Can I use Remote Installation Server (RIS) to deploy the Recovery Console to my client machines?

You can use an RIS to boot the client to Windows 2000 text-mode Setup, and then select the Recovery Console option.

WARNING : This process is to be used only when recovery of the system is needed. This process resets the computer’s machine account in the Active Directory and requires that the system be rejoined to the domain. Do not perform this action on domain controllers.

To add this option to the RIS server, create a template (.sif) file that contains the following information.

You can use a text editor such as Notepad (or use setupmgr.exe from the Windows 2000 Resource Kit) to create the following file:

Note that the “Repartition = No” line must exist or RIS will attempt to reformat the hard disk. The [UserData] section must also exist or Setup will not succeed.

When the Welcome To Setup screen appears, either press F10 or R to repair, and then press C for the Recovery Console. Once repairs are complete, you must rejoin the domain.

Further Reading

Recovery Console topics include:

• Change Recovery Console Administrator Password on a Domain Controller
• Configure Recovery Console Auto Logon
• Delete the Recovery Console
• Deploy Recovery Console through RIS
• Install Windows 2000/XP/2003 Recovery Console
• Recovery Console Access to Other Partitions
• Recovery Console and Software RAID1 (Mirroring)
• What is the Recovery Console?
• Exchange Server Recovery

Links

Creating a Template to Run Recovery Console Using a Remote Install Server – 222478

Description of the Windows XP Recovery Console – 314058

Install and Use the Recovery Console in Windows XP – 307654