Using the Recovery Console

[Chris]

The recovery console is only really needed when you are having a problem with your computer. So you only need to enter the recovery console if you are having a problem. The recovery console is a set of tools that can used to fix a problem and it is a powerful part of Windows XP.

So to start using the recovery console.

Boot from the XP CD

When you boot from the CD you will have to Press any key to boot from CD failure to do so will not boot from the CD and you cannot enter the recovery console.

So when you are asked simply press any key. [see pic below]

Now your computer's hardware configuration will be inspected. [see pic below]

The Windows Setup will now load all files that are needed. [see pic below]

Now as we want to enter the recovery console press R [see pic below]

Now you have to choose the Windows Installation that you want to log onto and in most cases this will be:

1. C:\WINDOWS

So type 1 and press Enter

Now you will have to type your administrator password, so type your password and press Enter

Password? If you have no Administrator password then simply press Enter [see pic below]

For a list of all the commands

Type: HELP

Then press Enter

For a description of the commands: Click Here

Using the commands

There are many commands that can be typed and the following commands are probably the most used:

chkdsk

fixmbr

fixboot

bootcfg /rebuild

The above commands can be used to delete a virus from the Master Boot Record that prevented Windows from loading. You can also rebuild the boot.ini file that may have become corrupt for one reason or another. You can also scan your hard drive for errors...

Using a Switch

A switch can be used to perform a specific function of a command. To find out all of the possible switches, type the command, then a space and type /?

Example: chkdsk /?

Press Enter and you should see all the possible switches for the chkdsk command.

chkdsk

chkdsk is short for Check Disk and this command can be used to fix file system errors and physical hard drive problems. However it cannot actually fix a physical hard drive problem it can only mark the damaged areas so Windows knows not to use them.

At the prompt: C:\WINDOWS>

Type: chkdsk

Now press Enter

Use the switches for different checks. [see pic below]

fixmbr

At the prompt: C:\WINDOWS>

Type: fixmbr

Now press Enter

Type: y

A new MBR will then be written. [see pic below]

fixboot

At the prompt: C:\WINDOWS>

Type: fixboot

Now press Enter

Type: y

A new bootsector will then be written to partition C: [see pic below]

bootcfg /rebuild

At the prompt: C:\WINDOWS>

Type: bootcfg /rebuild

Now press Enter

Allow it to scan for Windows Installations.

#1 | Add installation to boot list? (Yes/No/All):

Type: y

Now press Enter

#2 | Enter Load Identifier:

Type: You can type anything you want that identifies this installation of Windows

#3 | Enter OS Load Options:

Type: /fastdetect

Now press Enter

The above will rebuild the boot configuration. [see pic below]

** CAUTION ** PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE CAUTIONS YOU ARE GIVEN WHEN RUNNING A COMMAND.

Install the Recovery Console

If you need to use the recovery console you will always have to boot from the XP CD. However it is possible to install the recovery console so that you can select to enter the recovery console when you first start your computer.

Click, Start and then Run.

Type: d:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons

[where is d is the letter of your CD-ROM drive]

Press Enter and this should start the install of the recovery console. [see pic below]

Now when the installation has completed, restart your computer. You should now be given the option to start the recovery console or to start Windows. [see pic below]

[Boris]

Very comprehensive !

Going to pin it ?

[Guest ellas]

yeah pin it :)

[madboy33]

Nice one

Clear and concise

[-pops-]

How do you do it powerless????

Another excellent and extremely useful, lucid account - this time of how to use this potentially scary Windows utility.

Your whole collection of these essential instruction missives should be given their own section at the top of the forum pages.