How do I use Recovery console?

Question

I tried to boot XP but it won't boot up, it won't even go to safe mode. When I selected Last Known Config or anything it says that "Window\system32\config\system" is corrupt or something, I'm wondering how I can fix that without formatting my whole drive. Please Help, I have alot of files that are dear to me.

Answer 1

When you boot to the recovery console and after you log on, you need to rename the existing C:\Windows\System32\Config\System file to something else (like SYSTEM.OLD). Then copy the one from c:\Windows\Repair to the C:\Windows\system32\config\system folder. RENAME - DO NOT DELETE - COPY - DO NOT MOVE. RENAMES can be undone. Copies make sure you have originals to go back to. Deletes and moves can be dangerous and if they don't solve your problem, then can make solving it more difficult.

For More information see:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/wxprcons.html

It's not an easy thing to use and many inexperienced technicians don't know how to use it properly or its limitations. Your system MAY be unrecoverable (but that doesn't mean you've lost your data, just that Windows needs to be reinstalled). The problem is most technicians don't know how to reinstall a system without erasing your data. You really should consider asking this question on a forum that encourages an exchange of ideas rather than simple, one time answers. Sites like www.tek-tips.com and www.experts-exchange.com will have a much better chance at helping you fix this.

Answer 2

recovery console isnt a simple fix.

im a pc tech at circuit city, and none of us had any idea how to use it.

its not for new users for sure, so you might want to have circuit city check it out, otherwise, www.microsoft.com has a pretty straight tutorial on recovery console.