Restarting Windows 2003 Repair

[Trez]

I am repairing a damaged W2K3 installation and used the wrong CD version. I
used a retail CD instead of the VLA CD and can not get past the "Enter your
product key" window. Can I start the repair again with the correct CD or
will it blow away the original installation.

 

[Dave Patrick]

Can you post an unedited boot.ini ?


--

Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect


"Trez" wrote:
>I am repairing a damaged W2K3 installation and used the wrong CD version.
>I
> used a retail CD instead of the VLA CD and can not get past the "Enter
> your
> product key" window. Can I start the repair again with the correct CD or
> will it blow away the original installation.

 

[Trez]

Dave,
Can not access anything unless I restart and boot to recovery console from
the cd. am afraid it will blow away the orig installation

"Dave Patrick" wrote:

> Can you post an unedited boot.ini ?
>
>
> --
>
> Regards,
>
> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
> Microsoft Certified Professional
> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
>
>
> "Trez" wrote:
> >I am repairing a damaged W2K3 installation and used the wrong CD version.
> >I
> > used a retail CD instead of the VLA CD and can not get past the "Enter
> > your
> > product key" window. Can I start the repair again with the correct CD or
> > will it blow away the original installation.
>
>

 

[Ace Fekay [MCT]]

"Trez" wrote in message
news:7E263005-5DDA-4955-807D-84CCECD667D9@microsoft.com...

I imagine that if it went through the i386 copy procedure and hit the spot
for the PID, that it hasn't yet installed over the old installation.
Remember, entering the PID number authorizes the installation to start, so I
can't see any damage being done anyway because it's the wrong media, and you
don't have the correct PID.

If you chose repair, it will preserve the installation and simply refreshes
the installation.

Ace


> Dave,
> Can not access anything unless I restart and boot to recovery console from
> the cd. am afraid it will blow away the orig installation
>
> "Dave Patrick" wrote:
>
>> Can you post an unedited boot.ini ?
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
>> Microsoft Certified Professional
>> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
>> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
>>
>>
>> "Trez" wrote:
>> >I am repairing a damaged W2K3 installation and used the wrong CD
>> >version.
>> >I
>> > used a retail CD instead of the VLA CD and can not get past the "Enter
>> > your
>> > product key" window. Can I start the repair again with the correct CD
>> > or
>> > will it blow away the original installation.
>>
>>

 

[Dave Patrick]

I doubt if anything's been done at this point aside from modification of
boot.ini. Try repeatedly hitting F8 at startup and choose normal startup.
There should be a line similar below in boot.ini The disk you use is
probably insignificant anyway.


C:\$WIN_NT$.~BT\BOOTSECT.DAT="Windows 2003 Setup"



--

Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect


"Trez" wrote:
> Dave,
> Can not access anything unless I restart and boot to recovery console from
> the cd. am afraid it will blow away the orig installation

 

[Trez]

Ace, thanks for your reply. So you think I'll be ok if i reboot the system
with the right CD and restart repair?

Dave, your thoughts too.

The only way the system will boot and recognize the w2k3 installation is
from CD. Any other way the system just reboots or stays at the w2k3 screen.

Thanks for your input.

And as usual our backup is not good..... typical for a computer guy

"Ace Fekay [MCT]" wrote:

> "Trez" wrote in message
> news:7E263005-5DDA-4955-807D-84CCECD667D9@microsoft.com...
>
> I imagine that if it went through the i386 copy procedure and hit the spot
> for the PID, that it hasn't yet installed over the old installation.
> Remember, entering the PID number authorizes the installation to start, so I
> can't see any damage being done anyway because it's the wrong media, and you
> don't have the correct PID.
>
> If you chose repair, it will preserve the installation and simply refreshes
> the installation.
>
> Ace
>
>
> > Dave,
> > Can not access anything unless I restart and boot to recovery console from
> > the cd. am afraid it will blow away the orig installation
> >
> > "Dave Patrick" wrote:
> >
> >> Can you post an unedited boot.ini ?
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >>
> >> Regards,
> >>
> >> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
> >> Microsoft Certified Professional
> >> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
> >> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
> >>
> >>
> >> "Trez" wrote:
> >> >I am repairing a damaged W2K3 installation and used the wrong CD
> >> >version.
> >> >I
> >> > used a retail CD instead of the VLA CD and can not get past the "Enter
> >> > your
> >> > product key" window. Can I start the repair again with the correct CD
> >> > or
> >> > will it blow away the original installation.
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

 

[Dave Patrick]

Yes, should work for you assuming the installation is reparable.


