Factory Restore

badger09

Dell Dimension 3000 won't boot due to missing corrupt Windows system config file.

Closed has suggested Factory Restore. Before I go ahead a few questions:

1)Everything I've read says to backup important stuff first. I assume I can't do any sort of backup now as I can't get onto PC at all

2)I don't have Windows XP CD Rom as OS was preinstalled. Microsoft Windows factory restore article basically says don't do it as there may be passwords etc preset which mean I won't be able to use it. Is this correct?

3) I have a full C drive backup on an external hard drive. Its a couple of months old but there's nothing important on PC since then so no problem there. I use Acronis for backup. If I do a factory restore, will I be able to reinstall Acronis on PC, then 'pick & choose' what I want to put back - or is it all or nothing?

4) Should I disconnect printer, router etc before I do restore

As always, thanks for any help you can offer.

closed

you didn't mention you had an image backup ---if you have an acronis backup, you can use that, to either restore the whole lot in one go, or just restore the few profile files (in the directory you mentioned) , starting with this one \Windows\System 32\Config\System'

boot after replacing that one file from the tib backup, and it will probably boot

1). you can recover all data with a boot disk, see my previous post or speedup sticky for a link http://download.cnet.com/Rescue-Kit-Free-Edition/3000-2094_4-10910591.html

2) what article, factory restore puts it to how it left the factory, which means your mse password if saved in a browser would be gone.

if you have done a full system image using acronis (not just one partition), then the system should be identical to before after after a restore, that includes acronis

kwikbreaks

If you have an Acronis full drive image then use that to restore. I presume you have already made the Acronis boot CD. I'd disconnect the printer and router but I doubt it would make the slightest difference if you didn't.

I'm assuming you aren't getting the option to repair the system rather than restore which you would have had if you'd produced the recovery CDs which you should have been prompted to do when you first set the system up.

===

I see I've cross posted with closed. As he's worked with you on this already use his advice and you won't go far wrong.

badger09

closed wrote: »

you didn't mention you had an image backup ---if you have an acronis backup, you can use that, to either restore the whole lot in one go, or just restore the few profile files (in the directory you mentioned) , starting with this one \Windows\System 32\Config\System'

boot after replacing that one file from the tib backup, and it will probably boot

1). you can recover all data with a boot disk, see my previous post or speedup sticky for a link http://download.cnet.com/Rescue-Kit-Free-Edition/3000-2094_4-10910591.html

2) what article, factory restore puts it to how it left the factory, which means your mse password if saved in a browser would be gone.

if you have done a full system image using acronis (not just one partition), then the system should be identical to before after after a restore, that includes acronis

I know I would try the patience of a saint - sorry.

But HOW do I get the Acronis backup onto the PC when I can't get passed the Windows Error Screen?

1) Do I download the Rescue Kit onto my netbook, burn to CD as boot disk, then put CD into PC?

2) this one see Warning
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

kwikbreaks wrote: »

If you have an Acronis full drive image then use that to restore. I presume you have already made the Acronis boot CD. I'd disconnect the printer and router but I doubt it would make the slightest difference if you didn't.

I'm assuming you aren't getting the option to repair the system rather than restore which you would have had if you'd produced the recovery CDs which you should have been prompted to do when you first set the system up.

===

I see I've cross posted with closed. As he's worked with you on this already use his advice and you won't go far wrong.

I haven't made an Acronis boot CD

On the Windows error screen, I am getting the option to attempt to repair using Windows setup CD Rom (which I don't have). I have found a CD with a handwritten label saying Windows Operating System Backup CD, which I assume I made 8 , but when I put it in CD drawer, nothing happens.

I really do appreciate your help, but as you can tell, despite being reasonably intelligent and articulate -I'm completely lost with techie speak.

kwikbreaks

Is your home produced Windows backup CD bootable? Try booting with it in the tray.

You may need to alter the boot sequence in the cmos settings to make it check the CD before the hard drive or that may already be the case. With many bios routines there is a special key you can hit to select the CD anyway.

The various keys (get into cmos settings, chose boot sequence) vary from machine to machine. Getting into cmos settings is often Del or F1 or F2 and boot sequence F12. Maybe you know already or can search for the info online.

As you have a machine you are using you should be able to create an Acronis boot CD if you have the software. It will probably need to be the same release as your backup to work.

closed

if you've bought acronis, did you get the cd with it

if so, you can boot from that.

if not, you can install it on another machine, and create the boot disc, and also the paragon disc

the simplest solution is probably to either recover the one file from it, by mounting the tib archive, extracting the registry (the file called system), and then copying that file to the other machine - you may be able to do this in one go using the acronis cd, or you could extract using another machines, and copy to broken machine using paragon rescue

badger09

closed wrote: »

if you've bought acronis, did you get the cd with it

if so, you can boot from that.

I did buy Acronis and have got the original Acronis bootable CD, but when I put it in the CD drive nothing happens.

So how do I boot from it?

OK found F12 gives me boot options but still don't know which to choose
1 Normal
2 Primary Master Drive
3 Diskette Drive
4 Hard-Disk Drive C
5 IDE CD-ROM Device

6 System Setup
7 IDE Drive Diagnostics
8 Boot to Utility Partition

debitcardmayhem

5 IDE CD-ROM Device

kwikbreaks

Put it in the CD/DVD drive and choose 5 IDE CD-ROM Device from the F12 menu.

Try it with your home created Windows backup CD first though as if that offers you the repair option it will almost certainly be the simplest option for you to try. If it doesn't work then try closed's suggestion - I've no idea what was corrupted on your system but it seems he worked that out with you in an earlier thread.

badger09

closed wrote: »

if you've bought acronis, did you get the cd with it

if so, you can boot from that.

if not, you can install it on another machine, and create the boot disc, and also the paragon disc

the simplest solution is probably to either recover the one file from it, by mounting the tib archive, extracting the registry (the file called system), and then copying that file to the other machine - you may be able to do this in one go using the acronis cd, or you could extract using another machines, and copy to broken machine using paragon rescue

The Windows backup CD doesn't appear to be bootable using F12.

Using F12 I managed to get the PC to show the Acronis options from the original Acronis bootable CD, but have no idea what to do next.

I tried to download the Paragon rescue kit but to run it it asks for a product key & serial number - displays a link but link doesn't work.

I know you're really helpful, but you're speaking a language I just don't understand - even your 'simplest solution': 'recover the one file by mounting the tib archive, extracting the registry'???

I'm so far out of my comfort zone I'm going to give up now.

Thanks for trying to help though.

badger09

kwikbreaks wrote: »

Put it in the CD/DVD drive and choose 5 IDE CD-ROM Device from the F12 menu.

Try it with your home created Windows backup CD first though as if that offers you the repair option it will almost certainly be the simplest option for you to try. If it doesn't work then try closed's suggestion - I've no idea what was corrupted on your system but it seems he worked that out with you in an earlier thread.

Thanks kiwibreaks

I hadn't seen this when I replied to closed. I was trying to download the paragon rescue kit.

As you can tell, I don't understand how to do what closed has suggested. It is the System 32 Config which is missing or corrupt.