Windows Recovery

How to Use the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console

The Recovery Console is a command-line tool that you can use to repair Windows if the computer does not start properly. You can start the Recovery Console from the Windows Server 2003 CD or at startup if the Recovery Console was previously installed to your computer.Use the Recovery Console if you used the Last Known Good Configuration startup option and it was not successful and you cannot start the computer in Safe mode. Microsoft recommends that you use the Recovery Console method only if you are an advanced user who can use basic commands to identify and locate problem drivers and files. To use Recovery Console, follow these steps: 

Insert the Windows Server 2003 installation CD in your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and then restart the computer.
When you are prompted during text-mode setup, press R to start the Recovery Console.
You can use the Recovery Console to:
Access the drives on your computer.
Enable or disable device drivers or services.
Copy files from the Windows Server 2003 installation CD or copy files from other removable media. For example, you can copy a file that you need that was deleted.
Create a new boot sector and a new master boot record (MBR). You might have to do this if there are problems starting from the existing boot sector.
To Confirm That Your Hard Disk or File System Is Not Damaged
To confirm that your hard disk or file system is not damaged, start your computer from the Windows Server 2003 CD, start the Recovery Console, and then use the Chkdsk command-line utility. This may solve your problem.IMPORTANT Microsoft recommends that only advanced users or administrators use the Recovery Console. You have to know the password for the Administrator account to use the Recovery Console.For additional information about how to test and repair a damaged hard disk by using Chkdsk, see the "Using the Recovery Console and Using the Recovery Console Command Prompt" sections in the following article: 

307654 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654/ ) How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP Note If Chkdsk reports that it cannot access your hard disk, you may have a hardware failure. Examine all cable connections and any jumper settings on your drive. Contact a computer repair professional, or the manufacturer of your computer for more assistance. If Chkdsk reports that it cannot fix all hard disk problems, your file system or MBR may be damaged or no longer accessible. Try using the appropriate Recovery Console commands, such as Fixmbr and Fixboot, contact a data recovery service, or repartition and then reformat your hard disk.WARNING: If you repartition and reformat your hard disk, you lose all information on the disk. IMPORTANT For more assistance, contact your computer manufacturer or a Microsoft Product Support Services professional. Only qualified personnel should try to repair your computer. If the computer repair is performed by non-qualified personnel, this may nullify your computer's warranty. For additional information about how to Use Recovery Console, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 

326215 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326215/ ) How to use the Recovery Console on a Windows Server 2003-based computer that does not start



