ERD Commander 2010 for Vista and Windows 7 (MSDaRT 6.0, 6.5 and 7)

The latest versions of ERD Commander for Vista and Windows 7 are contained in The Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (MSDaRT ) which is part of the  Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP).

Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (MSDaRT ) 5.0 (for XP), 6.0 for Vista, and 6.5 and 7 for Windows 7 is a complete suite of powerful and versatile tools released by Microsoft (formerly Winternals) that allows you to repair unbootable or locked-out systems, restore lost data, and diagnose system and network issues while the system is safely offline.

An overview of MSDaRT is here and MDOP brochure is here

In order to obtain the latest versions of ERD Commander, you need access to Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) which contains MSDaRT.

• See also ERD Commander for Windows 10 (MS DaRT 10) ***NEW***
• See also Download ERD Commander for Vista and Windows 7 
• See also Free ERD Commander Download for Windows XP Download a 30 day trial & extend the time limit
• See also Using ERD Commander for Windows XP – boot your computer with ERD Commander
• See also Create an ERD Commander Bootable USB Flash Drive
• See also Free Download Windows 7 ISO – Create a Windows 7 Installation DVD or USB Flash Drive 
• See also Free Download Hirens Boot CD ISO – ERD Commander Alternative – Create a Bootable USB Flash Drive 

ERD Commander is a very powerful tool. It comes in the form of an ISO file which is burned to a CD which is a diagnostic and recovery boot disk for Windows 7 and Vista.

Unfortunately, although ERD60 and ERD65 for Vista and Windows 7 for 32bit and 64 bit systems exist, Microsoft has not released any retail or trial download versions. More info can he found here and here

• ERD50 2005/2007 for Win 2K, XP, Server 2003 – x86 Click for 30 Day Trial and FREE version!

Unofficial Download Sources

https://www.1337s.com/ has download links to the MSDart 7 and 6.5. These appear to work well.

Many other unofficial versions are can be found on torrent sites like the Pirate Bay.
Downloading from these sources (such as below) is not recommended

Tools contained in MSDaRT

• The ERD Registry Editor utility on the MSDaRT Tools menu provides information about the registry that can help you repair a system.
• The Locksmith wizard can be used to list the local user accounts and change passwords.
• The Crash Analyzer can be used to diagnose the cause of a system crash and identify the driver that caused the failure.
• The Disk Commander can be used to salvage or repair partitions, or volumes.
• The File Restore utility can be used to find and restore deleted files from any supported Windows-based file system.
• The Disk Wipe utility can be used to erase disks or volumes.
• The Search utility allows you to restrict the scope of your search by specifying part of the name, search location, estimated size of the file, or the time when the file was modified.
• The Explorer utility allows you to browse folders and files that are stored on various drives.
• The Computer Management utility provides recovery tools to help you:
  • Disable problematic drivers or services.
  • View event logs.
  • Partition and format hard disk drives.
  • Get information about Autoruns.
  • Get information about the computer.
• The TCP/IP Config utility helps you to display and set a TCP/IP configuration.
• The Hotfix Uninstall can be used to remove Windows hotfixes or service packs from a system that cannot be started.
• The SFC Scan utility helps you check system files and repair any that are corrupt or missing.
• The Standalone System Sweeper utility helps detect malware or other unwanted software, and alerts you to potential risks.

Step-by-step MSDaRT  tutorials:

• Create boot media with DaRT 8
• Start a computer with DaRT 8
• Reset passwords with DaRT 8
• Analyze crash dumps with DaRT 8
• Disable device drivers with DaRT 8
• Recover files with DaRT 8
• Repair disks using DaRT 8
• Explore the PC using DaRT 8
• Repair system files with DaRT 8
• Scan for malware with DaRT 8
• Remove hotfixes with DaRT 8
• Wipe disks with DaRT 8

Using ERD50 (ERD Commander 2007 – XP version) With Vista and Windows 7

You can perform some tasks using ERD50 on Vista and Windows 7 systems

Partial Functionality

With 32Bit systems you should be able to attach to the installation, and use Locksmith (to reset Windows passwords) and use Windows Explorer to move files onto a USB memory key or external hard drive (see here). However attaching to Vista or Windows 7 installations wipes out any System Restore points, so this should be done with caution.

When under partial functionality these features do NOT work:

• Computer Management
• Hotfix Uninstall
• SFC Scan
• PC Backup Restore
• System Restore
• Crash Analyzer
• TCP/IP Config
• Services and Drivers (ERD50 only)

When under partial functionality these features DO generally work (no guarantees though):

• Locksmith
• Memory Diagnostic
• Command Prompt
• Registry Editor
• File Restore
• Disk Commander
• Disk Wipe
• Windows Explorer
• File Search
• Standalone System Sweeper
• Autoruns (ERD50 only)
• File Sharing (ERD50 only)

With 64bit Windows 7 and Vista systems it will not be possible to attach to the installation, but it should still be possible to boot your PC or laptop by not attaching to the installation. You can then use Windows Explorer for Data Recovery – to move files onto a USB memory key or external hard drive, (see here) but none of the other ERD Commander tools will work.

Get 2007 ERD Commander for Windows XP for FREE!

Starting a computer with the ERD Commander for Vista or Windows 7

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/ff938844