Using the XP Recovery Console (Advanced)

In a previous article I talked about how to install the Recovery Console on to your local computer. In this article I will talk about how to access this feature in more depth.

You can access the Recovery Console using one of two different methods:

• Insert the Windows XP installation CD into your CD-ROM drive, after it starts up, press "R" when prompted to perform a repair or recovery.
• If you already install the Recovery Console on your computer, when your computer is first booting if you press F8 quick enough while it is starting, you can select the 'Recovery Console' from the startup options menu.

Note: Windows XP Professional users, you will need the administrator password you created the computer with to access the Recovery Console.

After you have started the Recovery Console you will see the following message:

Microsoft Windows Recovery Console

The Recovery Console provides system repair and recovery functionality.
Type Exit to quit the Recovery Console and restart the computer.

1:C:\WINDOWS

Which Windows installation would you like to log on to (To cancel, press ENTER)?

If you have multiple operating systems installed on your computer (i.e.: Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, etc.), you must select one at this time. When you select the OS, you may be prompted to enter the Administrator password for the OS you select. To exit the Recovery Console, type "exit" at the command prompt and then press the Enter key, this will restart the computer.

For more information on the Recovery Console, see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base Article (314058).