Startup and Recovery Tools
Windows 2000 Professional offers tools to help you troubleshoot problems with starting your computer and recovering from disasters. Some of the most useful tools are detailed in this section, as shown in Table 31.1.For more information about troubleshooting techniques for setting up your computer, see "Setup and Startup" in this book.Table 31.1 Startup and Recovery Troubleshooting Tools
Tool | Description | How to Start |
---|---|---|
Safe Mode | A startup environment that limits the device drivers and system services that load for troubleshooting problems with starting and running Windows 2000. | Windows 2000 Advanced Options Menu at system startup |
Recovery Console | A command-line startup environment that allows the system administrator access to the hard disk of computers running Windows 2000 for basic troubleshooting and system maintenance. | From Repair option of Setup or, if manually installed, from Operating System menu at startup |
Emergency Repair Process | A process that can recover from problems such as damaged or deleted operating system files or a corrupted system volume boot sector. | From Repair option of Setup |
Safe Mode
Safe Mode is a diagnostic tool for troubleshooting problems with starting and running Windows 2000. Safe Mode allows the user to specifically control how the computer starts Windows 2000.If the computer fails to properly start up, restart Windows 2000 in Safe Mode to troubleshoot the problem. To do this, press F8 while the message "For troubleshooting and advanced startup options for Windows 2000, press F8" is displayed. Once the Windows 2000 Advanced Options Menu is displayed, you can start the computer in Safe Mode or press ESC to return to the normal startup menu. Table 31.2 describes the Windows 2000 Advanced Options Menu options. Table 31.2 Windows 2000 Advanced Options Menu Options
Start Menu Option | Description |
---|---|
Safe Mode | Loads the minimum required basic device drivers and system services to start the system. Programs located in the Startup Program group are not started. |
Safe Mode with Networking | Similar to standard Safe Mode, but also adds essential services and drivers needed to start networking. Safe Mode with Networking allows Group Policy to be implemented, including those implemented by the server during the logon process and those configured on the local computer. |
Safe Mode with Command Prompt | Similar to standard Safe Mode but loads the command interpreter instead of Explorer.exe as the user shell. |
Enable Boot Logging | Creates a log file, Ntbtlog.txt in the %SystemRoot% folder, during normal startup, which logs the name and status of all drivers loaded into memory. |
Enable VGA Mode | Starts the computer in basic VGA mode in cases of corruption or incompatibility of currently installed video driver. |
Last Known Good Configuration | Reverts to the last successfully started system configuration. |
Directory Services Restore Mode | Only applies to Windows 2000 domain controllers.Displays system information such as the number of processors, amount of main memory, Service Pack status, and build number during startup. |
Debugging Mode | Starts Windows 2000 in kernel debug mode, which allows a debugger to break into the kernel for troubleshooting and system analysis. |
Boot Normally | Starts Windows 2000, loading all normal startup files and registry values. |
NOTEUse Safe Mode in the following situations:
A boot log file, Ntbtlog.txt, is automatically created every time the computer is started in Safe Mode. If a boot log file using that name already exists, the new data is appended to the existing file.
If Windows 2000 Professional stalls for an extended period of time.If Windows 2000 Professional does not work correctly or has unexpected results.If your video display does not work correctly.If your computer suddenly slows down.If you need to test an intermittent error condition.If you have recently installed a new device driver or software and your system no longer starts.
Unlike Microsoft® Windows® 98, Windows 2000 does not automatically initiate Safe Mode after the system startup has failed. You need to manually access the Windows 2000 Advanced Options Menu to access Safe Mode.When starting Windows 2000 in Safe Mode, only essential drivers and system services are loaded, including the mouse, keyboard, CD-ROM, standard VGA device drivers, the Event Log, Plug and Play, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), and Logical Disk Manager system services. Safe Mode also bypasses programs referenced in Startup Program group folders (including the user's profile, the All Users profile, and the Administrator profile), programs referenced in the registry to automatically run, and all local group policies (which might also enforce the automatic start of an application). This makes Safe Mode useful for isolating and resolving error conditions caused by faulty automatically started applications, system services, and device drivers. Safe Mode provides access to the Windows 2000 configuration files so you can make configuration changes, and then restart Windows 2000 Professional normally.
NOTEAfter you are in Safe Mode, you can disable or delete a system service, a device driver, or automatically started application that is preventing the computer from starting normally.
Safe Mode with Command Prompt loads the basic VGA video driver and a graphical user interface with a command prompt.
