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

After you use the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 install from media feature to upgrade a domain controller or to install a new domain controller, you may find that you cannot log on to the Recovery Console even though you have entered the correct password. However, you can log on to the computer when you start it in Directory Service Restore Mode by using the same password.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

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

Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for Itanium-based Systems

To work around this problem, do not use the install from media feature to upgrade or to install the Active Directory directory service.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

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: