Topic: Restore XP... from outside XP?

[ketamininja]

Hi all!

Interesting one this. My client recently updated his Win98 PC to XP PRO using the UPGRADE package. All was smooth.

He then attempted to install some bluetooth device. A problem occurred - a big enough one for him to contact MS. They sent him info - had to do some REG hacking.

So he followed the REGHACKING info exactly... thought it was strange that one of the entries keys said "pointing device" etc etc.

Once restarted, the mouse and keyboard don't work in XP! Everything else seems fine. Its a notebook btw. The only other available connections are USB, and although USB devices are detected/recognised and installed, they don't work! I'm referring to keyboard and mouse USB of course.

So, I can't use windows at all. Of course mouse/keyboard work in recovery console, or boot menu etc.

I need to restore windows to a previous date.

Can't access SAFE MODE.
Can't use restore from normal mode.

Recovery console? Can I use RESTORE from there, and if so how? If not, what can I do!?!!???

Thanks

[Simon]

Not sure if it's what you want Ket, but there's a thing in the recovery console where you can "Load last known good configuration".  Some info about that here.  Hope it helps.  

[Adept]

It looks like you cannot start System Restore from the Recovery Console. See this Knowledgebase article

Personally, I boot off the XP CD and re-install over the top of the existing XP installation (without wiping the HDD of course!).

[Simon]

Would the 'last good configuration' thing not work then, Sean?

[Adept]

I think it's too late for last known good Simon.

The Last Known Good Configuration feature uses information that is saved from the last time you shut down your computer to restore registry settings and drivers. Because of this, you can use this feature only if you were able to start your computer successfully prior to restoring your system by using the last known good configuration.

Its always worth a try though

[Dack]

Just wondering if there is a serial port on the laptop and if so a serial mouse could work (remember those ) Then you would be able to access the hardware section of the machine properties, do a rescan for new hardware and go from there?

BTW is the hard disc now formatted as NTFS or was it left as FAT?

[ketamininja]

Thanks for all the suggestions....

Unfortunately it looks like its a repair option or a reinstall over the top.

There is no serial connection - and I don't have a pcmcia serial connection - even if I did windows would have to recognise it correctly because I can't install drivers!

I'm gonna try and repair just now.... I'll keep my fingers crossed!

[ketamininja]

Fat or NTFS? You know I don't know - I was just thinking NTFS all the way... if its fat I could maybe get into the registry from a boot disk - I know there is a way... ooooooooo... I'm off to look that up again

[ketamininja]

Couldn't find that above utility ...
Repair didn't work ...

Just reinstalled over the top, all ok now of course... just gotta reinstall all programs again! Oh well... at least I know in case that problem occurs again!

Thanks for the help...