NOTEFor more information about using Safe Mode, see "Troubleshooting Problems with System Startup and Shutdown" later in this chapter.
Your computer can take substantially longer to start up and shut down when running in Safe Mode because all disk caching is disabled.
Recovery Console
The Recovery Console is a startable text-mode command interpreter environment separate from the Windows 2000 command prompt that allows the system administrator access to the hard disk of computer running Windows 2000 Professional, regardless of the file format used, for basic troubleshooting and system maintenance tasks. Since Windows 2000 does not need to be running to use Recovery Console, it is most useful when a Windows 2000-based computer does not start properly or cannot start at all. The Recovery Console allows you to obtain limited access to NTFS file system, file allocation table (FAT) 16, and FAT32 volumes without starting the graphical interface. The Recovery Console allows administrators to manage files and folders, start and stop services, and repair the system. It can also be used to repair the master boot record (MBR) and boot sectors and to format volumes. The Recovery Console also prevents unauthorized access to volumes by requiring the user to enter the system administrator password before using the console.
Starting the Recovery Console
To start the Recovery Console, start the computer from the Windows 2000 operating system CD or the Windows 2000 Setup floppy disks. If you do not have Windows 2000 Setup floppy disks and your computer cannot start from the CD, use another Windows 2000-based computer to create the setup disks. For information about creating the Windows 2000 Setup floppy disks, see Windows 2000 Professional Help.
NOTEStart the computer from either the Windows 2000 Setup disks or the operating system CD, and then enter Windows 2000 Setup. Press ENTER at the "Setup Notification" screen to go to the "Welcome to Setup" screen. Press R to repair a Windows 2000 installation, and then press C to use the Recovery Console.The Recovery Console displays valid Windows 2000 installations and prompts you select the installation to repair. To access the disk with the Recovery Console, press the number key for the Windows 2000 installation that you want to repair, and then press ENTER. If you press ENTER without typing a number, the Recovery Console quits and restarts the computer.
The Recovery Console can also be installed to the local hard disk and accessed from the Windows 2000 startup menu. However, if the MBR or system volume boot sector have been damaged, you need to start the computer from either the Setup floppy disks or the Windows 2000 Professional operating system CD to access the Recovery Console.
To add the Recovery Console to existing installations of Windows 2000, carry out the following command from the Windows 2000 operating system CD in the Run dialog box:d:I386Winnt32.exe /cmdcons
where d: represents the CD-ROM drive. This installation requires approximately 7 megabytes (MB) of disk space on your system volume.This only works correctly if your computer does not contain a mirrored volume. To install the Recovery Console on a computer that contains a mirrored volume, first break the mirror. After the Recovery Console is installed, you can re-establish the mirrored volume. For more information, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base link on the Web Resources page at http://windows.microsoft.com/windows2000/reskit/webresources.
NOTEThe Recovery Console then prompts you for the local administrator account password. If you do not enter the correct password after three attempts, Recovery Console refuses access to the local disks and restarts the computer.
The Recovery Console might show installations of Microsoft® Windows NT®. However, the results of attempting to access a Windows NT installation from the Recovery Console can be unpredictable. Only use the Recovery Console to fix Windows 2000 installations.
Mirrored volumes appear twice in the Recovery Console startup menu, but each entry uses the same drive letter, indicating a reference to the same disk.
NOTEAfter the password is validated, you can access the following folders on your computer:
If the registry is corrupted or missing or no valid installations are found, the Recovery Console starts in the root of the startup volume without requiring a password. You cannot access any folders, but you can carry out commands such as chkdsk, fixboot, and fixmbr for limited disk repairs.
The root folder of any volume. %SystemRoot% and subfolders of the Windows 2000 installation on which you are currently logged on. Cmdcons and subfolders (if they exist).Folders on removable media disks, such as CD-ROM and floppy disks.
By default, the Recovery Console prevents access to other folders such as Program Files or Documents and Settings, and folders containing other installations of Windows 2000. This can be changed by using local Group Policy settings. For more information about using Group Policy to change the default behavior of the Recovery Console, see the procedure on setting the policy later in this section. For access to other Windows 2000 installation folders, restart the Recovery Console, and select that installation.
Using the Recovery Console
You cannot copy a file from the local hard disk to a floppy disk. However, you can copy a file from a floppy disk or a CD-ROM to any hard disk, and from one hard disk to another. The Recovery Console displays an "Access is denied" error message when it detects invalid commands.You cannot run any programs or commands other than the supported commands listed later in this section. The Recovery Console contains no editing capabilities.