How to Use Automated System Recovery 

To recover from a system failure by using Automated System Recovery (ASR), follow these steps:
Make sure you have the following on hand before you start the recovery procedure:
Your previously created ASR floppy disk.
Your previously created backup media.
The original operating system installation CD.
If you have a mass storage controller and you are aware that the manufacturer has supplied a separate driver file for it (different from the driver files that are available on the Setup CD), obtain the file (on a floppy disk) before you start this procedure.
Insert the original operating system installation CD into your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
Restart your computer. If you are prompted to press a key to start the computer from CD, press the appropriate key.
If you have a separate driver file as described in step 1, press the F6 key to use the driver as part of Setup when you are prompted.
Press the F2 key when you are prompted at the start of the text-only mode section of Setup.You are prompted to insert the ASR floppy disk that you previously created.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
If you have a separate driver file as described in step 1, press F6 (a second time) when you are prompted after the system restarts.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Notes
ASR does not restore your data files. See Windows Help for more information about backing up and restoring your data files.
If you are restoring a server cluster in which all nodes failed and the quorum disk cannot be restored from backup, use ASR on each node in the original cluster to restore the disk signatures and the partition layout of the cluster disks (quorum and nonquorum). For more information about backing up and restoring server clusters, see Windows Help.
To Create an ASR Disk Set by Using Backup
To use ASR, you must have an ASR disk set. To create an ASR disk set, follow these steps:
Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Backup. By default, the Backup or Restore Wizard starts, unless it is disabled. You can use the Backup or Restore Wizard to create an ASR disk set by answering All information on this computer in the What do you want to backup? section. Otherwise, you can go to the next step to create an ASR disk set in Advanced Mode.
Click the Advanced Mode link in the Backup or Restore Wizard.
On the Tools menu, click ASR Wizard.
Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.
Notes
You need a blank 1.44 megabyte (MB) floppy disk to save your system settings and media to contain the backup files. If your computer does not have a floppy disk drive, perform an ASR backup on the computer without the floppy disk drive. Copy the Asr.sif and Asrpnp.sif files that are located in the %SystemRoot%\Repair folder to another computer with a floppy disk drive, and then copy those files to a floppy disk.
To perform this procedure, you must be a member of the Administrators or Backup Operators group on the local computer, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority. If the computer is joined to a domain, members of the Domain Admins group might be able to perform this procedure. As a security "best practice," consider using the Run as command to perform this procedure.
This procedure backs up only those system files that you must have to start your system. You must back up your data files separately.
After you create the ASR set, label this floppy disk and the backup media carefully and keep them together. To use the backup media, you must have the floppy disk that you created with that set of media. You cannot use a floppy disk that you created at a different time or with a different set of media. You must also have your Setup CD available at the time you perform ASR. Keep the ASR set in a secure location. The ASR set contains information about your systems configuration that might be used to cause damage to your system.
If you are backing up a server cluster, run the Automated System Recovery Wizard on all nodes of the cluster, and make sure that the Cluster service is running when you start each ASR backup. Make sure that one of the nodes on which you run the Automated System Recovery Preparation Wizard is listed as the owner of the quorum resource while the wizard is running.
How to Repair Your Installation of Windows

You may be able to repair a damaged Windows Server 2003 installation by running Windows Setup from the Windows CD.To repair your installation of Windows, follow these steps:
Insert the Windows Server 2003 CD in the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
If the Windows CD displays the What would you like to do? menu, click Exit.
Turn off your computer, wait ten seconds, and then turn your computer back on.
If you are prompted to start your computer from the CD, do so.Note You must be able to start your computer from the Windows Server 2003 CD-ROM to run Windows Setup. Your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive must be configured to do so. For information about how to configure your computer to start from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, see the documentation that is included with your computer, or contact your computer manufacturer.
After Setup starts, press ENTER to continue the setup process.
Press ENTER to select the option To set up Windows now, press ENTER. Do not select the Recovery Console option.
Press F8 to accept the licensing agreement. Setup searches for previous installations of Windows. If Setup does not find a previous installation of Windows Server 2003, you might have a hardware failure.Hardware failures are beyond the scope of this article. See a computer hardware specialist for more help or try the Hardware troubleshooter. For more information about the Hardware Troubleshooter, see the Windows Server 2003 Help topic "Using Troubleshooters."
If Setup does find a previous installation of Windows Server 2003, you may receive the following message:
If one of the following Windows Server 2003 installations is damaged, setup can try to repair it. Use the up and down arrows to select an installation. To repair the selected installation, press R. To continue without repairing, press ESC. Select the appropriate Windows Server 2003 operating system installation, and then press R to try to repair it.
Follow the on-screen instructions to repair the installation. Notes
You might have to change the boot drive sequence in your BIOS settings to successfully start your computer from the Windows Server 2003 CD. Contact the manufacturer of your computer, or see your manufacturer's documentation, for more information.
If you cannot start your computer from the Windows Server 2003 CD, you might have a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive failure or other hardware failure.Hardware failures are beyond the scope of this article. See a computer hardware specialist for more help or try the Hardware troubleshooter. For more information about the Hardware Troubleshooter, see the Windows Server 2003 Help topic "Using Troubleshooters."
After you repair your Windows Server 2003, you may be required to reactivate your copy of Windows Server 2003.
 

