Recovering Windows Server 2008

Performing a recovery involves repairing an existing installation of your operating system. A repair installation can be used to repair damaged and corrupt settings and files while leaving all your data and programs intact.

The advantage to performing a repair is that you do not need to re-install any applications, restore any data (assuming it is on a different volume that the operating system files), or reconfigure any of your settings. The downside of this type of installation is that it does not clean up your system at all. In other words, it does not remove any clutter that has accumulated on your computer.

The basic steps for performing a repair of Windows Server 2008 is described below. These steps assume that your computer is running Windows Server Backup, a backup of critical volumes is available and you have access to the Windows Server 2003 setup media.

To recover your operating system:

1. Insert the Windows Server 2008 Setup disk into the CD or DVD drive and turn on your computer.
2. From the Setup Wizard, click Repair your computer.
3. Click Next.
4. On the System Recovery Options page, click Windows Complete PC Restore.
5. Choose one of the following options, and then click Next:
   • Restore the following backup (recommended).
   • Restore a different backup.
6. Click Next.
7. On the Choose how to restore the backup page, install any drivers that you need.
8. Choose one of the following options, and click Next:
   • Format and repartition disks (to delete existing partitions and reformat the destination disks to be the same as the backup).
   • Restore only system volumes.
9. Click Exclude disks to identify any disks that are not needed for a system restore.
10. Click Next.
11. Click Finish.