Major system restore problem

[Billy]

I recieved some type of stop error right in the middle of a system restore.
Now I can't boot to windows. Am I totally screwed, or is there a way to get
the system to boot up again without a complete reinstall? I can't find my
XP CD right now of course, although I did find the start up disks, but
never used them to try and recover a crashed system before, does anyone have
any ideas?

TIA

 

[Jon]

How far do you reach in the booting process?

Couple of options - Try getting into "safe mode" or using the "last known
configuration" option, by tapping f8 on boot, and choosing the option from
the menu that appears.

Jon

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

Can you remember the Stop Code or error message from the BSOD? Reboot your
system and then keep tapping the F8 key to see if you can access a screen
that has 'Last Known Good Configuration' as an option. Try that to see if
you can regain access to Windows.

--


Will Denny
MS MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups

 

[Billy]

No Will, that error went by too quick. I can ger to the screen that has
'Last Known Good Configuration' as an option, but selecting it dosn't work.
I just wind up back at the same screen, selecting safe mode does the same
thing.

There must be two dozen other restore points on the drive, is there no way
to access them?

 

[Billy]

Take a look at my reply to Will.

How far do you reach in the booting process?

Couple of options - Try getting into "safe mode" or using the "last known
configuration" option, by tapping f8 on boot, and choosing the option from
the menu that appears.

Jon

 

[Jon]

Selecting safe mode, normally enables you to reach a screen, that gives you
the choice between safe mode & system restore, but if yours returns
instantlly to the choices menu, then that also isn't an option.

Your best option, would be to find / borrow a Windows XP CD, which would
give you the option of a repair install, or using the Recovery Console.

Jon

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

That's a load of cr*p. Replying to the OP like that is certainly gonna
screw up his system!!

--


Will Denny
MS MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups

 

[Jon]

Right, well please enlighten us all then with your superior suggestion.....

Jon

 

[Bert Kinney]

Selecting safe mode, normally enables you to reach a
screen, that gives you the choice between safe mode &
system restore, but if yours returns instantlly to the
choices menu, then that also isn't an option.

There is no such option in WindowsXP. System Restore can be run from within Safe Mode or
from Safe Mode Command Prompt with the following command.

%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

 

[Jon]

To refresh your memory..........

[dialog box that appears on logging into safe mode]


Windows is running in safe mode.

This special diagnostic mode of Windows enables you to a fix a problem which
may be caused by your network or hardware settings. Make sure these settings
are correct in Control Panel, and then try starting Windows again. While in
safe mode, some of your devices may not be available.

To proceed to work in safe mode, click Yes. If your prefer to use System
Restore to restore your computer to a previous state, click No.



Jon

 

[Billy]

I do get to that second screen, I think it say's "advanced options" or
something similar, but I don't see a "system resrore" option. I selected
safe mode, the system restarted, got to the screen where it checks the CD
drives for a disk, then it goes back to the screen with the 'Last Known Good
Configuration' option.
But I can swear I read somewere that you can access the restore points from
DOS or with some tool when windows will not boot up.

 

[Jon]

Yes, there's no "System Restore" on that Advanced options screen .. that's
normal.

This may come in handy then, if you're going to try that approach

http://www.freewarefiles.com/program_9_90_11100.html

Jon

 

[Billy]

Bert, you wrote

There is no such option in WindowsXP. System Restore can be run from within Safe Mode or
from Safe Mode Command Prompt with the following command.

%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

Ahh, that's what I was looking for. I knew I read that somewere before. Two
questions...
1)Will I be able to get to the "Safe Mode Command Prompt" if I can't get to
the regular desktop safe mode?
2)%systemroot% is where windows is installed right? So I would replace with
c\windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe?

(I'm asking because the pc is at a different location and I won't be able to
ask any questions when I try this)

 

[Billy]

Actually, I went to that company"s website
(http://www.datapoltechnologies.com) and they have a program, CIA Commander
2 that is perfect for my situation. Probably something every Admin should
have in their toolbox.Too bad it's on the expensive side. But as a last
resort, I might spend the cash.

 

[Bert Kinney]

< inline >

Bert, you wrote

Ahh, that's what I was looking for. I knew I read that
somewere before. Two questions...
1)Will I be able to get to the "Safe Mode Command Prompt"
if I can't get to the regular desktop safe mode?

If you can reach the 'Advanced Options' menu, select 'Safe Mode Command Prompt'.

Then enter the following command and press enter.

%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe

2)%systemroot% is where windows is installed right?
Yes.

So I would replace with c\windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe?

No need to replace it. Type the command exactly as I suggested.