replace system files manually in NT or 2000

[John Bolene]

In UNIX you can rename the file that is in use and then copy a new one in and reboot.
In Windows, how is this done?
I know that something is setup and runs when you reboot.

[Tim Malnati]

I've found that it's a good idea to have an 'emergency' boot directory installed on the machine (second instance of NT or W2K). It is best if this area is on a separate drive (in case of drive failure) but works ok on the same drive if you dont have an extra. Then it's just a case of booting to this other instance an doing what you need to do. The real beauty of this method is that you can get back in there if something goes wrong.

[John Bolene]

Kinda found my own answer.
Files in NT
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q140/5/70.asp

files in ME
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q265/3/71.ASP
http://www.microsoft.com/HWDEV/sfp/WinME_sfp.htm

W2K is more complicated
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/psdk/msi/over_5d0w.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/hwdev/sfp/wfp.htm