Cannot Select System.dat File with Emergency Recovery Utility

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you use the Emergency Recovery Utility (ERU) that is included on the Windows 95 CD-ROM, you may be unable to select the System.dat check box.

CAUSE

The System.dat file is too large to fit on a floppy disk.

RESOLUTION

To back up the System.dat file with the ERU, back up to a folder on your hard disk with enough free space for the System.dat file and any other files you select. To do so, use the following steps:

1. Double-click the Eru.exe file in the Other\Misc\Eru folder on the Windows 95 CD-ROM.

2. Click Next.

3. When you are prompted "Please select the drive or path in which you wish to save the emergency recovery information," click Other Directory.

4. Click Next.

5. In the Directory box, type the path of the folder you are backing up to, and then click Next.

6. Click Custom.

7. Click a file to select or clear the check box. By default, files listed in the Optional Files box are all selected for backup.

8. Click OK, and then click Next. The ERU copies the files selected.

9. Click OK.

MORE INFORMATION

If you select the System.dat check box and the System.dat file is too large to fit on a floppy disk, the box briefly appears to be checked before it is cleared by the ERU.

For additional information about the Emergency Recovery Utility, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q139437
   TITLE     : Windows 95 Emergency Recovery Utility