Hi there Could U plse tell me how can I create a bootable disk for W2k for recovery purpose I have W2K installed and wanna have a bootable disk as save guard Thanks and cheers

The w2k boot disks (four of them) aren't used quite the same as win98 boot disks (one of them). In fact if you want access to the hard drive a win98 boot disk may be a better option. To make w2k boot disks, put the cdrom in and go to the bootdisk directory. In windows click on the makebt32.exe file. In dos mode, type makeboot. You can get into safe mode with the f8 key, this site may help to explain. http://service2.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2000030212233639

Install the recovery console and you won't need a boot disk. To install the Recovery Console as a startup option With Windows running, insert the Setup CD into your CD-ROM drive. CLick Start and select Run. Type the following where D: is the CD-ROM drive letter: D:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons Follow the instructions on the screen. Notes To run the Recovery Console, restart your computer and select the Recovery Console option from the list of available operating systems. You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may also prevent you from completing this procedure. To see the commands available on the Recovery Console, type help at the at the console prompt. If your computer will not start, you can run the Recovery Console from the Setup CD. See Related Topics for information on running the Recovery Console when your computer will not start.

You can also go to www.bootdisk.com. Very easy. Choose option for win2k boot disk. You should be able to make 4 boot disks with no problems. I have done it and they work fine. (no viruses)

How about the real answer to your question. I find this an invaluable tool when I reload an OS and bugger the MBR or boot sector or replace the NTLDR with an older version. Know that this will only boot your machine if the OS system file structure is still good. It will not boot you to a DOS prompt. Rather, it will boot to the GUI logon screen. Format a floppy via W2k. Copy the NTLDR, NTDETECT.COM and BOOT.INI files to it. If you're using SCSI drives, copy NTBOOTDD.SYS to the floppy. If you also boot Win9x, copy the BOOTSECT.DOS file to the floppy. The 4 floppies that everyone mentions should properly be called SETUP disks and not BOOT disks. Installing the Recovery Console is a great idea. But if you cak your MBR or Boot Sector, you can't get into it from a HD boot (yes, you could boot from CD and get into the Recovery Console that way). If you do install the Recovery Console onto the HD, the BOOT.INI file will have it listed as a bootable option. Saved my a$$ a couple of times.

You are right Michael. I did get off to the side abit. However, I wonder what use recovery console is to someone who doesn't know how to make a bootable disk. Not to mention that the system files are hidden. :)

Maybe they are (will be) following directions from someone. I don't know that I've read about making that boot disk in my readings on W2k and XP. I think I first came across it in an NT Res kit or on MCSE training. Usually people miss the step about formating the floppy via the NT you are using. It puts the NT boot sector on the floppy (command to look for and read NTLDR).