I got myself today a windows 2003 standard which refuses to boot
the system is installed on a hardware raid (if it makes any difference)
when booting in safe mode, I have the following files loaded (all in /system32)
- ntoskrnl.dll
- hal.dll
- kdcom.dll
- bootvid.dll
- /config/system
at which it freezes and does nothing
not having a bootable cd with me (neither linux, nor the win 2k3) I have tried to boot "last good configuration" which did not work either
having searched on the internet for possible solutions, I came into using the rescue console and repairing the system; though it did not work all the times, seems to be the favourite solutions
I would like to recover the system without reinstalling (there is important data on it, along with a few programs installed which I don;t have the original cd's)
thank you for any ideas
Best Answer
First, check to see if the hardware RAID is reporting any errors. (During boot, there's usually a prompt to hit control-M or similar to enter the RAID configuration menu.)
Since safe mode didn't work, you might try reinstalling - choose the same folder Windows is already installed in. You should be prompted to repair that installation. If and when you are, go for it. I've used that technique successfully a number of times. (Wish I hadn't needed to.)
If successful, you'll need to re-update the server via Windows Update, etc.