(Originally posted by FatKid4420)
 
**DISCLAIMER** I have attempted to provide links offsite for all the software and fixes I have listed. I have done my best to adhere to the TOS for EVGA. If anyone has a problem with any links or you see that any software that is copyrighted please let me know and I will remove or append it.
Thanks
Patrick

First this post is one I have worked on and revised over the last 6 months. I have the post on another forum and the layout did not transfer too well. I will be updating it and trying to clean it up. Also I have highlighted the links in red type for easy location. As always any questions or errors will be addressed.

Here are some common fixes that I have come across in my work. One of the most important tools is the recovery console. Many of the more common non-loading OS errors may be fixed here. (These fixes are specifically for XP. The Vista section is coming later.)

To get into recovery console: Boot using the original install disc. (If you are using a RAID or 3rd party card you will need a floppy disc drive and disc preloaded with your drivers. Instructions for creating a driver disc can be found in your motherboard literature. ) F6 to add driver if needed. *Note Nlite discs should may used for recovery console but can cause some errors, USE AT OWN RISK* Once all the preloaded files are installed you have the option to install a copy of Windows or press “R” to enter recovery console. After you press R you are given the option to select the installation of Windows you would like to log into. Please select the version you are having issues with. It will ask for an Administrator password. If you have lost this password or do not know it please PM me and I will help you reset it.

In Recovery Console:
You have many options now. For a full list and their uses please check out the Microsoft Knowledge Base article. KB Article 314058

We will focus of some of the more common ones.

CHKDSK /r
Chkdsk will check your operating system file structure for integrity. It will also mark bad sectors and recover info if it can. This option can restore many small problems and can postpone a reinstall until files are transferred or backed-up. This is not a permanent fix as it is an indication of bad sectors and possible drive failure in the future. *This may take a while and usually needs to be run at least twice.* If you receive errors from the first pass, run again until you receive no errors. This can also be used from within Windows and on disks attached to your computer. The only requirement is that the file system be NTFS. I have also used this tool to recover my Vista partition when it crashed. The proper usage for this command is CHKDSK (space) /R

FIXBOOT
Will rewrite the boot sector of the current OS. Use this command if you are not able to boot into windows at all. *Note FIXBOOT will only work on x86 systems* The proper usage for this command is FIXBOOT followed by the Y when it asks you if you want to write a new boot sector.

FIXMBR
Will rewrite a new Master Boot Record for the current OS. Use this command along with FIXBOOT for those instances when you are not able to access the current OS. *Note FIXMBR will only work on x86 systems* The proper usage for this command is FIXMBR followed by the Y when it asks you if you want to write a new Master Boot Record.

BOOTCFG /REBUILD
This will scan your HDD's for any install of Windows. Use this utility if you fail to see your OS. If you login to recovery console and go straight to the c:\windows prompt without selecting your install try this to find your OS. You may have to rename your Windows installs. This will also find any OS's for use in the repair section of Windows Setup. More will be discussed later. Proper usage is BOOTCFG (space) /REBUILD

How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting
There is a method of recovering a corrupted registry from outside of Windows using the Recovery Conslole. Follow the directions from Microsoft here for recovery outside of a fuctional Windows install. KB Article 307545 *A Windows repair will also fix registry issues.*
There are many other fixes that can be accomplished using recovery console. I would suggest checking the above link for the complete list


From within Windows there is a useful tool that will check all of you essential operating system files.
SFC /SCANNOW
sfc /scannow is a tool that will check all shared system files for possible overwrites. Sometimes a 3rd party program will overwrite essential files with newer or unstable ones. sfc /scannow will check all of these files to make sure that there are no problems. Typical symptoms of overwritten files will include system stability issues (BSOD's) and application errors. If you are able to log into Windows then I would run this as a first line fix for most stability issues. *note: you will need your Windows XP disc to run this fix* Proper usage is SFC (space) /SCANNOW

Windows Repair:
Windows repair is a tool found in the preOS setup in Windows. Use this utility if you find that you have a corrupted registry or to fix the NTLDR is missing if the fix does not work. This is considered a non-destructive repair as your installed programs and settings will still be there when it is finished. To access this tool you will need to boot to your Windows disc and select install a new copy of Windows. I know that this is the last thing you think you should select but this is where it is found. After you select install Windows, the setup will scan your drives for installed copies of Windows. It should find the install that you wish to repair. If setup does not find your install please start over and run the BOOTCFG /REBUILD command discussed above. Once setup has located your install select R to start the repair. This utility will fix the Keyboard/Mouse not working after bad driver installs. Also you can use this utility if you have installed new hardware in your computer and wish to attempt to skip the Windows reinstall. . You should ideally reinstall Windows anytime you make a motherboard model change, but if that is not an option you can try the repair. **Note: You will need your Windows key to complete a repair**


In windows you may have found that your updates are no longer working properly. Here is a quick fix that works most of the time. It will download as a .zip. Just extract it and execute this little batch file. Windows Update Fix

If you have found that for some reason you are no longer allowed to connect to the network try the winsock fix Winsock Fix

Various Trojan and Worm infections :doh: can be eradicated using these tools: Smitfraud SmitFraudFix and SDfix SDFix *Please run these from the Administrator account in safe-mode for greatest effect. Also check out ComboFix Combofix Guide and Download from BleepingComputers for more info. If you run all three of these fixes it should take care of most Spyware/Fraudware, i.e.WinXPAntivirus, infections. You may also follow my directions listed here Virus Removal Thread

Some other useful tools and apps:

Autoruns
Autoruns instructions and download Will allow you to view and disable startup programs/services/etc.

Keyfinder
Magic Jelly Bean instructions and Download Will allow you to view and change your windows key.

NTBackup
NTBackup Utility Download Is the XPPro utility that will allows scheduled backups. This is missing from XPHome installs but will work with this small utility.

System Information For Windows
System Information for Windows Download Again will show you keys to Windows, Office and many other installed programs.

Unknown Devices
Unknown Devices helps to find devices for which you have difficulty locating drivers.

Everest
Everst Ultimate Trial Will also find devices and monitor multiple systems. *One of the greatest tools in the overclockers bag!! This is the trial version, Visit www.lavalys.com for more information on the full versions*

Norton Removal Tool
Norton Removal Tool Will force uninstall any Symantec product. Use with caution if you have Norton Ghost, as this will remove that as well.

nLite Slipstream Utility
nLite slipstream utility download page *Sorry can’t link to just the download, it fails everytime.  This utility will allow you to add those pesky F6 drivers into your install package so no more floppies are needed. :good: You can also setup a handsfree install that will enter your key and set up networking and User Profiles. You can also enter all the drivers needed for custom hardware. This small utility is the bomb when it comes to building a disc that you need for frequent reinstalls.


I will be constantly updating this thread as I come across new fixes or write some of my own. Feel free to post questions or requests and I will attend to them when I can.

p.s. it's really late so if you find errors go figure. Do let me know if any of the links are broken or the downloads do not work. Please use at your own risk and I cannot be held responsible for any id10t errors.

Patrick




< Message edited by Fatkid4420 -- 6/20/2009 8:25:09 PM >

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