Last Known Good Configuration

The Last Known Good Configuration may be able to help you recover from the Blue Screen of Death. It's a recovery option that you can use to start your computer by using the most recent settings that worked.

The Last Known Good Configuration restores the registry information and driver settings that were in effect the last time the computer successfully loaded Windows. It's best used when you cannot start Windows XP after you make a change to your computer, or when you feel that a change that was made may have caused a problem. For instance, after installing a new driver for your new video card, you restart your computer and the see the dreaded Blue Screen.

If this ever happens to you, and you have not been able to get to your desktop, you can try to use the Last Known Good Configuration to recover your computer.

1. Restart your computer.
2. When you see the BIOS screens begin to appear (white print on black screen) start tapping on the "F8" on your keyboard. You should then see the Windows Advanced Options menu. If you don't see the Windows Advanced Options menu and the Blue Screen reappears, that means you weren't quick enough in tapping the F8 key. No problem, restart your computer and try again.
3. Once you get to the Windows Advanced Options Menu appears, use the ARROW keys to select "Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked)", and then press ENTER.



4. When your computer reboots it should revert back to the last time that your computer booted successfully to the Desktop.

OK great, now you've got your computer working again, BUT... There's always a big but in the way, isn't there? Oh yes! The Last Known Good Configuration will recover your system, (here it comes) BUT, it does not correct the problem that was caused by the missing or corrupted drivers or files. You must do that yourself. If you don't, the dreaded Blue Screen will appear again next time you reboot! Hopefully, you will be able to recall whatever change was made to your system prior to the Blue Screen and "undo" it.

If you determine that the error is related to a newly installed device or a driver, use Device Manager to correct the problem. Click on the the link for more specific instructions about Device Manager.

If by chance this Advanced Option does not solve your problem, you can also try using Windows System Restore. To use System Restore on a PC that will not boot-up (blue screen), you'll need to boot into "Safe Mode". The safe mode option is found, once again, in the Windows Advanced Options Menu that you used previously. Click on the link for a more detailed explanation of System Restore.

If the original issue was caused by installing a driver that came with a new piece of hardware you will need to look for a different version of the driver. Most likely, the manufacturer's website will be able to provide a suitable alternative.

Return From Last Known Good Configuration to the Tutorials Page

Return to the Home Page