An ERD or ASR disk is a removable disk (such as a USB flash drive, CD-R, or floppy disk) containing software tools to restore the computer data. If a computer operating system becomes corrupted, or will not boot, an ERD or ASR disk helps you troubleshoot and fix the problem.

To create an ERD or ASR disk, follow the steps for your operating system below.

Windows 11, 10, and 8

If you are using Windows 11, Windows 10 or Windows 8, you can create a USB flash recovery drive containing critical system files, device drivers, and recovery tools.

  • Windows 11, 10, and 8

  • Windows 7 and Vista

  • Windows XP

  • Windows 2000

  • Windows NT

  • How to create a recovery disk in Windows.

Windows 7 and Vista

If you are using Windows 7 or Windows Vista, your computer should have included a repair disc. If not, or if you don’t have it anymore, you can create one.

To create a system repair disc in Windows 7 or Vista follow the steps below.

  • Open the Control Panel
  • Click System and Security
  • Click Back up your compute
  • Click Create a system repair disc.

Windows XP

To create an ERD for Microsoft Windows XP, follow these steps.

  • Insert a blank floppy disk into the computer.
  • Click the Start menu button.
  • Click Programs > Accessories > System Tools, and then select Backup.
  • Click Advanced Mode.
  • Click the Automated System Recovery Wizard button.
  • Complete the remaining Wizard steps according to your desired options.

Windows 2000

To create an ERD for Microsoft Windows 2000, follow these steps.

  • Insert a blank floppy disk into the computer.
  • Click the Start menu button.
  • Click Programs > Accessories > System Tools, and then select Backup.
  • In the backup window, click Tools and select Create an Emergency Repair Disk.
  • Run through the wizard to complete making the ERD.
  • Once completed, remove and label the floppy diskette. Indicate the date created and make a note of what version of Windows 2000 (with any service packs) the disk was created under.

Windows NT

To create an ERD for Microsoft Windows NT, follow these steps.

  • Insert a blank floppy disk into the computer.
  • Click the Start menu button and select Run.
  • In the Run window, type RDISK /S and press Enter.
  • Run through the wizard to complete making the ERD.
  • Once completed, remove and label the floppy diskette. Indicate the date created and make a note of what version of Windows NT (with any service packs) the disk was created under.
  • POST troubleshooting steps.
  • How to fix Windows blue screen errors.
  • How to create a Windows 10 installation disk.
  • See the ERD and ASR definitions for additional information and related links.
  • Microsoft Windows help and support.