Can't boot command prompt at startup

[Daniel A-S]

Hi.

I need to copy over a file, to the C: drive, but I can't do it when windows is running at all because it is in use. (that includes safe mode e.t.c.)

If I can get into command prompt at bootup then I can xcopy it over, but there lies the problem.

I've tried creating an ms-dos boot up disk with WinXP, that works fine but on boot up for some reason I can only access the A:\ drive. I've tried putting in C:, C:\, cd C:, cd C:\ and still nothing, doesn't want anything to with C:\ drive.

I tried copying cmd.exe to the a: drive and executing it from dos, apparently you can't run it in dos.

And I have also tried the F5 and then F8, to access advanced bootup options, command prompt wasn't one of them.

Is this possibly a problem or setting with my computer, or is it standard now? i.e. can't access C:\ drive full stop on startup?

It wouldn't suprise me if microsoft had attempted to close of that feature, since as it's a bit of a security issue. But it is one big pain when you need to get a file off the computer and it won't let you.

Any advice appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Geoff]

you should try DeleteOnBoot (or something like that). Basically what it does is delete a file before windows loads its files. You may be able to have it copy a file as well.

 

[wasisnt]

Have you tried booting with the Windows CD and going to the Recovery Console. Command prompt should be an option with F8.