There are three revisions for Medialess Recovery for Windows XP: R0, R1, and R2. The revision is determined by the version of the recovery partition and the type of discs that are sent with the computer from the factory.

Note: Medialess R2 was the only process that shipped with an Operating System CD that the partition prompts you when the computer is reloaded for the first time.

Note: Always use the recovery partition if it is available.

Always use the recovery partition when reloading a computer that was preloaded with Windows XP. The recovery partition is designed to load the drivers and applications automatically, as well as other important updates. The medialess partition is faster and more reliable than the CD, and reduces the amount of follow-up that will be required. The OS recovery CD\DVD should only be used as a last resort.

Before starting

1. Determine the revision of medialess recovery.
   Having all the details in place before starting the recovery process better prepares you in case a System Recovery is necessary.

2. Verify Recovery CDs have been created.
   If the recover partition is damaged or becomes damaged, this is the only option, besides Media-On-Demand (MOD), to recover the computer. If recovery CDs have not been made, make a copy now.

   How do I create my drivers and applications CD(s)?

3. Verify recent backups have been completed.
   Nobody wants to lose all their data, pictures, video, or other files. Do not backup applications as these should be reinstalled.
   Note: Even with the suspicion of a Virus, it is necessary to do backups. Once all information is backed up, a scan of the CD\DVD should be performed before restoring these files.

   How do I make a backup of my files?

Final attempt to avert a System Recovery

1. Complete a Microsoft System Restore (If applicable).
   If the problem started recently, use System Restore to remove any computer changes made since the last time your computer worked correctly. System Restore does not affect personal data files (such as Microsoft Word documents, browsing history, drawings, favorites, or mail). You do not lose changes made to these files.

2. Run chkdsk /r (If applicable).
   Chkdsk is a command in DOS and Windows systems, which verifies a hard disk or a floppy disk for file system integrity. /r is a switch to locate bad sectors and recovers readable information.
   Note: If you specify the /r option, the /f option is implied. When you specify the chkdsk command without arguments, the command checks the current drive with no options in effect.

3. Run sfc /scannow (If applicable).
   System File Checker gives an administrator the ability to scan all protected files to verify their versions. If System File Checker discovers that a protected file has been overwritten, it retrieves the correct version of the file from the cache folder (%Systemroot%\System32\Dllcache) or the Windows installation source files. It then replaces the incorrect file. System File Checker also checks and repopulates the cache folder. You must be logged on as an administrator or as a member of the Administrators group to run System File Checker. If the cache folder becomes damaged or unusable, you can use the sfc /scannow, the sfc /scanonce, or the sfc /scanboot commands to repair its contents.

   Use /Scannow to scan all protected system files immediately and replace incorrect versions with correct Microsoft versions. This command may require access to the Windows installation source files (System CD).

4. Verify all troubleshooting steps been exhausted.
   Doing a System Recovery is a last resort in troubleshooting.

Perform the System Recovery

1. Complete all other possible troubleshooting prior to doing a system recovery/reload.

2. The following guidelines are followed with the system recovery/reload.
   
   • This process is time consuming. It normally takes one to two hours to install the operating system and drivers. This does not include applications that have to be installed after the system recovery.
   • If backups have not been made, there is a possibility of data loss.
   • Without Recovery CDs, a system recovery has to wait until MOD has sent disks.
   • The system recovery puts the operating system back to factory settings. All previously loaded software, peripherals, and additional items have to be reloaded\reinstalled.

3. Start the System Recovery using one of the following links:

   Revision	Part Number
   R0	MLXPH0	MLXPP0	MLXPMC0	MLXPT0
   R1	MLXPH1	MLXPP1	MLXPMC1	MLXPT1
   R2	MLXPH2	MLXPP2	MLXPMC2	MLXPT2