Repairing Windows XP - Part 2

Even the best operating systems have been known to fail on occasions. Fear not, though, because Dave Cook and the Last Known Good Configuration are here to help

Computers? Love 'em or hate 'em, the fact is many of us are lost without one. So when they go wrong, as they occasionally do, the consequences can be quite terrifying.

The culprit could be as simple as the wrong version of an updated driver. It could be a new piece of hardware, or it could be something evil lurking in the registry. The opportunities for disruption are endless. Yes, even in this day and age, it's still surprisingly easy to knock out a computer.

At least Windows XP offers numerous recovery options reserved for just such an event. One of the easiest to use is the Last Known Good Configuration, a feature available from both Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.

For The Record

Typically, you would use the Last Known Good Configuration when you're unable to start Windows XP after you make a change to the computer, or when you suspect that a change you've just made might cause a problem. It works like this...

Every time you successfully start Windows XP in normal mode, the operating system makes a record of the currently installed drivers along with the contents of the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet.

Although this record is important, it's ignored by your computer when everything is running normally. But when things go wrong, this record helps the Last Known Good Configuration get you back up and running.

Before learning how to use the Last Known Good Configuration, it pays to be aware of one or two limitations. For a start, be aware that it can't solve problems caused by corrupted or missing drivers or files. Secondly, the Last Known Good Configuration only works if you were able to start the computer successfully prior to your present attempt at restoring the system.

You should also understand that once you start the computer using the Last Known Good Configuration, any changes made since the last successful startup will be lost. Note, though, that changes made to other registry keys will remain in place.

Good Show

Here's how to start the computer using the Last Known Good Configuration.

1. Restart the computer.
2. When a problem occurs, the 'Please select the operating system to start' message should appear onscreen. Press the F8 key to bring up the Windows Advanced Options menu.
3. Use the arrow keys to select the Last Known Good Configuration. Then press [ENTER]. Note that if you're running more than one operating system on the computer, use the arrow keys to select Windows XP, and then press [ENTER].

With luck and a following wind, the Last Known Good Configuration will start the computer using your most recent settings that worked.

Two For Joy

And if your computer still won't start? Well, try not to get all hot and bothered just yet. There are several remaining options to fall back on. Next time, for example, we'll show you how to repair Windows XP using two recovery features together: Safe Mode and System Restore.

Repairing XP - Part 1

Repairing XP - Part 3

 

Dave Cook