IMPORTANTThe Recovery Console buffers previously entered commands and makes them available to the user by means of the UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW keys. To edit a previously entered command, use BACKSPACE to move the cursor to the point where you want to make the edit and rekey the remainder of the command. To quit and restart the computer, at the command prompt, type:exit
The set command makes use of Recovery Console environment variables to enable, among other options, disk write access to floppy disks. To enable the user to modify the restricted default Recovery Console environment variables, a Group Policy setting must be made. For more information about enabling the set command in Recovery Console, see the procedure at the end of this section.
IMPORTANT
The Recovery Console might not map disk volumes with the same drive letters found in Windows 2000. If you are having trouble locating files to copy make sure that the drive mappings for both the source and the target locations are correct. If not, examine other drive letters for the file you are seeking. In addition, some volumes might not have drive letters assigned to them, such as volumes formatted with NTFS and grafted onto the folder structure of another volume by the use of volume mount points. Use the map command to confirm which drive letters and unnamed volumes correspond to which local volumes on the system. For more information about volume mount points, see "File Systems" in this book.
Several of the Recovery Console commands are not fully functional to users who have converted to dynamic disk. For more information about dynamic disks, see "Disk Concepts and Troubleshooting" in this book.
Supported Commands
Table 31.3 lists the commands that are supported by the Recovery Console.Table 31.3 Available Recovery Console Commands
Command | Explanation |
---|---|
Attrib | Changes the attributes of a file or folder. Syntax:attrib -|+[c][h][r][s] filename At least one attribute must be set or cleared. To view attributes, use the dir command. You can set multiple attributes simultaneously. To change multiple attributes in a like manner, use either enable/disable switch (+/-) and all the attribute letters to be changed, as in the following syntax: +chr. To change multiple attributes in a dissimilar manner, use the enable switch (+) and all the attribute letters to be enabled, followed immediately by the disable switch (-) and all the attribute letters to be disabled, as in the following syntax: +ch-r. Do not separate attribute switches with spaces. |
Batch | Carries out commands specified in a text file. Syntax:batch inputfile [outputfile] If no outputfile is specified, the command output is displayed on the screen. Batch cannot be one of the commands included in the inputfile. |
Cd or Chdir | Displays the current volume and directory or changes to the folder specified. Syntax:cd [path]|[..]|[drive:] Cd treats spaces as delimiters, requiring that a space precede all arguments, including the use of double periods. Use quotation marks to enclose a path or file name that contains a space. |
Chkdsk | Checks a disk and, if needed, repairs or recovers the volume. Chkdsk also marks bad sectors and recovers readable information. Syntax:chkdsk [drive:] [/p]|[/r] Chkdsk can be used without switches, and when no disk is specified the current volume is implied. Chkdsk requires that Autochk.exe be installed in the System32 folder or be available from the Windows 2000 operating system CD. |
Cls | Clears the screen. |
Copy | Copies a single file to a specified location. Syntax:copy source [target] The use of wildcard characters (* and ?) is not permitted. If the target is not specified, it defaults to the current folder. If the file already exists, you are prompted to overwrite it. Compressed files from the Windows 2000 operating system CD are automatically decompressed as they are copied. |
Del or Delete | Deletes one file. Syntax:del [drive:][path]filename The use of wildcard characters (* and ?) in file names is not permitted. |
Dir | Displays a list of files and folders within a folder. Syntax:dir [drive:][path][filename] Dir lists all folders and files, including hidden and system files. Each listing can have any of the following attributes: a Archive h Hidden The use of wildcard characters (* and ?) is permitted. |
Disable | Disables a Windows 2000 system service or driver. Syntax:disable servicename Use the listsvc command to display all services or drivers that can be disabled. Disable prints the previous START_TYPE of the service before resetting it to SERVICE_DISABLED. Because of this, make sure that you record the previous START_TYPE, in case it is necessary to re-enable the service. The START_TYPE values that the disable command displays are: SERVICE_DISABLED |
Diskpart | Manages the partitions on your hard disk. Syntax:diskpart [/add|/delete] [device-name|drive-name|partition-name] [size] If no arguments are used, a user interface for managing your partitions appears. |
WarningThis command can damage your partition table if the disk has been upgraded to dynamic disk. Do not modify the structure of dynamic disks unless you are using the Disk Management tool. | |
