\WINNT\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEMced

\WINNT\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEMced

Today I got the error message when I booted a W2K box:

"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEMced"

At this point, most people would either format (losing everything), reinstall Windows (and lose all  settings and shortcuts, including the "my documents" folder), or slave the drive (which requires you pick through and back up all your old files).

Instead, I booted to my Windows 2000 cd, hit "repair", then hit "recover console" and then typed in:

cd system32\config
ren system system.old
ren system.alt systemalt.old
copy c:\winnt\repair\system c:\winnt\system32\config
exit(which reboots when you're in RC mode)

 

It then booted normally, just as before.  Had I properly installed Recovery Console (like I should have done), I wouldn't even have had to use the Windows 2000 boot disk.

When has (and hasn't!) Recovery Console worked for you?
 

 

It then booted normally, just as before.  Had I properly installed Recovery Console (like I should have done), I wouldn't even have had to use the Windows 2000 boot disk.

When has (and hasn't!) Recovery Console worked for you?