Install the Windows Recovery Console in the Boot list

The Windows Recovery Console is required to fix many startup issues caused by malware, viruses, and corrupt system files. The Recovery Console can be booted from the Windows Setup disc, but many machines (including Netbooks) do not have CD drives or easy access to the Windows Setup disc.

Below are the instructions to install the Recovery Console on any Windows XP machine as a boot list option. You will no longer need physical access to the Windows Setup disc (except to install initially) when things go wrong.

• Insert the Windows XP setup disc.
• Click Start -> Run and type: “%windir%\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons“
• Click YES on the Windows Setup box to install the Recovery Console.

• Setup will attempt to connect to the Internet to update any setup files from the disc. Press ESC to interrupt the setup and use the files on the disc only.
• Once the Recovery Console is installed a confirmation box will pop up. Click OK.

Some Windows XP passwords will not be recognized by the Recovery Console. To remove the password requirement, modify the following registry key:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Setup\RecoveryConsole
• Set the DWORD SecurityLevel value to 1.