Tutorial: Page (4) of 4 - 03/14/02

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Section Addendum Note: Here we are simply replacing those "default" repair files with valid and current restore point files. So we delete the old files (default) files and copy in the new files. If get errors when trying to delete, you can simply skip the delete commands and just do the copy (and when prompted to overwrite, type Y (for yes) and hit enter

delete c:\windows\system32\config\sam
 delete c:\windows\system32\config\security
 delete c:\windows\system32\config\software
 delete c:\windows\system32\config\default
 delete c:\windows\system32\config\system
 
 copy c:\windows\tmp\_registry_machine_software c:\windows\system32\config\software
 copy c:\windows\tmp\_registry_machine_system c:\windows\system32\config\system
 copy c:\windows\tmp\_registry_machine_sam c:\windows\system32\config\sam
 copy c:\windows\tmp\_registry_machine_security c:\windows\system32\config\security 
 copy c:\windows\tmp\_registry_user_.default c:\windows\system32\config\default (Notice the period (".") before the word default in the first parameter) 

Now. You're done! Type exit and your computer will reboot into whichever restore file you chose. But wait. If it's not the right one, that's OK, you can now go into your System Restore area and pick a different restore point if you want. There's a whole calendar full of them in there. I bet you didn't know that Windows XP is watching just about every move you make, taking notes all the while. It can restore about any state you had on that machine. And the best part is, even when it's doing all that, it's still 10% faster than Windows 2000 according to our extensive tests here at the Midwest Test Facility. Here's how to get into that restore area if you're not happy with the current restore point:

1. Click Start, then click All Programs.

2. Click Accessories, and then click System Tools.

3. Click System Restore, and then click Restore to a previous Restore Point.

Sheesh, before this I hated the command line. Many of you probably still do. But when it saves your butt like this, you have to feel grateful. I should send out a badge of courage for all you intrepid souls who followed me into these dark gallows, the basement of Windows XP. I hope this routine was successful in bringing your computer back to life. I know how it feels to have your computer down for the count. As a wise old man once told me, "When your computer crashes, it's like your dog just died." He was so right. Excuse me now, I'm going to go get some work done on my Mac.

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