Enable | Enables a Windows 2000 system service or driver. Syntax:enable servicename [start_type] Use the listsvc command to display all eligible services or drivers to enable. The enable command prints the previous START_TYPE of the service before resetting it to the new value. Note the previous value, in case it is necessary to restore the START_TYPE of the service. If you do not specify a new START_TYPE, enable prints the previous START_TYPE. |
Exit | Quits the Recovery Console and restarts your computer. |
Expand | Expands a compressed file stored on the Windows 2000 operating system CD or from within a CAB file on the Windows 2000 operating system CD and copies it to a specified destination. Syntax:expand source [/f:filespec] [target] [/y] If target is not specified, the default is the current folder. If the file already exists, you are prompted to overwrite it unless the /y switch is used. The target file cannot be read-only. Use attrib to remove the read-only attribute. |
Fixboot | Rewrites the boot sector code on the hard disk. This is useful for repairing corrupted boot sectors. Syntax:fixboot [drive:] If drive: is not specified, the default is the system boot volume. |
Fixmbr | Rewrites the master boot code of the master boot record (MBR) of the startup hard disk. This command is useful for repairing corrupted MBRs. Syntax:fixmbr [device-name] If device-name is not specified, the default is disk 0. If disk 0 is not the device needing repair, the device-name of other disks can be obtained by using map. If fixmbr detects an invalid or nonstandard partition table signature, it prompts you for permission before rewriting the MBR. |
WarningThis command can damage your partition table if a virus is present, if you have a third-party operating system installed, if you have a non-standard MBR, or if a hardware problem exists and causes volumes to become inaccessible. It is recommended that you run antivirus software before using this command. | |
ImportantRunning fixmbr overwrites only the master boot code, leaving the existing partition table intact. If corruption in the MBR affects the partition table, running fixmbr might not resolve the problem. | |
Format | Formats the specified volume to the specified file system. Syntax:format [drive:] [/q] [/fs:file_system] If no file system is specified, NTFS is used by default. Choosing FAT formats a volume as FAT16. FAT16 volumes cannot be larger than 4 gigabytes (GB) and should not be larger than 2 GB to maintain compatibility with Microsoft® MS-DOS®, Microsoft® Windows® 95, and Windows 98. Windows 2000 can format FAT32 volumes up to 32 GB. Larger volumes should be formatted as NTFS. |
Help | Shows help display for commands within the Recovery Console. Syntax:help [command] If command is not specified, all of the commands supported by the Recovery Console are listed. The command argument is used to see help for any specific command. |
Listsvc | Lists all available services, drivers, and their START_TYPES for the current Windows 2000 installation. Used in conjunction with the disable and enable commands. The information listed by this command is extracted from the registry file System in the folder %SystemRoot%System32Config. If System is damaged or missing, results can be unpredictable. |
Logon | Lists all detected installations of Windows 2000 and Windows NT, and then requests the local administrator password. If more than three attempts to log on fail, the Recovery Console quits, and the computer restarts. |
Map | Lists all drive letters, file system types, volume sizes, and mappings to physical devices that are currently active. Syntax:map [arc] |
ImportantThe map command might not work correctly with systems using dynamic disk. | |
Md or Mkdir | Creates a directory. Syntax:md [drive:]path Wildcard characters (* and ?) are not allowed. |
NoteThis command might not display all of the volumes on disk or the correct volume sizes if the disk has been upgraded to dynamic disk. | |
More or Type | Displays a text file on the screen. Syntax:more filename If a text file is too large to fit on one screen, use the following page viewing options: ENTER Scroll down one line at a time. |
Rd or Rmdir | Deletes a directory. Syntax:rd [drive:]path Wildcard characters (* and ?) are not supported. |
Ren or Rename | Renames a file or directory. Syntax:ren [drive:][path]filename1 filename2 You cannot specify a new volume or path for your target file. Wildcard characters (* and ?) are not supported. |
Set | Displays and sets Recovery Console environment variables. Syntax:set [variable = value] To display the list of current environment variable settings, use set without arguments.The set command is a Recovery Console configuration command that can only be enabled by using the Group Policy snap-in to MMC. Many users find it useful to enable the set command to extend the use of the Recovery Console. The procedure for enabling the set command follows. |
Systemroot | Sets the current directory to the %SystemRoot% directory of the Windows 2000 installation with which you are currently working. |
NOTETo enable full functionality of the set command using Group Policy
The switch /? displays a help screen offering a description of each command, its syntax, arguments (if any exist), and other useful information.
Arguments and switches listed between brackets ([and ]) are optional. Arguments and switches listed between pipes (|) are either/or choices.
NOTE
If the Group Policy snap-in has already been added to your MMC, then skip to step 8.
