How to restore backup when I can't boot? Help please!

Question

Win XP MCE SP2, Dimension E510; Can I create a boot disk, and how, that will let me boot XP with CD support, and restore a backup of the system state and then restore the rest of my backups? I used the backup utility to backup the system state and also separately full backups of the C: drive. Thanks for help.

maxd · Answer

I would first try to boot to Last Know Good Configuration option of the Advanced Menu and if you get in work from there.

If you don't get in this commonly-used link appears to be the most official way to go. Note the omission of steps 2 and 3. This appears to be the poorman's version of XP Pro's ASR and probably the best reason to buy/upgrade to the Pro version vs XP Home.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545

dunedin · Answer

Or you can use a Win98/ME floppy with CDROM support.

Navigate to the i386 folder on the CD, and type "winnt.exe" without the quotes at the command prompt.

That'll start Setup running from the CD.

You can get a Win 98 bootdisk here:
http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm

lookout · Answer

Thanks, but that article says: Warning! Do not use this on a computer with an OEM installed operating system.

lookout · Answer

I have a 98 boot disk. I don't necessarily want to start set up and reinstall. I'd like to be able to restore from my backups. Or should I go ahead with set up, reinstall XP and then do the restores? Thanks again.

dunedin · Answer

What happens when you try to boot? How far do you get? What does the screen look like when you are stuck? Any error messages? Have you tried all the options from Safe Mode?

lookout · Answer

Right now I'm ok. I have a new Dell that I got early December. After a couple of weeks things got trashed (probably my fault) and after trying everything I could think of or find I ended up doing the Dell restore - back to 'out of the box' condition. I don't ever want that to happen again. With a dial up connection it is literally days to get all of the software updates, get things registered, get things set up the way I want again. I not an expert but I've been around computers a long time and had a lot of experience up to Win 98SE. Not much with ME and no exposure other than as a user with NT, 2000, or XP. This is the first pc I've ever bought. I've always built them myself before. I used to have Norton Ghost but my old version won't run on this XP machine. Ghost and backups saved me lots of times. I want to be able to save/restore my system when it crashes, gets trashed, or somehow just dies. Thanks.

lookout · Answer

Thanks. I've thought about upgrading Ghost but I've read some unhappy users of the newer versions (9 and 10). I read good things about Acronis True Image, but also some unhappy users. A solid reliable imaging program like those would make me feel a lot better. Do you have experience with either or both or recommendations? I appreciate the help.

maxd · Answer

Yes I've seen that warning. In truth it may not work well on OEM installs of XP. Thinking you could not boot to Windows because of a corrupt registry I suggested you try the link I posted (after attempting to enter using the last good registry) since you would have nothing to lose.

I think XP Pro is the OS underlying XP MCE; if so this is an example of how ASR could be used. It is no replacement for a tested imaging program like Ghost. What kind of configuration is required you will have to check out yourself. My suggestion to you would be to update your Ghost software (online); the cost would be minimal and it sounds like you'll sleep better at night with a proper backup.

maxd · Answer

When I do use it I use Drive Image 5. Between the 2 you mention I'd guess either would be a good choice. As far as a comparison of features and benefits you'll have to do your own homework. Here's one of the better Ghost sites. (Do a search for Acronis on Langa.com; he likes it a lot. Also, check PCWorld.)     http://ghost.radified.com/   Doing regular backups of your stuff as well as the System State to me seems sufficient. Most home users are intimidated by a clean install so imaging looks attractive. For the common user proper imaging can be a much bigger problem than a clean install.

lookout · Answer

Thanks. You've been a great help!

maxd · Answer

No problem. btw, this is the link I referred to in my 2nd posting in this thread, a la 'if so this is an example of how ASR could be used.' http://www.tweakxp.com/article37556.aspx

lookout · Answer

Thanks again. It will probably be a few days before I can look over all of this stuff and try some things. I REALLY appreciate the help.

Windows General

How to restore backup when I can't boot? Help please!

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