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How to Use System Configuration Utility

          System Configuration Utility (Msconfig.exe) automates the routine troubleshooting steps that Microsoft Product Support Services technicians use when they diagnose Windows configuration issues. You can use this tool to modify the system configuration and troubleshoot the problem by using a process-of-elimination method.You must be logged on as Administrator or as a member of the administrative groups to use System Configuration Utility. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may prevent you from using the utility. As a security "best practice," consider using the Run as command to perform these procedures.Note Microsoft strongly recommends that you do not use System Configuration Utility to modify the Boot.ini file on your computer without the help of a Microsoft support professional. Doing so may render your computer unusable.

To Create a Clean Environment for Troubleshooting
Click Start, click Run, type msconfig in the Open box, and then click OK. (To use the Run as command, type runas /user:administrator Path\msconfig.exe in the Open box, and then click OK. ) 
Click the General tab, click Diagnostic startup - load basic devices and services only, click OK, and then click Restart to restart your computer. 
After Windows starts, determine whether the problem still occurs.
To Isolate Problems by Using System Startup Options
Click Start, click Run, type msconfig in the Open box, and then click OK. 
Click the General tab, and then click Selective Startup. 
Click to clear the following check boxes: 
Process SYSTEM.INI FileProcess WIN.INI FileLoad System ServicesYou will not be able to clear the Use Original BOOT.INI check box. 
To test the software loading process, make sure the Load Startup Items check box is selected, and then click OK. 
Restart the computer when you are prompted to do so.
To Isolate Problems by Using Selective Startup Options
Click Start, click Run, type msconfig in the Open box, and then click OK. 
Click the General tab, and then click Selective Startup. 
Click to clear all the check boxes under Selective Startup. You will not be able to clear the Use Original BOOT.INI check box. 
Click to select the Process SYSTEM.INI File check box, click OK, and then restart the computer when you are prompted.Repeat this process and select each check box one at a time. Restart your computer each time. Repeat the process until the problem occurs. 
When the problem occurs, click the tab that corresponds to the selected file. For example, if the problem occurs after you select the Win.ini file, click the WIN.INI tab in System Configuration Utility. 
To Isolate Problems by Using the Startup Tab
The Startup tab lists items that load at startup from the Startup group, Win.ini load= and run=, and the registry. 
Click Start, click Run, type msconfig in the Open box, and then click OK. 
Click the Startup tab. 
Click to clear all check boxes. 
To start troubleshooting, click to select the first check box, click OK, and then restart the computer when you are prompted.Repeat this process and select each check box one at a time. Restart your computer each time. Repeat the process until the problem occurs. 
To Troubleshoot System Services 
Click Start, click Run, type msconfig in the Open box, and then click OK. 
Click the Services tab. 
Make a note of any services that are not selected. IMPORTANT Do not skip this step. You will need this information later. 
Click Disable All, click OK, and then restart your computer. 
Click Start, click Run, type msconfig in the Open box, and then click OK. 
Click the Services tab. 
Click to select the check box of a service to turn it on, and then click OK. 
Restart your computer, and see if the problem occurs. 

Repeat steps 5 through 8 for each service until the problem occurs. When the problem occurs, you will know that the last service you turned on is causing the problem. Make a note of this service, and go to step 10. 

Click Enable All, click to clear the check box next to the faulty service, click to clear the check boxes of any other services you made note of in step 3, click OK, and then restart your computer. As a workaround, you can leave the faulty service turned off (not selected). Contact the manufacturer of the faulty service for more assistance. Note You might be able to determine more quickly which service is causing the problem by testing the services in groups. Divide the services into two groups--select the check boxes of the first group, and clear the check boxes of the second group. Restart your computer, and then test for the problem. If the problem occurs, the faulty service is in the group with the selected check boxes. If the problem does not occur, the faulty service is in the group with the cleared check boxes. Repeat this process on the faulty group until you have isolated the faulty service.

