Deploy Recovery Console through RIS in Windows 2000

Last Update: Sep 17, 2024 | Published: Jan 07, 2009

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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:

​[data]
floppyless = "1"
msdosinitiated = "1"
OriSrc = "'%SERVERNAME%RemInst%INSTALLPATH%"
OriTyp = "4"
LocalSourceOnCD = 1
[SetupData]
OsLoadOptions = "/noguiboot /fastdetect"
SetupSourceDevice= "DeviceLanmanRedirector%SERVERNAME%RemInst%INSTALLPATH%"
[UserData]
FullName = "%USERFULLNAME%"
OrgName = "%ORGNAME%"
ComputerName = %MACHINENAME%
[RemoteInstall]
Repartition = no
[OSChooser]
Description ="Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional - Recovery Console"
Help ="Allows user to perform repair operations, without local media, of a Windows Professional installation."
LaunchFile = "%INSTALLPATH%%MACHINETYPE%templatesstartrom.com"
ImageType =Flat
Version="5.0"

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:

Links

Creating a Template to Run Recovery Console Using a Remote Install Server – 222478link out ico
Description of the Windows XP Recovery Console – 314058link out ico
Install and Use the Recovery Console in Windows XP – 307654link out ico

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