How to use the XP Recovery Console

[Dave Baker]

When all else fails to remove a suspect file which has installed itself so
it can't be deleted in either normal or safe mode or with the usual tools
like MBAM and Unlocker you need to fire up the Recovery Console and "Dig it
out with DOS".

I guess it also helps if you're old enough to know DOS commands but even if
you do the Recovery Console has been thoroughly castrated in its abilities
by Microshaft so us po' dumb users cain't trash us own systums bah accahdent
y'all. The fact that they hid the existence of the Recovery Console so well
that only advanced users would know about it anyway didn't appear to enter
into the equation.

Anyhoo, as installed the RC won't allow you access to directories outside of
the main Windose ones so if your nasty file lurks in Documents and Settings
for example you'll be told to **** off when you try to get in there to
delete it. Thanks Microshaft - NOT.

Have a look here for a clear and concise guide on how to configure and use
the RC to its full capabilities.

http://commandwindows.com/recovery.htm

I suggest it's a good idea to install the RC as a boot up option while your
PC is still working ok and not leave it until after it's been corrupted by
malware which may prevent you getting online or using Google to even find
out how to install and use it when you actually need it!

Happy malware killing.

 

[Rube Bumpkin]

Dave Baker wrote:

Happy malware killing.

Thanks, Dave, this was really helpful info. I don't look forward to
using it, but I look forward to being successful if I have to use it.

RB

 

[Dave Baker]

Dave Baker wrote:


Thanks, Dave, this was really helpful info. I don't look forward to using
it, but I look forward to being successful if I have to use it.

You're welcome. BTW I forgot to mention a couple of things the article
doesn't cover. As the Recovery Console is a comand line tool, DOS basically,
you can't use the CD (change directory) command with directories that have
spaces in the name unless you enclose the names in double quotes " ". Spaces
are interpreted as the end of a command or the prelude to an option entry.

So you'd enter the command - cd "documents and settings" - if that's where
you're trying to get to.

However that's also when you find that your keyboard isn't working properly
because only a generic keyboard driver is being used by the RC. In my case
to get a " I had to enter a @ if I recall correctly. YOMMV depending on
which part of the world you live in and what keyboard you have.

So basically it's as follows.

1) Install the RC as a boot up option
2) Do the secpol.msc thing in windows so at least the RC will let you use
SET commands
3) Every time you use the RC you'll need to enter SET allowallpaths = true
if you want to get into directories other than the root or windows ones.
4) Get in there and play so you know it all works properly and which key
will generate you a ".