To Troubleshoot the System.ini File
Click Start, click Run, type msconfig in the Open box, and then click OK. 
Click the SYSTEM.INI tab. 
Make a note of any items that are not selected. You might have to expand some items (such as [drivers]) to determine if any sub-items are not selected. IMPORTANT Do not skip this step. You will need this information later. 
Click Disable All, click OK, and then restart your computer. 
Click Start, click Run, type msconfig in the Open box, and then click OK. 
Click the SYSTEM.INI tab. 
Expand all items in the list, click the check box of an item to turn it on, and then click OK. 
Restart your computer, and see if the problem occurs. 
Repeat steps 5 through 8 for each item until the problem occurs.When the problem occurs, you will know that the last item you turned on is causing the problem. Make a note of this item, and then go to step 10. 
Click Enable All, click to clear the check box next to the faulty item, click to clear the check boxes of any other items you made note of in step 3, click OK, and then restart your computer.As a workaround, you can leave the faulty item turned off (not selected). If possible, contact the manufacturer of the faulty item for more assistance. Note You might be able to determine more quickly which System.ini item is causing the problem by testing the items in groups. Divide the items into two groups--select the check boxes of the first group, and clear the check boxes of the second group. Restart your computer, and then test for the problem. If the problem occurs, the faulty service is in the group with the selected check boxes. If the problem does not occur, the faulty service is in the group with the cleared check boxes. Repeat this process on the faulty group until you have isolated the faulty System.ini item.

To Troubleshoot the Win.ini File
Click Start, click Run, type msconfig in the Open box, and then click OK. 
Click the WIN.INI tab. 
Make a note of any items that are not selected. You might have to expand some items (such as [OLFax Ports]) to determine if any sub-items are not selected. IMPORTANT Do not skip this step. You will need this information later. 
Click Disable All, click OK, and then restart your computer. 
Click Start, click Run, type msconfig in the Open box, and then click OK. 
Click the WIN.INI tab. 
Expand all items in the list, click the check box of an item to turn it on, and then click OK. 
Restart your computer, and see if the problem occurs. 
Repeat steps 5 through 8 for each item until the problem occurs.When the problem occurs, you will know that the last item you turned on is causing the problem. Make a note of this item, and then go to step 10. 
Click Enable All, click to clear the check box of the faulty item, click to clear the check boxes of any other items you made note of in step 3, click OK, and then restart your computer.As a workaround, you can leave the faulty item turned off (not selected). If possible, contact the manufacturer of the faulty item for more assistance.Note You might be able to determine more quickly which Win.ini item is causing the problem by testing the items in groups. Divide the items into two groups--select the check boxes of the first group, and clear the check boxes of the second group. Restart your computer, and then test for the problem. If the problem occurs, the faulty service is in the group with the selected check boxes. If the problem does not occur, the faulty service is in the group with the cleared check boxes. Repeat this process on the faulty group until you have isolated the faulty Win.ini item.
To Troubleshoot the Boot.ini File
Only system administrators and advanced users should try to change the Boot.ini file. Steps for troubleshooting Boot.ini are beyond the scope of this article. For additional information, search the Microsoft Knowledge Base. To do this, visit the following Microsoft Web site: 
Microsoft Product Support Serviceshttp://support.microsoft.com (http://support.microsoft.com/)
To Reset System Configuration Utility to Normal Startup
To reset System Configuration Utility to normal startup, follow these steps: 
Click Start, click Run, type msconfig in the Open box, and then click OK. 
On the General tab, click Normal Startup - load all device drivers and services, and then click OK. 
Restart your computer. 

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How to Start the Computer by Using the Last Known Good Configuration

            If the startup problem occurs immediately after you make a change to the computer (for example, after you install a new driver), try to start the computer by using the Last Known Good Configuration feature. When you use the Last Known Good Configuration feature, you start your computer by using the most recent settings that worked. This feature restores registry information and driver settings that were in effect the last time the computer started successfully. Use this feature when you cannot start Windows after you make a change to the computer (for example, after you install or upgrade a device driver). To start the computer by using Last Known Good Configuration, follow these steps: 

Click Start, and then click Shut Down.
Click Restart, and then click OK. 

