By Cyndi Richards

I would like to thank my good friend Otto Wipfel (OTTODAD) for the idea of using batch files. I have only expanded on his original idea by creating a comprehensive step by step guide. In my guides I like to stay with the KISS principle: KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID! Thus, these batch files are the bare minimums to get you started.

This step by step will show you how to create batch files to turn your individual routes on or off. The starting portion of MSTS will load up much faster. The length of time you have a black screen before the route selection screen will

TWO METHODSMethod

Method 2 will allow you to turn all routes "OFF" at once, and turn "ON" routes individually.BEFORE YOU BEGINGrab a pencil & paper and open the ROUTES folder. Write down the name of the ROUTE exactly as it appears on the folder, including spaces, underscores, etc. Now open the ROUTE folder and look for the file that ends with .trk  . Write down the file name exactly as it appears. Do this for each route in the folder. For MSTS to function properly one route must always be "ON". Scratch your favorite route from the list so it will always be "ON". For this example we will the route USA2, so wherever you see USA2, use the appropriate route folder name or .trk file name.METHOD 11.2.  Type: 

3.  Type: 

4.  Type:  C:    <ENTER> note:

                               than

                               place of

5.    CD\"PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT GAMES\TRAIN

                 <ENTER>6.  Type:  REN "USA2.OFF" "USA2.TRK"  <ENTER>7.  Type: 

8.  At the top of the screen click on FILE,

9.  In the FILE NAME window type:10. In the SAVE AS TYPE window click on the triangle at the right11.

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