We have all been stuck between a rock and a hard place at one time or another... Stuck staring blankly at a Windows machine that just won't boot. I have been recommending this re-branded toolkit left and right recently so here is a little more information on it for you guys:
This nifty tool allows you to boot from a CD into a special diagnostics environment which enables you to:
- Fix boot problems (boot.ini/Chkdsk)
- Edit the Registry offline
- Change Services/Drivers startup state
- Restore to an earlier Restore Point even if Windows fails to start in Safe-Mode
- Reset the administrator password (or any other account)
- Easily remove malware & viruses while scanning the system offline
- Recover lost data while the system is offline (undelete files, folders or partitions)
The tool fully supports TCP/IP networking for sharing folders and remote troubleshooting.
The environment partially-supports running other Windows applications for Virus cleaning, un-deleting files and more. Most applications that will work flawlessly are the one that designed to run without installation and no run-time libraries (.Net framework, etc.)
The original name of the product is "ERD Commander" from Winternals. Microsoft bought the company and now calls that same product by the name:
The download link above is for a fully-featured 30-days evaluation version of the product. this application is intended for Enterprise IT Professionals (as a Volume Licensing Extra).
I recommend on playing with it inside a Virtual PC/VMware workstation. you will be thankful that you've heard about this tool on your next BSOD!
Note that this product officially support the Windows 2000/XP systems only (although it can be used for any other version too...)
Enjoy!
