Equineer
09-15-2004, 01:00 AM
This is a re-post of a contribution to another thread. It corrects a few typos and offers an explanation of purpose and scope.
For minor problems and nuisances, the XP Help and Support system provides the System Restore facility. You can view a calendar of restore points (identified by names/dates). By selecting an appropriate restore point, you can restore your system back to the way it was configured before your problems started.
But... what can you do when Windows XP will not start? Or when errors during/after startup effectively cripple Windows XP and you cannot use Help and Support (and then use the System Restore facility)?
The usual recourse is to take your "dead" PC to a computer repair shop. In the vast majority of cases, the technicians will analyze your problems and offer you one of the following two software repair services:
(1) When possible, for $90-$120, they will be able fix Windows and also preserve your applications and data.
(2) Otherwise, they may be able to save much of your data on CD media (charging you $40-80 per CD). Then, for a fee, they can re-install Windows XP, but you lose your applications and configuration settings. Finally, when you take your system home, you need to re-install your applications and try to restore any data that was saved on CDs.
Naturally, you are fortunate if the first of these two software repair services will get you up and running again for $90-$120.
Presented below are procedures that are basically equivalent to the software repair service that preserves your applications and data. If you are comfortable with the idea of trying to fix your "dead" PC, you may consider giving them a try. As with any repair endeavor, be sure to proceed carefully and avoid mistakes during the repair process.
These instructions probably cover more possible problems than other generic software repair procedures.
These instructions also assume XP is installed in folder C:\Winnt on your PC.
ONE-TIME PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS (before you start having problems):
Install the XP Recovery Console as a Windows startup option:
1) With Windows running, insert the XP Setup CD into your CD-ROM drive.
2) Select "Exit" if the "Welcome To Windows..." dialog box appears.
3) Click Start and select Run.
4) Type the following where "D:" is the CD-ROM drive letter: D:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons
5) Click "Ok".
6) Follow the instructions on the screen.
7) Restart Windows and verify that you will be offered Recovery Console as a normal startup option.
Insert your Windows XP CD and restart your computer. Hopefully, you will be offered this option: "Press any key to boot from CD." If NOT, you should see something similar to "hit DEL for BIOS settings." By accessing your BIOS settings, you should be able to follow prompts and select settings that will activate the option to "Press any key to boot from CD."
After completing the preceding steps, you will be prepared to select/start the Recovery Console as a normal startup option, or by booting from your XP CD if normal startup fails.
Now use Windows Explorer to make a new empty folder: C:\MyRecov
Use Windows Notepad (text editor) to create and save this text file as C:\MyRecov\Recover1.txt
(You can carefully use copy/paste to ensure the text is correct)c:
chdir \winnt
md tmp
copy C:\winnt\system32\config\system C:\winnt\tmp\system.bak
copy C:\winnt\system32\config\software C:\winnt\tmp\software.bak
copy C:\winnt\system32\config\sam C:\winnt\tmp\sam.bak
copy C:\winnt\system32\config\security C:\winnt\tmp\security.bak
copy C:\winnt\system32\config\default C:\winnt\tmp\default.bak
del C:\winnt\system32\config\system
del C:\winnt\system32\config\software
del C:\winnt\system32\config\sam
del C:\winnt\system32\config\security
del C:\winnt\system32\config\default
copy C:\winnt\repair\system C:\winnt\system32\config\system
copy C:\winnt\repair\software C:\winnt\system32\config\software
copy C:\winnt\repair\sam C:\winnt\system32\config\sam
copy C:\winnt\repair\security C:\winnt\system32\config\security
copy C:\winnt\repair\default C:\winnt\system32\config\defaultUse Windows Notepad (text editor) to create and save this text file as C:\MyRecov\Recover2.txt
(You can carefully use copy/paste to ensure the text is correct)del c:\winnt\system32\config\sam
del c:\winnt\system32\config\security
del c:\winnt\system32\config\software
del c:\winnt\system32\config\default
del c:\winnt\system32\config\system
copy c:\winnt\tmp\_registry_machine_software c:\winnt\system32\config\software
copy c:\winnt\tmp\_registry_machine_system c:\winnt\system32\config\system
copy c:\winnt\tmp\_registry_machine_sam c:\winnt\system32\config\sam
copy c:\winnt\tmp\_registry_machine_security c:\winnt\system32\config\security
copy c:\winnt\tmp\_registry_user_.default c:\winnt\system32\config\defaultYou are now prepared to use the Recovery Instructions given below.
RECOVERY/REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS (when you need to fix problems):
Restart your computer.
If normal startup works, select "Microsoft Windows Recovery Console."
If normal startup fails:
(1) Insert your XP CD.
(2) Restart your computer.
(3) Respond to "Press any key to boot from CD."
(4) When asked if you want to install Windows, respond with "R" (to invoke Recovery Console instead of installing Windows).
After Recovery Console starts, respond to on-screen prompts to select "C:\Winnt" and log on as administrator.
From C:\Winnt prompt, run command: CHKDSK C: /F
From C:\Winnt prompt, run command: BATCH C:\MyRecov\Recover1.txt
From C:\Winnt prompt, run command: EXIT
Windows should restart (do NOT select options for CD booting OR Recovery Console).
After Windows is running:
(1) Start Windows Explorer.
(2) From View menu, select "Details."
(3) From Tools menu, select Folder Options.
(4) Select the "View" tab in Folder Options.
(5) Under Advanced Settings, select "Show hidden files and folders."
(6) Under Advanced Settings, de-select (uncheck) "Hide protected operating system files."
(7) Click "Ok" to set and close Folder Options.
(8) In Windows Explorer, find folder "C:\System Volume Information."
(9) You may need click on this folder until the (+)/(-) icon appears.
(10) Click (+) to open folder "C:\System Volume Information."
(11) Click (+) to open folder "_restore{......}" where a string of numbers/letter complete this folder name.
(12) Click on folder "_restore{......}" to show list of folders named "RPnnn" where nnn are numbers.
(13) Find "RPnnn" folder dated before your Windows problems started (do NOT select a current RPnnn folder).
(14) Click (+) to open this "RPnnn" folder (and show subfolder "Snapshot").
(15) Click on "Snapshot" subfolder to show file list.
(16) Use mouse to select and copy five (5) files from subfolder "Snapshot" to folder "C:\winnt\tmp" (these 5 files are listed below)._registry_machine_software
_registry_machine_system
_registry_machine_sam
_registry_machine_security
_registry_user_.defaultNow repeat steps to restart Recovery Console (same as above, but repeated below):Restart your computer.
If normal startup works, select "Microsoft Windows Recovery Console."
If normal startup fails:
(1) Insert your XP CD.
(2) Restart your computer.
(3) Respond to "Press any key to boot from CD."
(4) When asked if you want to install Windows, respond with "R"
(to invoke Recovery Console instead of installing Windows).
After Recovery Console starts, respond to on-screen prompts to
select "C:\Winnt" and log on as administrator.From C:\Winnt prompt, run command: BATCH C:\MyRecov\Recover2.txt
Note that this file (Recover2.txt) is the 2nd of the 2 text files previously listed above.
From C:\Winnt prompt, run command: EXIT
Windows should restart normally (do NOT select options for CD booting OR Recovery Console).
You are back up and running. However, you may now want to use the standard System Restore facility (in Help and Support) to review your calendar of restore points by name/date. You may find that you want to restore the system to a more suitable point (but not one dated after your problems started).
For minor problems and nuisances, the XP Help and Support system provides the System Restore facility. You can view a calendar of restore points (identified by names/dates). By selecting an appropriate restore point, you can restore your system back to the way it was configured before your problems started.
But... what can you do when Windows XP will not start? Or when errors during/after startup effectively cripple Windows XP and you cannot use Help and Support (and then use the System Restore facility)?
The usual recourse is to take your "dead" PC to a computer repair shop. In the vast majority of cases, the technicians will analyze your problems and offer you one of the following two software repair services:
(1) When possible, for $90-$120, they will be able fix Windows and also preserve your applications and data.
(2) Otherwise, they may be able to save much of your data on CD media (charging you $40-80 per CD). Then, for a fee, they can re-install Windows XP, but you lose your applications and configuration settings. Finally, when you take your system home, you need to re-install your applications and try to restore any data that was saved on CDs.
Naturally, you are fortunate if the first of these two software repair services will get you up and running again for $90-$120.
Presented below are procedures that are basically equivalent to the software repair service that preserves your applications and data. If you are comfortable with the idea of trying to fix your "dead" PC, you may consider giving them a try. As with any repair endeavor, be sure to proceed carefully and avoid mistakes during the repair process.
These instructions probably cover more possible problems than other generic software repair procedures.
These instructions also assume XP is installed in folder C:\Winnt on your PC.
ONE-TIME PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS (before you start having problems):
Install the XP Recovery Console as a Windows startup option:
1) With Windows running, insert the XP Setup CD into your CD-ROM drive.
2) Select "Exit" if the "Welcome To Windows..." dialog box appears.
3) Click Start and select Run.
4) Type the following where "D:" is the CD-ROM drive letter: D:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons
5) Click "Ok".
6) Follow the instructions on the screen.
7) Restart Windows and verify that you will be offered Recovery Console as a normal startup option.
Insert your Windows XP CD and restart your computer. Hopefully, you will be offered this option: "Press any key to boot from CD." If NOT, you should see something similar to "hit DEL for BIOS settings." By accessing your BIOS settings, you should be able to follow prompts and select settings that will activate the option to "Press any key to boot from CD."
After completing the preceding steps, you will be prepared to select/start the Recovery Console as a normal startup option, or by booting from your XP CD if normal startup fails.
