Bluescreen Mode

As soon as a file is opened on a file system (partition) the operating system (OS) locks this file system. Locked partitions cannot be modified or overwritten. While on the system partition there’s always lots of files open the system partition is always locked.

Backups of locked partitions are possible though by making use of the “Microsoft Volume Shadowcopy Service” (VSS).

Certain operations like minimizing or restoring (= overwritung) locked partitions are not possible from within the running OS. In those cases the Paragon programs request for a system restart. If this restart is allowed the system boots into the so called “bluescreen mode”. This is a Windows mode before the final Windows start. Microsoft for example makes use of this mode for executing repair operations with the chkdsk tool on the system partition.

In bluescreen mode Windows only offers a set of standard drivers. Devices which require special drivers may be not available in this mode.

This may refer to harddisk controller/RAID controller drivers or network interface controllers (NIC) as well as drivers for wireless input devices. Older Windows versions often lack the support for USB 3 drivers in bluescreen mode. Consequently the operation cannot be executed and the system boots through into Windows without performing the respective command.

Thus we recommend not to allow a requested restart, cancel the operation and boot into the Paragon Rescue Environment from USB flash drive or CD instead. On these media with (usually) WinPE OS you will find a fully functional version of your Paragon program. You have much more control and thus security if you execute the required operation from this base.

Please take notice of our article “How To Add Drivers To Recovery Media” as well.

HowTos: Paragon, HowTos: Windows, Know how: Paragon, Know how: Windows
Tags: Bluescreen Mode, restart required

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