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Windows XP Recovery Console is a very useful tool that helps you to fix your computer when you cannot boot the computer or log into your user account. The Recovery Console can uninstall Windows Updates such as Hotfixes and Service Packs, check specific drives, change or list Service’s start up configurations, expand files, rebuild boot entries, simple management of partitions, repair the boot sector on the system partition and repair the master boot record of the boot partition.

In this blog post I will describe how to start the Windows XP Recovery Console from the bootable retail Windows XP Installation media.

Requirements

• Administrator Password
• Bootable Windows XP Installation media
• Floppy Drive and Floppy Media with SATA drivers if SATA drivers are required

Starting the Windows XP Recovery Console

1. Ensure the BIOS is set to boot from the CD / DVD drive. Refer to the Manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Insert Windows XP Installation CD and start the computer.
3. Press ANY Key to boot from the Windows XP Installation CD when the following screen appears. Refer to Image below.
4. Press F6 and insert the floppy media if SATA drivers are required. Refer to Image below.
5. Press R to enter the Windows XP Recovery Control. Refer to Image below.
6. Select the Windows Installation for the Recovery Console to use when the following screen appears. Refer to Image below. Most users will typically see one installation, therefore, press 1 on your keyboard.
7. Enter the Administrator’s password. Refer to Image below. If you do not remember setting the password for the built-in Administrator password then try no password (blank) and press ENTER.
8. When completing your Recovery Console tasks then type EXIT to reboot the computer.

Available Commands

To see a list of available commands for the Recovery Console, type HELP at the Recovery Console prompt. If you need more help for an available command, type HELP CommandName at the Recovery Console prompt.