From the Start menu, click Run, and then type:mmcFrom the Console1 dialog box, click the Console menu, and then select Add/Remove Snap-in.Click Add.Select Group Policy, and then click Add.In the Group Policy Object list box, select Local Computer, and then click Finish.In the Add Standalone Snap-in dialog box, click Close.In the Add/Remove Snap-in dialog box, click OK.Expand Local Computer Policy.Expand Computer Configuration, Windows Settings, Security Settings, and Local Policies.Click Security Options.Double-click the policy Recovery Console: Allow floppy copy and access to all volumes and folders. In the Local Security Policy Setting dialog box, select Enabled, and then click OK.
IMPORTANT
If you are using computers running Windows 2000 Professional on a Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Server-based network, use Group Policy from the server to control this functionality. It is more efficient to set this policy in one place and have the workstations automatically implement it when logging on to the network than to implement it on each workstation.
NOTEFor more information about setting up, starting, and using Group Policy, see "Customizing the Desktop" in this book.
You can also use the Group Policy snap-in to enable the policy Recovery Console: Allow automatic administrative logon, allowing you to bypass the logon process when the Recovery Console is started. Activating this policy eliminates a security barrier used to protect your computer against intruders. You should only enable this policy on systems that have controlled access to the console, such as those in rooms that can be locked.
Both of the settings available in the Group Policy snap-in can also be made through the Security Configuration and Analysis snap-in.
Using the Recovery Console to Restore the Registry
If you know your registry is damaged, or some of your registry files are corrupted or have been deleted, you might be able to use the Recovery Console to restore your registry. However, this procedure can only work if you regularly create an Emergency Repair Disk (ERD) and you choose the option to back up your registry to the repair directory. For more information about backing up the registry when creating the ERD, see "Emergency Repair Process" later in this chapter. When you create an ERD and you choose this option, the current version of your registry files are copied from the %SystemRoot%System32Config folder to the %SystemRoot%RepairRegBack folder. Since both of these folders are accessible through the Recovery Console, you can use the copy command to restore the files. To restore the Registry by using the Recovery Console
WARNING
Only use this procedure if you are certain which registry file needs to be restored, and you are certain that the restoration will not cause other damage to your computer. Restoring registry files improperly can prevent your system from starting and can cause you to lose data.
Start the Recovery Console and log on to the Windows 2000 installation containing the registry that you want to restore.To copy the files you want from %SystemRoot%RepairRegBack to %SystemRoot%System32Config, type:cd repairregbackand:copy file_name drive_letter:system_rootsystem32configwhere file_name is the registry file you want to restore, drive_letter is the drive letter where your system is installed (for example, C), and system_root is the system installation folder (for example, Winnt).
NOTE
As a precaution, first rename the existing file in the Config folder that you intend to restore from backup. If a problem arises from the restoration attempt, you can restore the renamed file to return your system to its original condition.
To restore your entire registry, you need to copy the files Default, Sam, Security, Software, and System.To exit the Recovery Console, type:exit
Emergency Repair Process
The Emergency Repair Process is a text-mode tool that you can use to repair or recover a system that cannot properly start. It helps you repair problems caused by damaged or deleted operating system files or a corrupted system volume boot sector. The Emergency Repair Process can repair system files and re-enable the system to start up—it does not back up any files or programs.The Emergency Repair Process can perform the following tasks:
Inspect and repair the startup environment. Verify and replace system files.Replace the system volume boot sector.Replace the registry if it is missing or badly corrupted.
IMPORTANTTo prepare for the Emergency Repair Process, create an Emergency Repair Disk (ERD). To create an ERD
Using the Emergency Repair Process to repair registry problems is not recommended. The copy of the registry that the Emergency Repair Process restores is the original registry created during Setup. To back up the current registry in Windows 2000, you have one of two options using Backup:
Perform a backup of the System State data. This backs up the registry, the Component Services class registration database, and all system startup files.Create a new ERD, and then back up the registry at the same time.
As a result of either action, the registry files are copied to the %SystemRoot%RepairRegBack folder. The registry files backed up with these processes are not the ones restored by the Emergency Repair Process. The Emergency Repair Process refers to the registry files stored in the %SystemRoot%Repair folder. To use these backup registry files for system restoration, use the Recovery Console to copy the backed up registry files to the %SystemRoot%System32Config folder. For more information about restoring backed up registry files by using the Recovery Console, see "Recovery Console" earlier in this chapter.