--

Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect


"Trez" wrote:
> Ace, thanks for your reply. So you think I'll be ok if i reboot the
> system
> with the right CD and restart repair?
>
> Dave, your thoughts too.
>
> The only way the system will boot and recognize the w2k3 installation is
> from CD. Any other way the system just reboots or stays at the w2k3
> screen.
>
> Thanks for your input.
>
> And as usual our backup is not good..... typical for a computer guy

 

[Trez]

Will try tomorrow when I have the correct CD. Any other thoughts overnight
would be appreciated.

will let you know the outcome.

Thanks for your help!!!!

"Dave Patrick" wrote:

> I doubt if anything's been done at this point aside from modification of
> boot.ini. Try repeatedly hitting F8 at startup and choose normal startup.
> There should be a line similar below in boot.ini The disk you use is
> probably insignificant anyway.
>
>
> C:$WIN_NT$.~BTBOOTSECT.DAT="Windows 2003 Setup"
>
>
>
> --
>
> Regards,
>
> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
> Microsoft Certified Professional
> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
>
>
> "Trez" wrote:
> > Dave,
> > Can not access anything unless I restart and boot to recovery console from
> > the cd. am afraid it will blow away the orig installation
>
>

 

[Dave Patrick]

You're welcome. Good luck with the repair.


--

Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect


"Trez" wrote:
> Will try tomorrow when I have the correct CD. Any other thoughts
> overnight
> would be appreciated.
>
> will let you know the outcome.
>
> Thanks for your help!!!!

 

[Ace Fekay [MCT]]

"Trez" wrote in message
news:BD673601-784C-4619-987C-C70D0E97A73A@microsoft.com...

Same here, good luck!

Ace

> Will try tomorrow when I have the correct CD. Any other thoughts
> overnight
> would be appreciated.
>
> will let you know the outcome.
>
> Thanks for your help!!!!
>
> "Dave Patrick" wrote:
>
>> I doubt if anything's been done at this point aside from modification of
>> boot.ini. Try repeatedly hitting F8 at startup and choose normal startup.
>> There should be a line similar below in boot.ini The disk you use is
>> probably insignificant anyway.
>>
>>
>> C:$WIN_NT$.~BTBOOTSECT.DAT="Windows 2003 Setup"
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
>> Microsoft Certified Professional
>> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
>> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
>>
>>
>> "Trez" wrote:
>> > Dave,
>> > Can not access anything unless I restart and boot to recovery console
>> > from
>> > the cd. am afraid it will blow away the orig installation
>>
>>

 

[Trez]

Ace and Dave,

Pulled an old server from the junk pile as a test. So far it looks like it
might work.

Started repair with the wrong CD, stopped at the screen to enter the product
key, booted from the right installation CD, it found an incomplete
installation and tried a new repair, repair deleted the installation files
and started reinstallation. It did accept the right product key for the
installation CD and is still installing and registering
components.....crossing my fingers.......

After Carolina lost to Georgia and Clemson lost to Ga Tech we don't take
anything for granted in South Carolina.

Will keep you informed. Again thanks !

