Recovery Console denies me access to my file registry

Pumpkinstew · 11 Feb 2006 at 21:28

I'm trying to recover my system from a screwed up registry. I can't get into safe mode even to use system restore

so I'm trying to follow these instructions.
MS Knowledge Base Article

The trouble is that the recovery console denies me access to the C: and I can't change the setting using set allowallpaths = true. I need an 'analysis snap in', which looks like it can only be installed from a working XP install. :confused:

Anyone know how to resolve this? Eternal gratitude awaits anyone who does.

Pumpkinstew · 11 Feb 2006 at 21:50

Triad2000 said:
I've always found the recovery console pretty pointless unless it involves working in the windows directory. It seems really stupid to restrict access outside the directory, unless of course it's meant for failing disks and integrity.

Well I've tried cd\windows but I'm told access is denied, so I can't even see the Windows file structure.

It's a SATA HDD which means installing the drivers off a floppy every time I enter the consle from the XP install CD. Is this what's causing the problem, cos I can't see a way around that.

Pumpkinstew · 11 Feb 2006 at 22:04

Triad2000 said:
What are the permissions on the Windows dir?

The 'Set' command lists AllowWildCards = FALSE AllowAllPaths = FALSE AllowRemovableMedia = FALSE NoCopyPrompt = FALSE

I can't change these. I need to alter some setting in a working windows install:
KB Article-Set command

Pumpkinstew · 11 Feb 2006 at 22:07

masterk said:
What motherboard are you using?

Asus K8v-X

Pumpkinstew · 12 Feb 2006 at 20:46

I tried installing XP again onto a PATA drive and althugh it could see the old partitions I got the error message
'the disk structure is corrupted and unreadable'

Have I got anything to lose by attempting fixboot or fixmbr from the recovery console?
Is there a chance it will make things worse?

Pumpkinstew · 13 Feb 2006 at 13:18

I tried running chkdsk /r on the C partition last night and afterwards I was able to use the dir command without getting an error message. The tree still seemed intact.
Couldn't cd\ into the windows folder as access was denied.

I exited and re-entered the recovery console and this time it picked up the fact there was windows installation on the C: and asked me to push 1 to select it and logon.
Unfortunately after pushing 1 everything locked up and I never got thechance to attempt logging in using the admin password.

Anyone had any joy with data recovery software mending a boot sector/ master boot record?

Pumpkinstew · 13 Feb 2006 at 22:30

Good news, everyone.

In the end I was able to use a second windows installation on another drive to import the registry entries from an earlier system restore point and I have everything running again (and fully backed up).

The XP theme won't work so I have square windows and a beige start bar, but I think I can live with that.

Thanks to everyone who helped out with abit f advice.