When you see the message Please select the operating system to start, press the F8 key. 

Use the arrow keys to select Last Known Good Configuration, and then press ENTER. Note NUM LOCK must be off before the arrow keys on the numeric keypad will function.

If you are running other operating systems on the computer, click Microsoft Windows Server 2003 in the list, and then press ENTER.
Notes
By selecting Last Known Good Configuration, you can recover from problems such as a newly added driver that may be incorrect for your hardware. This feature does not solve problems caused by corrupted or missing drivers or files. 

When you select Last Known Good Configuration, only the information in registry key HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet is restored. Any changes you have made in other registry keys remain. 

If you can start your computer by using Last Known Good Configuration, the last change that you made to the computer (for example, the installation of a driver) may be the cause of the incorrect startup behavior. Microsoft recommends that you either remove or update the driver or program, and then test Windows for correct startup. 

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What is the reason for PC Crash?

What is the reason for Computer failure? “blue screen of death” or another warning; other times, a computer simply shuts off without any warning at all. In either case, the end result is a whole lot of frustration, aggravation and lost work. If your computer has been crashing frequently, you’d probably like to put an end to it. Unfortunately, getting to the bottom of things if often easier said than done. The following tips about improving your computer’s performance, though, are excellent places to begin.

Possibility #1: Corrupted System Registry Files

Every Windows-based PC has something called a Windows registry. The registry contains several files that
are integral to the performance and operation of your computer. Over time, some of those files can become corrupted, be misplaced or get lost altogether. When that happens, the system registry becomes compromised – and frequent crashes are all-too-common symptoms. The best way to rule this possibility in or out is by running a Windows registry cleaning program. Such programs scan your Windows registry for problems then automatically make repairs. If you run a registry cleaner and the crashes persist, they are probably being caused by a different issue.

Possibility #2: Disorganized Files

Windows operating systems handle file organization in a way that isn’t very intuitive. Basically, they break files up and fit them into gaps in the computer’s memory. As time goes by, these disorganized files can prompt frequent crashes. Luckily, a great optimization solution is built right into Windows-based PCs: the disk defragmentation utility. Although its location on a computer varies, you can generally locate it within the System and Security section inside the Control Panel. By running a defrag once every few months, you may be able to keep those pesky computer crashes at bay.

Possibility #3: Malicious Software

Malicious software can take many different forms. Sometimes, it’s a virus that is accidentally unleashed after opening a strange email; other times, its adware that tags along with other information that is automatically downloaded from a website. Whatever type it is, there’s no question that malicious software can wreak havoc on a computer’s performance. Happily, there are many topnotch programs out there that regularly scan your computer for the presence of such problems – and that help guard against them, too. Buy one, install it and use it regularly; your crash issues may come to an end.

Possibility #4: Too Little Available Memory

When you buy a new computer, it feels like there’s no end to the amount of memory that it has. Of course, this isn’t true at all. As never-ending as the available memory on your PC may initially seem, the fact is that it can be depleted with incredible speed. You can find out for sure by checking the information within “My Computer.” If it appears that your available memory is low, you can use a PC cleanup program to remove unnecessary files; such programs remove things like temporary Internet files and other file debris that can suck away much-needed memory.

Possibility #5: Overheating

If you’ve run through all of the preceding possibilities and continue experiencing frequent crashes, a hardware issue could be to blame. An easy one to rule out is overheating. A computer’s CPU, or central processing unit, includes a fan that is designed to keep it running cool. Sometimes, the fan wears down and doesn’t work as efficiently; other times, it’s just not able to handle the work that your computer has to do. In either case, buying a bigger, better fan isn’t very expensive. If it puts an end to your PC crashing problem, it will have been more than worth it.

Don’t Put Up with Frequent Crashes!

