Maintenence button will not appear; simply select System from the list.