The Recovery Console allows system administrators to access the file system of a Windows 2000 computereven if the hard disk is formatted using NTFSby using the Windows 2000 Setup CD. This allows support professionals to fix even a non-booting Windows 2000 system. Since the Recovery Console has batch support, it is even possible for system administrators to create batch files to fix common scenarios and distribute those batch files for users to run on their systems.
It's a good idea to install Recovery Console on all of your Windows 2000 Server computers, as well as Windows 2000 Professional computers that are more at risk, such as those used by developers, software testers, or fearless power users.
To install the Recovery Console on your system:?
winnt32 /cmdcons
To install the Recovery Console unattended (you can script this as part
of a setup):
winnt32 /cmdcons /unattend
Cool use of the Recovery Console:
Fix the Master Boot Record (MBR) in case it was corrupted by a virus or
another problem. Previously, this might have involved using DOS FDISK
(fdisk /mbr). The command: fixmbr.
Other cool stuff you can do:
Create a batch file for recovery commands to automate common recovery tasks:
For example, you can automate the disabling of several services (e.g., Telnet,
Server, Telephony, Messenger) simultaneously, or automate replacement of the
registry. The command: batch
One limitation is that a batch file cannot contain another batch file. This is a really neat scenario for an IT manager: having batch files that solve common problems that may require a lot of steps.
Enable all paths for the Recovery Console:
Use the Security & Configuration Analysis Snap-in or the Group Policy Editor to enable the SET Command. This allows you to copy files to removable media and gives you access to all paths.
You can also enable Auto-Logon for the Console, using the Group Policy or the Security Configuration and Analysis MMC snap-in.
Partition and format a disk:
Use the diskpart and the format commands to partition and format a disk NTFS, FAT, or FAT32. Incidentally, this can be scripted. See the Recovery Console Help.
Expand a file out of the driver.cab:
Since the Windows 2000 driver files are in a .cab file, you can use the console's Expand command to view and extract a file out of a CAB.
