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NT Server reinstall

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5 replies

by kathiee

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I have taken over a very overused and corrupt NT Server. I do not want to lose any current files and do not have the time at this point to reformatat and reinstall from backup. I know I can take the PDC offline (we do not have a BDC, go figure) and install NT into a new directory but I'm not exactly sure how this would work. What happens to the original install and do I delete the original WINNT folder?

5 replies

by don christner

Simply run the install as usual, except that when it asks for the path to install NT to, give it a new path. All files will install to the new path and all of your original files will be as is. Then in your boot.ini file (that gives you the WinNT orWinNT vga mode choices) will also include a choice to boot from the other install. Call it WinNT NEW or whatever you want. After booting into the new install you can modify the original registry if you think that you can repair it. Otherwise, just boot off of the new install all the time. I presently have a server that has both installs that I was able to repair the original install. I left the new install just in case.

Good luck,
Don

by syscokid

If you're uncomfortable editing boot.ini, you can go to Control Panel, System, Startup/Shutdown to make your new install the default.

And if you don't want to do anything with your original install, you can safely delete the original winnt folder.

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