How to Install and optimize the Recovery Console in XP

[Andrew]

Install and optimize the Recovery Console in XP

Recovery Console in Windows XP allows you to fix a few problems starting (boot and MBR). As the disk check disk for errors.
It is possible to install the console from the original CD of Windows XP once and for all. In this way, the console will be within your reach if one day although you can not find the installation CD of Windows.

Installing the console

• Start your Windows normally.
• Insert the installation CD of Windows in the drive.
• Go to Start => Run.
• Type the command:

  X: \ i386 \ winnt32.exe / cmdcons

  where x is the letter assigned to your CD player.
• Click Yes to confirm the installation.
• If you are not connected to the Internet, check the "Skip this step and continue installing Windows" and click Next.
• Wait for the installation.
• At the end, you'll get a message confirming the installation, click OK.

The Recovery Console is now installed. You can access it by restarting your machine, and choosing the option "Recovery Console Microsoft Windows XP".

Changing the startup screen
If this screen boot newly installed bothers you, it is possible to reduce the waiting time, or to disable it altogether, remaining still able to use the Recovery Console without the installation CD. To do this:

• Start your Windows normally.
• Go to Start =>right click on My Computer =>Properties =>Advanced Tab
• In the Startup and Recovery, click Settings
• Uncheck the "Display list of operating system for ..." if you want to disable the display of the screen. Or, specify the waiting time that you want in seconds.(Do not touch the other settings.)
• Confirm by clicking OK

If you choose to disable this screen. To access the choice again, just press F5 after the manufacturer of your logo during the startup of your PC.

[Andrew]

Optimization of the Recovery Console

For security reasons, the Recovery Console in Windows XP gives very limited rights, but it is possible to make it more efficient in case of system crash, but you must prepare in advance of your console.

• Open Command Prompt, type gpedit.msc to open the group policy editor.
• In the left pane of the console, expand the Local Computer Policy then Computer Configuration, Windows Settings, Security Settings and Local Policies.
• Select Security Options in the left pane of the console.
• In the list of strategies, indicate right, double-click the Recovery Console: Allow floppy copy and access to all drives and folders.
• Select enabled and click OK.

For those who do not have XP Pro, not run gpedit.msc. The solution involves creating a REG file:

• Create a new document. Txt on your desktop and copy and paste this in:

  Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
  [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ Setup \ RecoveryConsole]
  "SetCommand" = dword: 00000001
  "Securitylevel" = dword: 00000001

• Click File then Save As.
• Give the file a name (eg consoltotal) by adding the extension. Reg
• Save this file on the desktop and close it.
• Go to the desktop and double-click on this file.
• Accept the merger in the register.

After you enable this policy, you can restart the Recovery Console, log in with password local admin and use one of the following commands to have more opportunities (note the space on both sides of sign = is required)
For the current choice for these four parameters, enter set and press Enter.

• AllowWildCards = true Set Allows for wildcards (*) and (?) With the orders of the Recovery Console.
• Set Allows AllowAllPaths = true to have the CD command to list files and subfolders of all folders of all your local disks.
• Set = true AllowRemovableMedia Allows you to copy objects from local disks to removable media.
• Set = true NoCopyPrompt eliminates the warning message that appears when you copy one or more objects overwrite existing files using the Recovery Console.

Even if you do not install the Recovery Console on your PC, it is always possible to optimize it.