You cannot log on to the Recovery Console in Windows Server 2003 (888301)

RESOLUTION

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Only apply it to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next Windows Server 2003 service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support

Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Note If you restart the computer in Safe Mode so that you can apply the hotfix, restart the computer in Start Windows Normally mode at least one time after you apply the hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in coordinated universal time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel. Windows Server 2003, 32-bit editions

   Date         Time   Version       Size     File name
   -----------------------------------------------------
   16-Nov-2004  21:05  5.2.3790.233  464,896  Samsrv.dll

Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for Itanium-based Systems

   Date         Time   Version       Size       File name 
   -------------------------------------------------------
   16-Nov-2004  21:05  5.2.3790.233  1,036,800  Samsrv.dll

MORE INFORMATION

You can use the install from media feature to upgrade or to add a domain controller. The install from media feature reduces the amount of network traffic that is generated when the upgraded or added domain controller receives Active Directory content from a domain controller that is already on the network. When you use the install from media feature to upgrade or to add a domain controller, the Active Directory content can reside on a CD, a DVD, or a local disk. The content does not have to be copied over the network.

When you cannot start the computer by using the Last Known Configuration startup option, you can use the Recovery Console to find the problem. To use the Recovery Console, restart the computer by using the Windows Server 2003 installation CD. When you are prompted during the text-mode part of the Windows Server 2003 Setup program, press R to start the Recovery Console.

For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

824684 Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates