Install the Windows XP Recovery Console Like a Pro

Windows XP recovery CD download

Windows XP Recovery CD

What is the Recovery Console?

The recovery console is a windows command line diagnostic feature of the more recent windows operating systems. It can be discovered in operating systems Windows XP and later. It can be used to fix major windows issues.

It is principally used for computer correct by restoring or fixing system files. When there’s a difficulty with the system files, the operating system ( OS ) in most situations, can’t boot. The system files are crucial for the correct functioning of the OS. In this case the ‘recovery console’ comes to the rescue so you can revive the system files as required to get your system working correctly again. With the recovery console you will have limited access to the NTFS file system, FAT32 and FAT file systems. The recovery console can be pre-installed so that it can be accessed from the boot-up menu.

Uses of the console :

1. Create or format disk partitions.
2. Fix corrupted system files.
3. Fix the MBR. ( Master Boot Record )
4. Control services from beginning on the subsequent boot.
5. Copy, create, rename or replace the system files and folders.

Installing the console to your drive :

1. After you insert your Windows disk click start then run then type cd drive letter:i386winnt32.exe /cmdcons in the run dialog box.
2. Click ok, follow the directions on the screen to complete setup, and then restart your personal computer.
Note : to run recovery console you want the administrator password and for a domain controller you want admin password for ‘directory service restore mode’.

Beginning the windows console :

1. Boot your computer from your Windows Disk. At the ‘welcome to setup screen’ press ‘R’ choose the corresponding that points towards your windows installation you are fixing. When pushed then give the administrator password. If you have not set up a password just press enter.
2. You are able to add the windows recovery console to your startup folder by employing winnt32.exe with the /cmdcons switch. You must have 7MB of disk drive space to accommodate cmdcons folder and files.

Setting up the password for the console :

1. Login with the administrator password.
2. At the command prompt change your current path to %SystemRoot%System32 folder.
3. Use setpwd to change the local SAM-base admin password.
4. To set password for a remote computer use setpwd /s:servername.
5. When you’re pushed for the password set the new password for directory service restore mode.

At any time you can always type help for the list of commands. If you need more info on what a command does type Help command name. You exit the console by typing exit.
Be very careful when using the console! Read the help paperwork for the command before you attempt to use it.

Deleting the console :

1. Boot up your computer. Open windows for the drive you’ve got the recovery console installed.
2. Go to the tools menu then folder options then click on view tab.
3. Click show the hidden files and folders, de choose the hide protected operating system files check box, then click ok.
4. At the root folder of your hard drive where windows is installed remove cmdcons folder and cmldr file.
5. Open the properties of boot.ini file at the root folder.
6. Uncheck the read-only attribute.
7. Take away the entry which looks like this in your boot.ini file C:cmdconsbootsect.dat=”Microsoft Windows Recovery Console” /cmdcons. Be extremely careful while revising this file, make a backup before you edit it.
8. Save and close the file and revive back its ready-only attribute to true.