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Windows Recovery Hints

Overview - Recovery Solutions
WinXP - Win95/98/Me - Win2000

Overview

Recovery Requirements and Methods Differ

Depending upon the version of Windows you are running the files needed for a system recovery differ. Generally speaking, the more recent the Windows version is, the more complex the operation can be, although there are newer utilities that can make it easier--if you understand them.

Plan Ahead for Disaster

Of course, the greatest weakness of any information like that contained on this page is that you need it after your computer has crashed, when your computer no longer works. It is therefore recommended that you take precautions to have a backup and recovery strategy in place before your computer fails. Even the best-laid plans can fail, but any plans are better than no plan.

Backups Essential

Usually more than a basic understanding of how Windows runs is needed prior to recovering from a severe crash or system instability. If you are uncomfortable with the command line, many of these solutions may frighten you, but having the files backed up can help if you do call upon a professional to restore your system.

Many technicians do not bother to try to recover data, but simply restore your computer to working condition. This is primarily an issue of the time involved to recover data is a non-working system. Since time translates into a higher price, most do not normally bother.

Two Main Windows Families

There are general similarities and differences between the various versions of Microsoft Windows. There are two main variations of recent Windows products: the Win9x and WinNT families.

Windows 9x

Windows 95, 98 and Me (Millennium Edition) are generally referred to as Windows 9x and share the common feature of being a Graphical User Interface (GUI - pronounced gooey) running on top of DOS (though it is hidden to the user).

The newer the Win9x version, the further it has moved from DOS. This is particularly notable when you try to run some older DOS programs under WinMe. Sometimes the programs will run, but a month-end or year-end function will not, particularly in some older finance programs.

Windows 2000/XP

Windows NT, 2000 and XP all share the common NT heritage (similar and from the same roots as the IBM OS/2 environment). These OS variants are generally more stable because they are not built on DOS, but this can limit their ability to run strictly DOS programs.

WinXP has been designed to help you run legacy programs using compatibility mode where the environment simulates that of Win95/Win98-Me/NT4/2000 or allows older programs to run in lower screen resolutions.

Running Real DOS

The main constraint is that many DOS programs don't want to share with others—they assume they can take control of the whole computer any time they like. Hint: If you wish to run old DOS-based games, obtain an old Pentium computer and install Windows 95 (or DR DOS if you can get it). These OSs are much more suited to the needs of the raw DOS programs than newer OSs are.

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Recovery Solutions By Version

Recovery Tools

Specifics for each Windows version will be covered later in this document. However, this section includes the main solutions for the various versions of Windows.

One of the most critical things you can do is to maintain a recent backup of your files, particularly your data files and system files (which vary by version).

System Restore

Windows Me and XP have a new function called System Restore. This will allow you to restore your computer to an earlier time such as before you installed a new video driver or program that made it impossible for you to get back into Windows.

System Restore keeps a series of restore points (a backup of various critical Windows files at a certain time) in a hidden area on the hard drive. Windows automatically makes certain restore points, but you can also create a restore point prior to making a change to your system that you might like to undo.

Boot Disk

Each Windows version has some sort of a boot disk. In Win9x the Startup Disk can be created in the third tab of the Add/Remove Programs option of the Control Panel. In WinNT and Win2000 an Emergency Repair Disk. In Windows XP the Windows XP CD is used in conjunction with the Recovery Console.

Note: The Emergency Repair Disk is not present in Windows XP. You can create one using the instructions and XXCOPY (freeware—read the licence requirements) on A better boot diskette for WinNT/2000/XP.

Last Known Good Configuration

Windows NT/2000/XP "Last Known Good Configuration" boot selection might enable you to recover if critical system files are not damaged. The WinNT/2000 Emergency Repair Disk contains system files which can recover damaged system files, correct damaged Registry information and rebuild your startup files. With WinXP you will need to use System Restore if operating system files are damaged.

In each of the operating-system-specific sections there will be reference to various recovery solutions. Some are common to more than one OS and are detailed here.

Specific Windows Versions

There is specific information about each of these operating systems in the location specific to them.

