Tip #4. Windows 2000 Recovery Options - HP Tc2120 - Server - 256 MB RAM Installation Manual

Tip #4. Windows 2000 Recovery Options

In the event that the current installation of Windows 2000 fails to boot (this might
happen after installing a new driver, component, software, etc), Windows 2000
provides the following recovery options to help you gain access to your Windows
2000 installation to replace damaged files and services for troubleshooting purpose.
HP therefore recommends that you install the Recovery Console (see option 3
below) to enhance the system configuration.
Recovery option #1: Last known good configuration
•
Activated by pressing F8 during the system process of Windows 2000 and
selecting "Last Known Good Configuration" from the menu.
•
This boot mode is used in the case that the system fails to boot after installing a
new software or driver. The system will use the previous registry setting to
initialize and boot the system.
Recovery option #2: Safe Mode Boot
Activated by pressing F8 during the OS boot. It provides a minimal configuration
with required drivers and services. The safe mode boot provides three options:
1. Standard safe mode boot. Provides no network services or drivers.
2. Networking disabled. Excludes network services and drivers.
3. Directory services restore mode. Brings system up with directory services
disabled with the intent of recovering active directory. Safe mode boot is guided
by the registry key hklm\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot
with the use of the Minimal and Network subkeys. The IOManager and Service
Control Manager look at the registry to load the driver and services. Such
approach avoids loading a problematic driver or service.
4. Command prompt. Provides an alternate command shell CMD.EXE instead of
the explorer. This is dictated by the registry key:
hklm\system\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\AlternateShell
There is a Safe-Mode boot loophole. Since NTLDR loads "Boot Load" drivers, these
drivers bypass the IO Manager's Safe Mode check.
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