Using the SYSTEM RESTORE function via a boot CD 2

[RBH]

I have the Knoppix CD to boot into Linux, with full access to all my usual system devices, and files.

I've been advised that XP's System Restore cannot be run from the Linux CD boot. I recognize that when "problems" do arise, that bootup using "last good configuration" will generally get the system to boot, and then of course, System Restore can be called upon to go back in time. But if "last good configuration" did have some problems booting up, it would be nice to be able to use the Knoppix CD, or some other bootable CD.

I've been advised that an ERD Commander 2005 bootable CD will provide access to the System Restore capability, but $149 is a steep price to pay for that capability.

Are there other choices that one can consider, to boot up via a CD, and then be able to use the XP system restore function?

Ron Hirsch

 

[biglebowski]

if you start in safe mode when you log in it will give you the option to stay in safe mode or perform a system restore.

That rug really tied the room together, did it not?

 

[RBH]

There have been situations however, where even booting into safe mode could not be done. Fortunately, in those situations, I have been able to use "last good configuration" during bootup. This did allow me to boot, and then of course, I can use System Restore to any previous restore point.

I would like to have one more choice of booting via a recovery CD, which would allow me access to SYSTEM RESTORE. But, as I noted, $149 is more than I want to spend for that convenience.

Is there anything in Windows that will create such a restore CD?

Ron Hirsch

 

[Madawc]

Windows is mysteriously unable to write system backups to a CD. One of many features that push you towards a more expensive solution.

Madawc Williams (East Anglia, UK)

 

[RBH]

I did some further checking, and it appears that if one boots into SAFE mode, with a command prompt, there is a text string command that will bring the user into the System Restore mode.

It is not however clear to me if Safe Mode with a command prompt is truly a "DOS" type of environment, where Windows is not really used, or if it is just a barebones Windows environment with a command prompt.

With very serious corruption of Windows files or ??, I've had cases where no boot of any kind into Windows was possible. But I had not tried "Safe Mode with a command prompt".

The command is

%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe"

Looking at the command, I believe it would fail in a tru "DOS" type of environment, as the first item exceeds the 8 character maximum for a DOS name.

Ron

 

[wolluf]

Ron,

XP doesn't have dos so 8 character maximum doesn't apply - and command prompt environment is the same operating sysem.

Things you can do when windows won't boot at all (you may be aware of some/all of these):-

Run chkdsk (from recovery console or external CD like BartPE). If the problem was a filestore corruption, this can cure it (I find it fixes c. 25-30% of non-booting XP cases I work on)

Restore the registry (or infividual hives) to earlier date by using the backups system restore creates, stored in system volume information folder. Ie, rename the hive files in \windows\system32\config and put older - not too much older - ones in their place. Will also need to be renamed - if you look in folder its obvious what they are. There is a MSKB article about this which I can't lay my hands on currently - Again from recovery console or external CD. Probably fixes another 25-30%.

You can also edit registry by loading the relevant hive in registry editor on another machine (obviously drive needs to be slaved/external to this machine to do this). Do this if going back to previous registry not working and you've got a good idea of what's caused the problem.

Run a repair reinstall -

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341

Usually solves the rest - but takes a bit longer. Use install drive with same SP level as installation for best results.

 

[linney]

This might be what "wolluf" was alluding to?

307545 - How to Recover from a Corrupted Registry That Prevents Windows XP from Starting

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307545&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

HOW TO: Install and Use the Recovery Console for Windows XP (Q307654)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q307/6/54.asp

An easy to follow recovery console description when unable to start computer due to corrupt registry.

http://www.digitalwebcast.com/2002/03_mar/tutorials/cw_boot_toot.htm

This is a layman's version of Q307545 in simple language.


You might be able to make some use of BartPE (a mini XP self contained on a bootable CD and run from CD) which includes virus scanners via plugins, I don't think System Restore is an option though.

http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/

Ultimate Boot CD.

http://www.windowsubcd.com/index.htm

How to Use System Files to Create a Boot Disk to Guard Against Being Unable to Start Windows XP (Q314079)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q314/0/79.asp

Q305595 - HOW TO: Create a Boot Disk for an NTFS or FAT Partition in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q305/5/95.asp

How to Set up and Use Automated System Recovery in Windows XP

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/itpro/managing/asr.asp

You may need a second partition for ASR to work properly.

 

[RBH]

I do have a fairly good arsenal of approaches when disaster does strike. In the worst case, I always have reasonably current images from True Image that I can use.

Am I correct in my understanding that if a computer won't boot up when the SAFE MODE is chosen, that it also won't but up into SAFE MODE with a command line?

I figure that the more I know about disaster recovery the smaller the chance is that I'll ever need it. It's like carrying the umbrella to keep it from raining <G>.

Ron

 

[linney]

What you say is a fairly safe bet, but you never know with computers, anything is possible.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tr...prodtechnol/winxppro/reskit/prmb_tol_jrch.asp