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Troubleshooting Windows XP

Windows XP is the first Windows system that specifically does not have an Emergency Repair Disk of some sort although you can create one using the instructions and XXCOPY freeware (read the licence requirements) on A better boot diskette for WinNT/2000/XP.

Getting to a Recovery Menu

Instead WinXP uses the combination of Safe Mode and System Recovery to effect repair of your WinXP installation. You also can try the "Last Known Good Configuration" boot option to try to restore your Windows XP system to a workable state if critical system files are not damaged.

To enter the location where these options are available restart your computer then press F8 right after the BIOS message disappears and again after selecting the operating system. You should see these options (others you see can be ignored):

Microsoft lists the various options on the Help section of their Website: A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP (Article ID: 315222).

Selecting these options will do the following:

Getting to System Restore

If your Windows loads OK you may be able to use System Restore to return your system to a state before a problematic driver was loaded or your Windows Registry was corrupted.

  1. Start Help and Support
  2. Look for Undo Computer Changes with System Restore.
  3. A wizard appears that allows you to 1) restore your computer to an earlier time, 2) create a restore point, or 3) undo your last restoration.
  4. All other programs should be shut down when performing this task.

Automated System Recovery

Windows XP has an Automated System Recovery but it must be prepared before a crash to make it useful Details are on the Microsoft Web site: How to Set up and Use Automated System Recovery in Windows XP. It is intended only as a last-resort recovery method, when you have tried unsuccessfully to use the Safe Mode and Last Known Good Configuration recovery options.

There is more information about Automated System Recovery for Windows XP Pro and XP Home Edition (you need to install the utility).

Recovery Console

Should you suffer a catastrophic crash (where these options don't work) then you will need to use the WinXP installation CD and a Recovery Console to recover. This can be somewhat daunting for not-technical folks since it is a text-only (command line) interface. There is more information about the Backup utility in Windows XP Pro and Description of the Windows XP Recovery Console on Microsoft's site.

You also might want to take a look at the good walk-through of this utility on the Windows 2000 / XP Recovery Console.

You might wish to call in some professional help or reinstall Windows XP altogether. You do have a good set of backups don't you?

You might also want to check out this site for more WinXP backup and recovery resources.

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Troubleshooting Windows 95, 98 & Me

These operating systems still operate on top of DOS to some degree so you can boot to a DOS command prompt using the Startup Disk specific to the OS. The newer the OS, the better the recovery options are on the Startup Disk.

At the very minimum, keep a backup copy of these system files:

Recovery is greatly enhanced if you have an emergency boot diskette for your system. Create and keep a current copy of the emergency boot disk handy:

Windows 9x, Me - Start Disk

  1. Open the Control Panel (Start Settings Control Panel).
  2. Double click on the Add and Remove Programs icon.
  3. Click on the Startup Disk (third) tab.
  4. Insert a blank, formatted floppy disk into drive A: and click on the Create Disk button to start the copy process.
  5. Remove and label the diskette "Windows Startup Disk" and include the date it was created for future reference. You should also indicate the operating system for which it was created.

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Troubleshooting Windows 2000

Recovery is greatly enhanced if you have an emergency boot diskette for your system. Create and keep a current copy of the emergency boot disk handy:

Windows 2000 - Emergency Repair Disk (ERD)

  1. Click Start » Programs » Accessories » System Tools » Backup.
  2. Click on the Emergency Repair Disk button to start the wizard.
  3. Insert a blank, formatted floppy disk into drive A: and click OK to start the copy process.
  4. Remove and label the diskette "Emergency Repair Disk" and include the date it was created for future reference. You should also indicate the operating system for which it was created.

This disk should be created each time you alter hardware or make significant changes to the operating system.

Microsoft can make significant changes to your system when updating such software as Internet Explorer and installing Service Packs. Some other anti-virus and utility software companies create specialized recovery and repair disks. I recommend that you create both the standard system recovery boot disk and those created by the other software.

Recovery Console

You might want to take a look at the good walk-through of this utility on the Windows 2000 / XP Recovery Console.

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Other Resources

These other pages on this site may offer help in resolving your computer problems:

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www.russharvey.bc.ca/resources/recovery.html
Updated: August 24, 2009