Where's Recovery Console?

OvenMaster

OvenMaster

VIP Member
Okay, I've got a legit set of restore CDs for my (yuck) eMachine POS. I explored them one day and they're Norton Ghost images. They install everything (XP SP1, software, drivers, etc) and wipe out everything on my C: drive. I back up all my data often, so I don't mind the "loss".

But since this is not an full XP Home install disk, however, I have no options for repairing XP nor can I find out how to enable or install Recovery Console. Does anyone have any ideas? Will the floppy maker of Windows XP Setup disks enable me to use the Recovery Console? Any help would be appreciated.

Tom
 
OvenMaster said:
Okay, I've got a legit set of restore CDs for my (yuck) eMachine POS. I explored them one day and they're Norton Ghost images. They install everything (XP SP1, software, drivers, etc) and wipe out everything on my C: drive. I back up all my data often, so I don't mind the "loss".

But since this is not an full XP Home install disk, however, I have no options for repairing XP nor can I find out how to enable or install Recovery Console. Does anyone have any ideas? Will the floppy maker of Windows XP Setup disks enable me to use the Recovery Console? Any help would be appreciated.

Tom
Click to expand...

Are you SURE its not a full install disk? That makes NO sense, it has to be. Why would Emachines give you a recovery cd that doesn't work by itself? I bet if you tried it WOULD install XP by itself (if that is all that your PC came with).
 
I've had to use the Restore disks in the past. I boot up with the discs, the C drive is wiped, data's copied, I reboot, and XP and software and applications are already fully installed. There's no "Repair" options, no "Welcome to Windows Setup", none of it. I don't even have to enter a Product Key or activate XP within 30 days, it's already done for me. (yes, I have a legitimate sticker on the back of the PC).
In Help and Support, it says that I'm supposed to do this:
"To install the Recovery Console as a startup option
With Windows running, insert the Setup CD into your CD-ROM drive.
CLick Start and select Run.
Type the following where D: is the CD-ROM drive letter:
D:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons"
I immediately get an error message saying the location is unavailable, that it might be on a hard drive, or network. Am I supposed to use the i386 folder that's already on my PC? There sure isn't one on any of my Restore disks that are useable.
Thanks for help, Dave.

Tom
 
Oh, I understand now. Well, what im thinking is that Help and Support would say that because its not a customized version of help and support for your recovery CD, but rather the regular windows xp cd's. So, that would probably mean that Help and Support is referring to the REGULAR windows cd when it asks you to type D:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons. (But thats just a thought.)
Anyways, maybe you can't enter the console with your CD's. But yes, i believe if you used the floppy boot disks, that would work.

This is an exerpt from the windows support site...

Starting the Windows Recovery Console
To start the Windows Recovery Console, use one of the following methods:
• Use the Windows Setup floppy disks or the Windows CD-ROM to start your computer. At the "Welcome to Setup" screen, press F10 or press 'R" to repair.....
Click to expand...

So maybe try the Floppies. If that doesn't work then I guess your emachines disks suck. :rolleyes:

Oh and by the way, heres the site that came from...http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;314058
 
Ah. I knew the eMachines disks sucked, but I wasn't sure how badly :D Thanks for help, Dave. Much appreciated. Will make a set of those disks asap.
Regards from Tom
 
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