Recipe 20.2. Using Last Known Good Configuration

Problem

Windows will not boot or function properly due to recent changes in hardware or system configuration.

Solution

Using Windows startup menu

1. Restart your PC and press the F8 key at the end of the BIOS to access Windows' start menu.

2. Select the Last Known Good Configuration option and let Windows start up.

3. Log onto Windows if prompted.

4. Reset any recent configuration changes, uninstall recently installed hardware or run System Restore to return the system to a working state.

Discussion

The Last Known Good Configuration boot option uses Registry information and drivers saved at the last proper shutdown. Any system changes since the last proper shutdown are lost. Missing drivers or files necessary for operation of new devices will have to be replaced with proper versions. This is the next best thing to restoring the system to a prior system Restore Point and does not affect installed applications unless they involve device drivers.

See Also

Very little seems to be known about what precisely happens with the Last Known Good Configuration, but the simplest reference comes from Microsoft itself at http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307852&sd=tech.