Trez


"Ace Fekay [MCT]" wrote:

> "Trez" wrote in message
> news:BD673601-784C-4619-987C-C70D0E97A73A@microsoft.com...
>
> Same here, good luck!
>
> Ace
>
> > Will try tomorrow when I have the correct CD. Any other thoughts
> > overnight
> > would be appreciated.
> >
> > will let you know the outcome.
> >
> > Thanks for your help!!!!
> >
> > "Dave Patrick" wrote:
> >
> >> I doubt if anything's been done at this point aside from modification of
> >> boot.ini. Try repeatedly hitting F8 at startup and choose normal startup.
> >> There should be a line similar below in boot.ini The disk you use is
> >> probably insignificant anyway.
> >>
> >>
> >> C:$WIN_NT$.~BTBOOTSECT.DAT="Windows 2003 Setup"
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >>
> >> Regards,
> >>
> >> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
> >> Microsoft Certified Professional
> >> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
> >> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
> >>
> >>
> >> "Trez" wrote:
> >> > Dave,
> >> > Can not access anything unless I restart and boot to recovery console
> >> > from
> >> > the cd. am afraid it will blow away the orig installation
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

 

[Trez]

It seems to have worked. Have started the same process on the real server so
far so good.

Trez


"Trez" wrote:

> Ace and Dave,
>
> Pulled an old server from the junk pile as a test. So far it looks like it
> might work.
>
> Started repair with the wrong CD, stopped at the screen to enter the product
> key, booted from the right installation CD, it found an incomplete
> installation and tried a new repair, repair deleted the installation files
> and started reinstallation. It did accept the right product key for the
> installation CD and is still installing and registering
> components.....crossing my fingers.......
>
> After Carolina lost to Georgia and Clemson lost to Ga Tech we don't take
> anything for granted in South Carolina.
>
> Will keep you informed. Again thanks !
>
> Trez
>
>
> "Ace Fekay [MCT]" wrote:
>
> > "Trez" wrote in message
> > news:BD673601-784C-4619-987C-C70D0E97A73A@microsoft.com...
> >
> > Same here, good luck!
> >
> > Ace
> >
> > > Will try tomorrow when I have the correct CD. Any other thoughts
> > > overnight
> > > would be appreciated.
> > >
> > > will let you know the outcome.
> > >
> > > Thanks for your help!!!!
> > >
> > > "Dave Patrick" wrote:
> > >
> > >> I doubt if anything's been done at this point aside from modification of
> > >> boot.ini. Try repeatedly hitting F8 at startup and choose normal startup.
> > >> There should be a line similar below in boot.ini The disk you use is
> > >> probably insignificant anyway.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> C:$WIN_NT$.~BTBOOTSECT.DAT="Windows 2003 Setup"
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> --
> > >>
> > >> Regards,
> > >>
> > >> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
> > >> Microsoft Certified Professional
> > >> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
> > >> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> "Trez" wrote:
> > >> > Dave,
> > >> > Can not access anything unless I restart and boot to recovery console
> > >> > from
> > >> > the cd. am afraid it will blow away the orig installation
> > >>
> > >>
> >
> >
> >

 

[Trez]

Now I am back to the original problem with the system rebooting. I can get
into safe mode but not normal mode.... suggestions......

thanks

Trez


"Trez" wrote:

> It seems to have worked. Have started the same process on the real server so
> far so good.
>
> Trez
>
>
> "Trez" wrote:
>
> > Ace and Dave,
> >
> > Pulled an old server from the junk pile as a test. So far it looks like it
> > might work.
> >
> > Started repair with the wrong CD, stopped at the screen to enter the product
> > key, booted from the right installation CD, it found an incomplete
> > installation and tried a new repair, repair deleted the installation files
> > and started reinstallation. It did accept the right product key for the
> > installation CD and is still installing and registering
> > components.....crossing my fingers.......
> >
> > After Carolina lost to Georgia and Clemson lost to Ga Tech we don't take
> > anything for granted in South Carolina.
> >
> > Will keep you informed. Again thanks !
> >
> > Trez
> >
> >
> > "Ace Fekay [MCT]" wrote:
> >
> > > "Trez" wrote in message
> > > news:BD673601-784C-4619-987C-C70D0E97A73A@microsoft.com...
> > >
> > > Same here, good luck!
> > >
> > > Ace
> > >
> > > > Will try tomorrow when I have the correct CD. Any other thoughts
> > > > overnight
> > > > would be appreciated.
> > > >
> > > > will let you know the outcome.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks for your help!!!!
> > > >
> > > > "Dave Patrick" wrote:
> > > >
> > > >> I doubt if anything's been done at this point aside from modification of
> > > >> boot.ini. Try repeatedly hitting F8 at startup and choose normal startup.
> > > >> There should be a line similar below in boot.ini The disk you use is
> > > >> probably insignificant anyway.
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> C:$WIN_NT$.~BTBOOTSECT.DAT="Windows 2003 Setup"
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> --
> > > >>
> > > >> Regards,
> > > >>
> > > >> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
> > > >> Microsoft Certified Professional
> > > >> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
> > > >> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> "Trez" wrote:
> > > >> > Dave,
> > > >> > Can not access anything unless I restart and boot to recovery console
> > > >> > from
> > > >> > the cd. am afraid it will blow away the orig installation
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > >
> > >
> > >

