XP Repair Console - Full access

[BFD Deadeye]

How do I log onto the repair console so I have full administrator privledges on a machine that isn't mine? I have a friend who installed Java Virtual Machine, but upon reboot cannot access even Safe Mode. I thought I would try to repair his MBR, and maybe some other things in the repair console.

Thanks for your time.

[ZANEY123]

you shouold be able to just boot to the recovery console and as long as he did not put in a password follow these directions

I hope this is the answer to your question unless i got it confused

Enabling and Disabling Services and Drivers
Because services operate at a privileged level alongside crucial operating system components, it’s possible for a poorly written third-party service to crash your system. Likewise, buggy hardware drivers can interfere with startup, in some cases so severely that you encounter Stop messages even when attempting to start in Safe Mode. If you suspect that a hardware driver or a service such as an antivirus scanner or a remote-control utility is causing your problems and you can’t start Windows even in Safe Mode, use these three Recovery Console options to identify the offending service and enable or disable it:

Listsvc Enter this command to display a complete list of all services and drivers on your system, along with their current status and any optional comments. This list is long and not exactly packed with helpful information. You might need to scroll through many screens and look carefully to identify the driver or service in question. It may help if you have documentation from the developer of the suspect driver or service that lists the names of specific driver and service files.

Disable Enter this command followed by the name of the service or driver you want to stop and press Enter. The Disable command sets the start type of the service to SERVICE_DISABLED. Before doing so, it displays the current start type value of the service: SERVICE_BOOT_START, SERVICE_SYSTEM_START, SERVICE_AUTO_START, or SERVICE_DEMAND_START. Make a note of this value so that you can re-enable the device or service properly if necessary.

Enable If after troubleshooting you determine that the device you disabled is not causing your problem, use this command, followed by the service or device name and the start type value you noted when you disabled the service or device.

[BFD Deadeye]

Thanks ZANEY123,

I shall try these suggestions tommorow, when I see him. I will keep you up to date.

[BFD Deadeye]

I'm still not getting anywhere. I've tried disabling many things, only to get to the same stuck spot on safe mode boot up. Should I try to disable everything having to do with Remote Access? I see there are several mentions of this service in the repair console using listsvc.

Please advise. This guy just did a reformat a few months ago. And if he has to do it again, he not only has that expense, but has to pay to get his wireless configured again. I really need a fix for this. Thank you.

[ZANEY123]

Are you accessing it through remote or are you physically with the computer.

If you are using remote i assume you cant work on it the,

If you are with the computer i would say yes try to disable everything. Have you tryied to rewrite the mbr?

[BFD Deadeye]

Thanks Zaney123,
Yes, I tried rewriting the MBR, used the bootfix command, and disabled everything having to do with Norton AV. I am physically with the computer. Is their any way to re-install XP without reformatting? Like the Win 98 command, SETUP/PF?

It kept getting stuck on the line that contains the 'MUP' service. I disabled that, and then it would get stuck on the one right before MUP, and so on. So I re-enabled those values, thinking that wasn't the cause of my problems.

Thank you for your time.

[ZANEY123]

I think if you boot to teh recovery console their should be a option to repair the install. try it that way?

[mike breck]

Looks like your having a nice time with that PC BFD Deadeye.

To reinstall XP without formatting:

Boot with the Windows XP CD and at the Setup Screen press the Enter Key.

At the Windows XP Licensing Agreement, press F8 to continue

The next screen gives you the option to do a fresh (clean) install or to "Repair the selected Windows XP installation." Press "R"

Windows XP will copy the necessary files to your Hard Drive to begin the installation and will then reboot.

You will see the message that tells you to "Press any key to boot the CD". Do not press any keys this point - just wait a few seconds and the Windows Startup Screen will be displayed.

Following this you will be get the usual XP Setup Screens

HTH

[BFD Deadeye]

Thank you Mike. I will give that a try this afternoon when I get a chance. I'll keep you updated. Thanks again.

[BFD Deadeye]

Well, now for some reason, it is in perpetual install. I saw the files being copied, and it rebooted. I saw the XP splash screen, and came to a setup screen that said 'setup is now restarting'. Now it goes through all those steps over and over, only to startup again from the beginning. Help?

[ZANEY123]

Have you tried to boot from the HD yet?

[not important]

After it goes through the setup steps, remove the CD. I had the same problem.

[BFD Deadeye]

Hi guys,
I got the thing fixed. Thanks to you all for your prompt and informative advise. I ended up getting the re-install to work. I tried it again, and it took. As far as I can tell, everything works, but I won't be for sure on his wireless connection until he plugs it back into his antenna.

I need to boot back into repair and make sure all of my disable/enabling is back to normal...I wrote EVERYTHING down. I would recomend the same to anyone doing anything in repair console. But I am happy, and my client is VERY happy that he didn't have to have a wireless tech come out and charge for a connection fixup (I know nothing about wireless).

Thanks again guys. You are a true testament to the helpful enviornment of the PCMECH forums. Fast, simple, and accurate. If the right answer doesn't come along the first time, learn it anyway. I learned a ton by Zaney123's response, but ultimately got the answer from my Scottish buddy, Mike (my wife is Scottish/Irish). Thanks a ton, guys. You really helped me out of a jam.

[ZANEY123]

Good job BFD DEADEYE!!

Glad I could help.I actually am learning with you.And with Mike correcting me we all had fun. I glad it worked out and I know in the future you will help me and mike with our promblems!!

[mike breck]

That's it guys. It's teamwork and brainstorming.

Unless someone comes up with an exact answer right away, everyone throws in an idea and hopefully the answer will emerge from that. Each part contributes to the whole.

Glad you've got him up and running BFD Deadeye.

[dldz]

I love it when I read these informative & happy endings
Good Job guys !
Don