How to start in Directory Service Restore Mode (DSRM) in Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2

Here are two methods to enter Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) in Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2:

  1. From the Desktop use the graphical user interface (GUI) Msconfig tool. Click Start. In Start Search, type msconfig and then click OK. On the Boot tab, select Safe Boot, and then click Active Directory repair. (see attached figure)
  2. From a command prompt, use bcdedit. The command: bcdedit /set safeboot dsrepair enables DSRM upon restart. When you want to restart in normal mode, run the following command: bcdedit /deletevalue safeboot

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MSConfig DSRM.jpg