As discussed, frequent computer crashes can be triggered by a wide variety of issues. Luckily, many of these issues are relatively easy to remedy. Work your way through the preceding list; chances are, you’ll be able to pinpoint the problem and put an effective cure to work. Nine times out of ten, a computer simply needs a little bit of routine maintenance to get it back on track again. In the future, keep these points in mind. Any time you buy a new computer, keep up with its basic maintenance right from the get-go. By doing that, you could avoid “blue screen of death” and crashing problems altogether – and that’s something that you’re bound to appreciate!

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62nd Republic Day on 26/01/2011

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Useful Educational related Websites

Name of the Organisation	Address Link of the Organisation
Sakshat - An online Education Portal of MHRD	www.cbse.nic.in/prosak1.doc
National Council of Educational Research & Training (NCERT)	www.ncert.nic.in
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)	www.cbse.nic.in
Comprehensive School Health Program - How to live healthy life ?	http://www.healthy-india.org/
Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS)	www.navodaya.nic.in
Central Tibetan Schools Administration (CSTA)	www.ctsa.nic.in
National Institute of Open Schooling	www.nos.org
Think.Com	www.think.com
Oracle Academy	www.academy.oracle.com
ThinkQuest	www.ThinkQuest.org
Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education	www.hbcse.tifr.res.in
Edusat	www.edusatindia.org
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur	www.iitk.ac.in
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi	www.iitd.ac.in
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay	www.iitb.ac.in
Indian Institue of Technology Kharagpur	www.iitkgp.ernet.in
Indian Institue of Technology Madras	www.iitm.ac.in
Indian Institue of Technology Roorkee	www.iitr.ac.in
Indian Institue of Technology Guwahati	www.iitg.ac.in
Biology in Motion	www.biologyinmotion.com
Physics.org	www.Physics.org
Science Museum	www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
UNESCO	www.unesco.org
How Stuff Works	www.howstuffworks.com
Tamil Nadu Text Books Online	http://www.textbooksonline.tn.nic.in/
NCERT Text Books Online NCERT Text Books Fonts	http://www.ncert.nic.in/textbooks/testing/Index.htm
Linkslearning	http://www.linkslearning.org
Southernrailway	www.southernrailway.org

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Dropbox - Simple FTP Server

What is Dropbox?

Dropbox is software that links all of your computers together via a single folder. It’s the easiest way to back up and sync files between computers. The Dropbox Desktop Application is software that watches a folder on your desktop computer and syncs any changes to the web and to your other computers.

The Dropbox Website allows you to access your files on any computer from a web browser. You can also use the Dropbox website to share your files or folders with others.

The Dropbox mobile website and Dropbox for mobile devices allow you to connect to your Dropbox from your pocket, so you can take your files with you wherever you go.

Is it for me?

Transferring data between computers usually requires uploading via web forms, connecting to network drives, carrying around thumb drives, or sending emails with attachments to yourself and others. Dropbox makes all of these methods obsolete. If you're looking for a better way to transfer data over the internet or are just looking for a way to improve productivity within your team, Dropbox is for you

Download

1. Run the Dropbox Installer

Once the download finishes, click Run to start installing Dropbox.

2. Click Yes

Click Yes to accept the User Account Control settings dialog.

3. Follow Setup Instructions

Follow the instructions to get Dropbox set up on your computer and you will be good to go!

Download


Procedure:

Install Dropbox software
Copy drop  box shortcut in Startup folder of Dop
DropBox is a free most useful utility
Broadband or any Dialup connection is must for Both End
Create a common User in any mail.....
Creat a Folder in A Spare Drive ( eg. D:\DATA ) and share with full permission ( at both HO & SO)
Install DropBox Software , Give the Newly created user, Give path as Newly Created and Shared folder)

Copy Drop Box folder in C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data
to C:\Documents and Settings\DOP\Application Data ( or Local User eg. DOP)
Copy drop  box shortcut in Startup folder of Dop ( or Local User eg. DOP )

== Copy and file in D:\Data folder it will show in Both end

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