How do I install the Recovery Console?

A. The Windows 2000 recovery console enables an Administrator to gain access to a 2000 system from a command session to replace damaged files and to disable or enable services. When installed it adds an option to the Windows 2000 start menu.

To install perform the following:

1. Boot into Windows 2000
2. Insert the installation CD
3. From a command prompt move to the I386 directory and type:
   C:\> winnt32 /cmdcons
4. A dialog will be displayed asking for confirmation. Click Yes.
5. File will be copied to the computer and an extra item added to the boot menu.
   C:\CMDCONS\BOOTSECT.DAT="Microsoft Windows 2000 Command Console" /cmdcons
6. A completion message will be displayed. Click OK

Rebooting the computer will enable the option "Microsoft Windows 2000 Command Console" to be selected and start Windows 2000 in command mode.

You will be asked which 2000 installation to repair and the Administrator password:

Once you have entered the password you will be able to enter a number of commands such as DISABLE to disable a service, DISKPART to create and remove partitions and many others. Just type HELP for a list of all commands.

Its also possible to activate the console directory from the installation CD by booting off of the CD (if you motherboard supports CD booting), select Repair and press C to repair using the console.

If you have renamed the Administrator account the console will still work however deleting the Administrator account will render the console inoperative.

The Recovery Console does have some security built-in and you can only access the root of the system driver and the %systemroot% directory and its sub-directories.

Some of the most useful commands are: