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---
title: SYSTEM.CNF
type: format
summary: System designation file that names the program to start from a disc.
category: File formats
category: System software
---

## Overview

SYSTEM.CNF holds the PlayStation settings and names the application to start.[^os23]

Sony's name for SYSTEM.CNF is System Designation File.[^os23]

At boot the [PS-X OS](/system/ps-x-os/) checks the disc. On the right disc it reads SYSTEM.CNF and starts the program it names.[^os23]

## Syntax

Each parameter starts at the beginning of a line in the form `<key word> = <content>`.[^os23]

The file uses 1-byte uppercase alphanumeric characters. Lowercase characters may not be used.[^os23]

A space is needed on both sides of the equal sign.[^os23]

When a parameter appears more than once, the first one found takes precedence.[^os23]

## Keywords

SYSTEM.CNF takes the following parameters:

Table: System designation file keyword list

| Keyword | Content | Default | Example |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| BOOT | Name of the file to be started[^os23] | GAME.PSX | BOOT = PSXAPP.EXE |
| TCB | Number of tasks | 4 | TCB = 5 |
| EVENT | Number of events | 16 | EVENT = 5 |
| STACK | Stack pointer value when the BOOT file starts | 0x8001FF00 | STACK = 800FFF0 |

## References

[^os23]: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PlayStation Operating System. August 1998. Page 2-3, Table 2-1.