[Windows XP] Support/Backup/Recovery/Repair

Here are some methods to handle major problems with Windows XP

Remote Assistance

You can ask an expert to troubleshoot your system remotely (when possible). To do this, you must first activate the function:

• Start menu/Control Panel/System/ Remote Use
• Simply check the box to activate this feature.
• Then, to use this feature: Start Menu/All Programs/Accessories/Remote Assistance.

System Restore

System Restore is a new feature of Windows XP : it is a snapshot of the registry (storing the parameters of the system and most programs) and executables. System Restore normally occupies a significant disk space, but the volume can be modified:


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• • Start menu /Control Panel/System/ tab "System Restore"
  • The monitoring of each volume can be enabled or disabled independently. By clicking on "settings" you can set the file size allocated to the restoration.

The management of these "restore points" is automatic (the installation of some programs, drivers, ...), but it can also be done manually:


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• • Start Menu/All Programs/Accessories/System Tool /System Restore

Here you can either create a restore point, or revert to a previous restore point. Further details here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302796/en-us 302796&x=12&y=14

Moreover, in case of crash at startup, it is recommended to use the restore point of last known good configuration:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307852/en-us 307852

ASR : Automatic System Restore

This restoration system differentiates files system to be installed from the XP CD, and modified files from the backup. To do this:
Right-click the hard drive icon/Properties/ Tools/ Backup now/Advanced mode


Automated System: the intervention is carried out automatically (with a floppy).

To restore a backup, it is necessary to launch installation of the system (boot on the installation CD of Windows for example) and press the [F2] at the prompt. The disk backup will then be asked.

Recovery Console

A little more complex because it is in command line: boot from the installation CD of XP, and choose "Repair":
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058/en-us
MS warning : This is an advanced-level reference article that describes what the Recovery Console is and how to use it. It does not contain information about how to troubleshoot specific problems.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545/en-us
MS warning : Do not use the procedure that is described in this article if your computer has an OEM-installed operating system.
Repairing your system
Start the computer on the installation CD XP, first select the option to install, Then choose "Repair" instead of the Install Windows XP option. All settings will be reset, but the programs will not need to be reinstalled.