 

[Dave Patrick]

Then it should be hardware or driver related. Check Device Management and or
the event log for clues.



--

Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect


"Trez" wrote:
> Now I am back to the original problem with the system rebooting. I can
> get
> into safe mode but not normal mode.... suggestions......
>
> thanks
>
> Trez

 

[Ace Fekay [MCT]]

"Trez" wrote in message
news:BDA12A64-79C9-4657-A3B5-A5A9B47230D2@microsoft.com...

I don't follow college ball too much, but I would bet on Jeff Garcia and the
Eagles. Yep, they signed him on again since Donovan got hurt Sunday and
Vick can't play for two more weeks.

Back to the issue. Dave's suggestions should help. I am surprised that it
worked in your 'lab' but not on the actual server. Is there any hardware
attached, such as printers, USB devices, LPT card - any card, etc? Does the
controller need a driver that Windows doesn't have?

Ace




> Now I am back to the original problem with the system rebooting. I can
> get
> into safe mode but not normal mode.... suggestions......
>
> thanks
>
> Trez
>
>
> "Trez" wrote:
>
>> It seems to have worked. Have started the same process on the real
>> server so
>> far so good.
>>
>> Trez
>>
>>
>> "Trez" wrote:
>>
>> > Ace and Dave,
>> >
>> > Pulled an old server from the junk pile as a test. So far it looks
>> > like it
>> > might work.
>> >
>> > Started repair with the wrong CD, stopped at the screen to enter the
>> > product
>> > key, booted from the right installation CD, it found an incomplete
>> > installation and tried a new repair, repair deleted the installation
>> > files
>> > and started reinstallation. It did accept the right product key for
>> > the
>> > installation CD and is still installing and registering
>> > components.....crossing my fingers.......
>> >
>> > After Carolina lost to Georgia and Clemson lost to Ga Tech we don't
>> > take
>> > anything for granted in South Carolina.
>> >
>> > Will keep you informed. Again thanks !
>> >
>> > Trez
>> >
>> >
>> > "Ace Fekay [MCT]" wrote:
>> >
>> > > "Trez" wrote in message
>> > > news:BD673601-784C-4619-987C-C70D0E97A73A@microsoft.com...
>> > >
>> > > Same here, good luck!
>> > >
>> > > Ace
>> > >
>> > > > Will try tomorrow when I have the correct CD. Any other thoughts
>> > > > overnight
>> > > > would be appreciated.
>> > > >
>> > > > will let you know the outcome.
>> > > >
>> > > > Thanks for your help!!!!
>> > > >
>> > > > "Dave Patrick" wrote:
>> > > >
>> > > >> I doubt if anything's been done at this point aside from
>> > > >> modification of
>> > > >> boot.ini. Try repeatedly hitting F8 at startup and choose normal
>> > > >> startup.
>> > > >> There should be a line similar below in boot.ini The disk you use
>> > > >> is
>> > > >> probably insignificant anyway.
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >> C:$WIN_NT$.~BTBOOTSECT.DAT="Windows 2003 Setup"
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >> --
>> > > >>
>> > > >> Regards,
>> > > >>
>> > > >> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
>> > > >> Microsoft Certified Professional
>> > > >> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
>> > > >> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >> "Trez" wrote:
>> > > >> > Dave,
>> > > >> > Can not access anything unless I restart and boot to recovery
>> > > >> > console
>> > > >> > from
>> > > >> > the cd. am afraid it will blow away the orig installation
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >