Recovery console is a feature that can be found on Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows server 2003. Whenever a computer refuses to start up because of some problems, recovery console can be used to repair and retrieve files. It is useful for repairing computer by copying from a disk or CD to the computer’s hard disk. Recovery console can be used to perform many functions. Some of the uses are:

• For copying, pasting, displaying and renaming files.
• To expand files from their compressed state in which they are stored.
• For performing disk checks (CHKDSK scan) to repair files and disks that have been corrupted.
• To format volumes on disks

Using recovery console can be quite complicated and most times it is utilized by administrators and technicians. Sometimes the recovery console is the only way to get a computer to start up. In order to use this feature, you must be aware of the rules and commands that enable recovery console to work effectively.
Instructions

Turn on your computer.
Insert the windows boot disk into the CD drive and then restart the computer.
You should see a “Welcome to Set Up” screen. Press “R” to start recovery console. It will take several seconds to start.
From the list of installations, select the relevant installation that you want to access by pressing the number assigned to that installation and press enter. If you press enter without pressing a number, the computer will restart and so will the entire process.
When you are prompted for a password, type in the administrator password for the installation to take place.
When you are prompted for a command, type in the relevant command to diagnose and repair problems. Some commands are: BOOTCFG which allows you to configure boot and recovery options; ATTRIB which allows you to edit file parameters and CD; and also CHDIR which allows you to switch between folders to detect and repair problems.
When you are finished diagnosing and repairing problems, exit the recovery console. To do so, type “Exit” on the command line and then press “Enter”.

Tips and Warnings

It is recommended that you use recovery console only when safe mode or other start up options have been tried and failed.
Use recovery console only if you are an advanced user and knows how to use the necessary commands to detect and repair problems.
If you are unsure about the commands used in recovery console, visit Microsoft’s support site for more information. Another way to view commands is to type in “recovery console commands” in the command line and press “Enter”.

Print a copy of the commands used in recovery console. It will come in handy to refer to when using recovery console than to research at that moment. It will also save time since viewing commands in recovery console takes up valuable time that could be used for fixing problems.

Author Bio: Charlie is a freelance writer and content builder of many Technology sites and he is sharing his experience regarding the Recovery Console and How to use Windows XP Recovery Console.