What is the Recovery Console?
The recovery console is a windows command line diagnostic feature of the newer windows operating systems. it can be found in operating systems Windows XP and later. it can be used to repair major windows problems.
It is mainly used for computer repair by restoring or fixing system files. When there is a problem with the system files, the operating system (OS) in most cases, cannot boot. the system files are crucial for the proper functioning of the OS. in this case the 'recovery console' comes to the rescue so you can restore the system files as needed to get your system functioning properly again. with the recovery console you will have limited access to the NTFS file system, FAT32 and FAT file systems.
The recovery console can be pre-installed so that it can be accessed from the boot-up menu.
Uses of the console:
1.create or format disk partitions.
2.Repair corrupted system files.
3.Repair the MBR. (Master Boot Record)
4.Control services from starting on the next boot.
5.Copy, create, rename or replace the system files and folders.
Installing the console to your hard drive:
1.After you insert your Windows disk click start then run then type cd drive letter:i386winnt32.exe /cmdcons in the run dialog box.
2.Click ok, follow the directions on the screen to complete setup, and then restart your computer.
Note: in order to run recovery console you need the Administrator password and for a domain controller you need admin password for 'directory service restore mode'.
Starting the windows console:
1.Boot your computer from your Windows Disk. At the 'welcome to setup screen' press 'R' Select the corresponding that points to your windows installation you are repairing. When prompted then provide the administrator password. If you have not set up a password just press enter.
2.You can add the windows recovery console to your startup folder by using winnt32.exe with the /cmdcons switch. You need to have 7MB of disk space to accommodate cmdcons folder and files.
Setting up the password for the console:
1.Login with the administrator password.
2.At the command prompt change your current path to %SystemRoot%System32 folder.
3.Use setpwd to change the local SAM-base admin password.
4.to set password for a remote computer use setpwd /s:servername.
5.When you are prompted for the password set the new password for directory service restore mode.
At any time you can always type help for the list of commands. If you need more information on what a command does type Help command name. You exit the console by typing exit.
be very careful when using the console Read the help documentation for the command before you try to use it.
Deleting the console:
1.Boot up your computer. Open windows for the drive you have the recovery console installed.
2.go to the tools menu then folder options then click on view tab.
3.Click show the hidden files and folders, de select the hide protected operating system files check box, then click ok.
4.At the root folder of your hard drive where windows is installed delete cmdcons folder and cmldr file.
5.Open the properties of boot.ini file at the root folder.
6.Uncheck the read-only attribute.
7.Remove the entry which looks similar to this in your boot.ini file C:cmdconsbootsect.dat=Microsoft Windows Recovery Console /cmdcons. be very careful while editing this file, make a backup before you edit it.
8.Save and close the file and restore back its ready-only attribute to true.
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