Windows XP has been known for its reliability for more than twelve years. Having first appeared in 2001, the system has gained respect in almost the entire computer community. Even Linux users have noted many of its positive features.
However, in some cases, there is still a need to restore Windows XP system files. The reason for this may be the actions of malicious programs (although recently this moment has almost lost its relevance); user error crashes in the operation of applications or hardware components of a computer system, etc. However, the developers tried to anticipate this, too, so there is nothing complicated about how to restore Windows XP. The main thing is to follow simple rules. In most cases, this allows you to restore the boot of Windows XP, without even having to reinstall the operating system, which at the time of its predecessor - Win 9x - seemed fantastic.
Last working configuration
So how to restore Windows XP? The procedure depends on the cause of the malfunction.
Consider the basic ways to
restore Windows XP. It is necessary to use them all in order, until any leads to a positive result. The easiest way is to use the recovery menu. After turning on the computer, you must wait until the BIOS screen disappears and often press the F8 button (you can press and hold). As a result, a menu with additional options for loading the operating system will be displayed in text mode. Here you should use the buttons to move the cursor to the inscription “Download the last successful configuration” and press the Enter button. If the malfunction is not too critical for operation, then after that the system will boot into normal state.
Safe mode
However, sometimes this does not solve the problem.
How to recover Windows XP in this case? You need to run the same window for selecting options, but specify “Safe Mode” in the list (sometimes called the crash protection mode). The system will boot in a simplified form - without third-party drivers and part of the services. Typically, a crash occurs after installing a program. If so, then you need to uninstall and reboot. By the way, sometimes even a simple reboot from
safe mode helps
, without making changes. In addition, you can select "System Restore" in the standard and utility programs section of the Start menu menu, but this method only works if this function has not been forcibly disabled.
Recovery Console
A more fundamental solution is to use the program from the distribution disk. You must start the installation of the operating system from a compact disc and on the first dialog screen, press the R button (recovery console). Next, you will need to specify the operating system, a password for entry (if any). Now on the command line you need to type fixboot and press Enter. You can also use another command - fixmbr. The chkdsk command allows you to fix errors on the hard disk, however, when you run it, you should note that the check may take quite a while. And the last way is to completely reinstall the operating system with completely erasing the old version (do not install over it). Before that, you need to boot from the LiveCD and save all the important files.