Emergency Repair Disk (ERD)

If the previous methods of recovery have failed, you can try to repair your system files using the Emergency Repair Disk . Unlike the previous versions of Windows NT, a Windows 2000 ERD does not contain the Registry files. A Windows 2000 ERD contains the following:

• Basic system files

• The partition boot sector

• The startup environment

A Windows 2000 ERD must be created while your system is fully operational. To create a Windows 2000 ERD, perform the following steps:

1. Start the Windows 2000 Backup program by selecting Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Backup.

2. In the initial Backup Wizard screen, or from the Tools menu, select the Emergency Repair Disk option.

3. Insert a blank floppy disk into drive A:, select the option to back up the Registry in the repair directory, and then click OK (see Figure 5.19).

   Figure 5.19. Windows 2000 Backup showing the creation of the Emergency Repair Disk.

   

4. Click the OK button when the disk has been created.

The Registry option does not save the Registry files on the diskthey are saved in the %systemroot%\Repair\Regback folder on your computer. Just like in previous versions of Windows, you should make a new ERD after you make changes to your system, such as adding new hardware, installing a service pack, or other major configuration changes.

Using the Emergency Repair Disk

To repair your system using the ERD, you must start from the Windows 2000 CD-ROM or the four startup floppies. During the setup process, select the Repair option. When prompted for the type of repair, you have the option of selecting a Manual Repair or a Fast Repair . If you select the Manual Repair option, you will be presented with the following options:

• Inspect Startup Environment This option inspects the files in the system partition to make sure that they are not missing or corrupted. If necessary, the files are copied from the Windows 2000 CD-ROM.

• Verify Windows 2000 System Files This option verifies the system files by comparing them bit by bit with the files on the Windows 2000 CD-ROM. If there is a difference, you are asked whether or not to replace it.

• Inspect Boot Sector The option inspects the boot sector and attempts to repair it, if necessary.

If you select the Fast Repair option, it automatically performs the three previous tasks and also inspects and attempts to repair the Registry. If it cannot repair the Registry, it will copy the saved Registry files from the %systemroot%\Repair\Regback folder that were saved when you created the ERD.

You should be familiar with the various recovery methods for Windows 2000, and when and how to use each one.