Now use Windows Explorer to make a new empty folder: C:\MyRecov
Use Windows Notepad (text editor) to create and save this text file as C:\MyRecov\Recover1.txt
(You can carefully use copy/paste to ensure the text is correct)c:
chdir \winnt
md tmp
copy C:\winnt\system32\config\system C:\winnt\tmp\system.bak
copy C:\winnt\system32\config\software C:\winnt\tmp\software.bak
copy C:\winnt\system32\config\sam C:\winnt\tmp\sam.bak
copy C:\winnt\system32\config\security C:\winnt\tmp\security.bak
copy C:\winnt\system32\config\default C:\winnt\tmp\default.bak
del C:\winnt\system32\config\system
del C:\winnt\system32\config\software
del C:\winnt\system32\config\sam
del C:\winnt\system32\config\security
del C:\winnt\system32\config\default
copy C:\winnt\repair\system C:\winnt\system32\config\system
copy C:\winnt\repair\software C:\winnt\system32\config\software
copy C:\winnt\repair\sam C:\winnt\system32\config\sam
copy C:\winnt\repair\security C:\winnt\system32\config\security
copy C:\winnt\repair\default C:\winnt\system32\config\defaultUse Windows Notepad (text editor) to create and save this text file as C:\MyRecov\Recover2.txt
(You can carefully use copy/paste to ensure the text is correct)del c:\winnt\system32\config\sam
del c:\winnt\system32\config\security
del c:\winnt\system32\config\software
del c:\winnt\system32\config\default
del c:\winnt\system32\config\system
copy c:\winnt\tmp\_registry_machine_software c:\winnt\system32\config\software
copy c:\winnt\tmp\_registry_machine_system c:\winnt\system32\config\system
copy c:\winnt\tmp\_registry_machine_sam c:\winnt\system32\config\sam
copy c:\winnt\tmp\_registry_machine_security c:\winnt\system32\config\security
copy c:\winnt\tmp\_registry_user_.default c:\winnt\system32\config\defaultYou are now prepared to use the Recovery Instructions given below.
RECOVERY/REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS (when you need to fix problems):
Restart your computer.
If normal startup works, select "Microsoft Windows Recovery Console."
If normal startup fails:
(1) Insert your XP CD.
(2) Restart your computer.
(3) Respond to "Press any key to boot from CD."
(4) When asked if you want to install Windows, respond with "R" (to invoke Recovery Console instead of installing Windows).
After Recovery Console starts, respond to on-screen prompts to select "C:\Winnt" and log on as administrator.
From C:\Winnt prompt, run command: CHKDSK C: /F
From C:\Winnt prompt, run command: BATCH C:\MyRecov\Recover1.txt
From C:\Winnt prompt, run command: EXIT
Windows should restart (do NOT select options for CD booting OR Recovery Console).
After Windows is running:
(1) Start Windows Explorer.
(2) From View menu, select "Details."
(3) From Tools menu, select Folder Options.
(4) Select the "View" tab in Folder Options.
(5) Under Advanced Settings, select "Show hidden files and folders."
(6) Under Advanced Settings, de-select (uncheck) "Hide protected operating system files."
(7) Click "Ok" to set and close Folder Options.
(8) In Windows Explorer, find folder "C:\System Volume Information."
(9) You may need click on this folder until the (+)/(-) icon appears.
(10) Click (+) to open folder "C:\System Volume Information."
(11) Click (+) to open folder "_restore{......}" where a string of numbers/letter complete this folder name.
(12) Click on folder "_restore{......}" to show list of folders named "RPnnn" where nnn are numbers.
(13) Find "RPnnn" folder dated before your Windows problems started (do NOT select a current RPnnn folder).
(14) Click (+) to open this "RPnnn" folder (and show subfolder "Snapshot").
(15) Click on "Snapshot" subfolder to show file list.
(16) Use mouse to select and copy five (5) files from subfolder "Snapshot" to folder "C:\winnt\tmp" (these 5 files are listed below)._registry_machine_software
_registry_machine_system
_registry_machine_sam
_registry_machine_security
_registry_user_.defaultNow repeat steps to restart Recovery Console (same as above, but repeated below):Restart your computer.
If normal startup works, select "Microsoft Windows Recovery Console."
If normal startup fails:
(1) Insert your XP CD.
(2) Restart your computer.
(3) Respond to "Press any key to boot from CD."
(4) When asked if you want to install Windows, respond with "R"
(to invoke Recovery Console instead of installing Windows).
After Recovery Console starts, respond to on-screen prompts to
select "C:\Winnt" and log on as administrator.From C:\Winnt prompt, run command: BATCH C:\MyRecov\Recover2.txt
Note that this file (Recover2.txt) is the 2nd of the 2 text files previously listed above.
From C:\Winnt prompt, run command: EXIT
Windows should restart normally (do NOT select options for CD booting OR Recovery Console).
You are back up and running. However, you may now want to use the standard System Restore facility (in Help and Support) to review your calendar of restore points by name/date. You may find that you want to restore the system to a more suitable point (but not one dated after your problems started).