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How to recover a non-bootable Windows installation – The Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset
By Michael Pietroforte | 16 Comments | Permalink | Trackback | Previous | Next
In my view, the Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (MSDaRT or DaRT) is one of the best tools when it comes to repairing a non-bootable Windows installation, or when you have to perform repair tasks which can’t be done on a running system. The toolset comes with an ISO file which contains the ERD Commander. You have to burn it on CD and then boot into Windows PE. You will have the following tools available:
- ERD Registry editor: edit Windows registry
- Locksmith: reset a password (without knowing the administrator’s password)
- Crash Analyzer: analyze crash dumps
- File Restore: Restore deleted files
- Disk Commander: Repair volumes, MBR, partitions
- Disk Wipe: Erase data from hard disk
- Computer Management: System Information, Autoruns (configure autostarting applications), Event Viewer, Disk Management (format, manage partitions, etc.), Services and Drivers (enable, disable, etc.)
- Explorer: Browse the hard drive
- Solution Wizard : Choose the proper repair tool
- TCP/IP Config: Display and set TCP/IP configuration
- Hotfix Uninstall: uninstall hotfixes
- SFC Scan: System file repair
- Search: Search disk for files
- Standalone System Sweeper: Scan your system for malware, rootkits, and potentially unwanted software
The TCP/IP configuration is not for repairing the host system, but for setting up networking on Windows PE. This allows you to access other utilities on the network. You can also start tools from the hard drive using the Explorer. Of course, not all Windows programs will work on Windows PE.
Additionally, MSDaRT 6.0 has the following recovery options, which you might already know from the Windows Vista recovery disc:
- Startup Repair: Automatically fix problems that are preventing Windows from starting
- System Restore: Restore Windows to an earlier point in time
- Windows Complete PC Restore: Restore your entire computer from a backup
- Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool: Check your computer for memory hardware errors
- Command Prompt: Open a command prompt window
Unfortunately, DaRT is not free. What’s even worse is that not everyone can buy it. It is part of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP), which is only available for volume-licensed customers (and for Technet/MSDN subscribers). However, anyone can download the 30-day evaluation version of MSDaRT 5.0. I am not sure what happens after 30 days. I’ve never tried it, but I somehow think that it will still work after that period. Note that MSDaRT 5.0 only works for Windows XP, and MSDaRT 6.0 only on Vista. Both versions come with the same tools, though. MSDaRT 6.0 is part of MDOP 2008 R2. I was unable to find a public download of MDOP or MSDaRT 6.0.
In my opinion, bundling MSDaRT with MDOP is not really a good idea. These tools are not only of interest to enterprise customers; even home users could use them sometimes. The worst thing that can happen to any Windows user is that the system is no longer bootable. These are the most frustrating moments. Therefore, I think that MSDaRT belongs with the Sysinternals suite and should be free for everyone. This would certainly be helpful in moments when the customer experience reaches the lowest possible level.
> I am not sure what happens after 30 days. I’ve never tried it, but I somehow think that it will still work after that period.
The expiration date is stored in I386/system32/winpeshl.ini on the CD image. So, if you set the system date to some date far in the future before you run the .msi file, which prepares the .iso image, the resulting CD will work for long enough to really try it. Say, 20 years.
Unfortunately MSDaRT 5.0 is not working with Windows XP SP3.
Man, what a find! Thanks for shedding light on this very useful tool. Keep up the good work.
There are tons of better solutions to fix nonworking MS OS out there, e.g. make a BartPE CD or USB stick and add all the tools and drivers you need. Or if you are too lazy and a bit Linux savvy get a current Knoppix DVD.
They shouldn’t have killed the old ERD concept after usurping the sysinternals crew imho.
Your article states that Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) is available for Technet subscribers, but I’ve yet to locate it. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Casey, if you login to MSDN and go to downloads it’s located under Servers>desktop Optimization Pack.
Dmitri, thanks for the tip!
Szabcsi, that is really odd. I only tried it with SP2.
Michael, thanks!
Christoph, I think the problem with other solutions is that it costs you usually quite some time to get them working. I really don’t want to search for drivers just to reset an admin password. The good thing with MSDaRT that already comes with everything you need. All you to have to do, is to boot it up.
Casey, you will also find it on Technet under Servers.
It seems that the trick I wrote about doesn’t always work. I don’t know what’s the problem, but if it doesn’t, you can always mount the image and edit one line in I386/system32/Winpeshl.ini. The EOT parameter defines the expiration date. Replace it with something like EOT=fffffffffffffff, et voila!
It appears there is no server 2003 64-bit version, my oversight or Microsoft’s….?
Much thanks for this. I can’t update my bios
,so hopefully this will help!
because it’s asks me for a Admin pass and I don’t remember it
Ken: as you’ve probably found out by now, this won’t help in that situation. You won’t be able to reset BIOS passwords with this tool – they are independent of the operating system.
Guys I think the reason the MS toolkit is not available to the public, is if people knew there was a easy way to rest a password and keep the files on that laptop intact, a lot more stolen laptops would begin to flood the market disguised as a legitimate laptop etc (not to mention laptop crime would probly jump up a bit).
But your info has been helpful in resetting my xp password :S, I would prefer not to have to download all my videos again rofl.
Yea it didn’t help, had to remove some pin and the battery in order for it to allow me to update the bios haha
Most computers have a manual BIOS reset…It is on the mother board, and involves switching a jumper. Google “jumper reset Bios password” Then take your box apart and follow the directions.
It looks like the MSDaRT trial download link is no longer working. Is it still available somewhere?
Here’s MSDaRT (trial?) download link:
http://www.brothersoft.com/microsoft-diagnostics-and-recovery-tools-187176.html