How to create a copy of the Windows XP Recovery Console

Updated: 07/13/2023 by Computer Hope
Windows XP

At one point in time, Microsoft made a set of boot disks that could be downloaded and used to access the Windows XP Recovery Console. However, most computers today do not even have a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) drive, let alone the ability to receive or read floppy disks.

Therefore, we created this page, which includes steps to make a bootable USB drive containing the Windows XP Recovery Console. It is useful if you need to run this utility on a computer that doesn't have a CD-ROM drive. That said, you need access to a computer with a disc drive to create the bootable Windows XP USB in the first place.

Tip

If the computer doesn't need a CD-ROM and you have an older computer with a CD-ROM drive, use it to create the bootable USB drive.

How to create a bootable USB drive for Recovery Console

Note

To create the USB version of the Recovery Console, you need a valid Windows XP installation disc.

  1. Connect an empty USB drive to your computer. If you need help formatting the drive, see the instructions on the following page.
  1. Open File Explorer and locate the Recovery Console files; they are in the "i386" folder on the Windows XP installation disc. Copy the entire "i386" folder to the USB drive.
  2. Insert the USB drive in the computer where you want to utilize the Recovery Console. Restart the computer and set it to boot from the USB drive.
  1. Once the computer boots from the USB drive, you should be able to access the Windows XP Recovery Console.