From the Start menu, click Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and Backup.On the Welcome tab, click Emergency Repair Disk.Insert an empty, high-density 3.5-inch floppy disk into the floppy disk drive.When the process is complete, remove the disk, label it "Emergency Repair Disk," and then store it in a safe location.
NOTEWhen the ERD is created, the files listed in Table 31.4 are copied from the %SystemRoot%Repair folder to a floppy disk. Table 31.4 Contents of the ERD
Windows 2000 does not include the Rdisk.exe program that was used in Microsoft® Windows NT® version 4.0 and earlier versions to create an ERD.
File Name | Contents |
---|---|
Autoexec.nt | A copy of %SystemRoot%RepairAutoexec.nt, which is used to initialize the MS-DOS environment. |
Config.nt | A copy of %SystemRoot%RepairConfig.nt, which is used to initialize the MS-DOS environment. |
Setup.log | A copy of %SystemRoot%RepairSetup.log, which lists the files installed by Setup as well as their cyclic redundancy check (CRC) data for use during the Emergency Repair Process. |
NOTETo restore your system with the Emergency Repair Process, use the Windows 2000 operating system CD or the Windows 2000 Setup disks and the ERD. During the restore process, press F1 for more information about your options.
The Emergency Repair Process relies on data saved in the %SystemRoot%Repair folder. Do not change or delete this folder.
The registry in Windows 2000 is too large to fit on a floppy disk, and the registry entries are no longer included on the ERD.
NOTETo restore your system with the Emergency Repair Process
You must use the correct CD-ROM for repairs. You cannot use setup CDs for different languages or incorrect versions.
Use the Windows 2000 Professional operating system CD to start your computer. If you have a computer that cannot start up from a CD-ROM, use the Windows 2000 Setup disks instead.At the Setup Notification screen, press ENTER to continue.At the Welcome to Setup screen, press R to select the option to repair a Windows 2000 installation.When prompted to choose the type of repair or recovery option required, press R to repair a Windows 2000 installation by using the Emergency Repair Process.Choose the type of repair option you want to use:
Press M for Manual Repair. Press F for Fast Repair.
Follow the instructions that appear and insert the ERD when prompted. If you have the original Windows 2000 operating system CD, you can have Setup check your disk for corruption.
IMPORTANTIf you choose Fast Repair, all repair options are automatically performed, including examination of the registry files. If the registry files are corrupted or missing, Fast Repair automatically replaces them with the copies stored in %SystemRoot%Repair.Manual Repair allows you to select from the following three options:Inspect Startup Environment. Inspect Startup Environment verifies that the Windows 2000 files in the system volume are the correct ones. If any of the files that are needed to start Windows 2000 are missing or corrupted, Repair replaces them from the Windows 2000 operating system CD. If Boot.ini is missing, it is recreated.
Because missing or corrupted files are replaced with files from the Windows 2000 operating system CD, changes made after the original installation are lost. Any Service Pack or hotfix installations must be reapplied after using the Emergency Repair Process to restore system files.
NOTEVerify Windows 2000 System Files. Verify Windows 2000 System Files uses a checksum to verify that each installed file is good and that it matches the file that was installed from the Windows 2000 operating system CD. If the recovery process determines that a file on the disk does not match what was installed, it displays a message that identifies the file and asks whether you want to replace it. The Emergency Repair Process also verifies that startup files, such as Ntldr, Ntdetect.com, and Ntoskrnl.exe, are present and valid. Inspect Boot Sector. Inspect Boot Sector verifies that the boot sector on the system volume references Ntldr, and replaces it if it does not. The Emergency Repair Process can only replace the boot sector for the system volume on the first hard disk. If the Emergency Repair Process was successful, your computer automatically restarts, and you likely have a working system.
The replacement Boot.ini only contains information for the current installation. If your system was configured as a multiple-boot system, the nondefault entries in Boot.ini are not recreated.
TIPThere are a couple of points to consider about maintaining and using the ERD:
Make a copy of the ERD and store it in a secure location, perhaps off-site.
Be sure to maintain a copy of your current ERD. The ERD is not a replacement for backups.
If any of the files that Windows 2000 installs on the system volume are missing or corrupted, you cannot start your computer. You can restore any of the files listed in Table 31.5 by using the ERD. Table 31.5 Additional Files Restored by the ERD
File | Folder |
---|---|
Ntldr | C: |
Ntdetect.com | C: |
Boot.ini | C: |
Ntbootdd.sys (only applies to systems using SCSI disks) | C: |
Hal.dll | %SystemRoot%System32 |
For more information about creating and using the ERD, see Windows 2000 Professional Help.