Hi all. Can anyone tell me how to restore a backup (using XP backup facility) when the PC refuses to load normally or into any of the safe mode options. Is there a way to restore it from recovery console as a last resort? Thanks Richard If it ain't broken, break it!

This is the repair procedure.-How to do a system repair.--Boot from the xp cd and go past the recovery console to the install menu. Select repair the existing installation. You won't lose any data except the xp updates. Unless you have a slipstream sp1 cd you will have to d/l sp1 and all subsequent updates. You MUST have at least SP1 installed and the updates for security reasons. Be sure the firewall and A/V is active before going online as you will be susceptible to sasser and msblaster. If you don't want SP2 go to autopatcher.com and d/l SP1 and subsequent updates. Please post back within 24 hours or I will delete the post from my follow up list. Thanks. It would be a courtesy if you would post back and let us know if the fix worked or not.

I would suggest another option than Windows Backup. It's not really built for restoring the system. It's built to restore folders/files. Get an imaging program like Ghost. If you are in a position where you only have the windows backup, check the help file. Win98 had an elaborate procedure to go through to recover the system with a windows backup file. I kinda doubt if XP has it, but you could check.

Thanks for the responses, chaps. I know how to carry out a repair installation, but on my client's PC, it doesn't want to know. He has a strange setup, and it only offers to re-format and never gives the repair option. All I have available is his bkf file, and my only entry to the PC seems to be through Recovery Console. Any help would be appreciated. If it ain't broken, break it!