Windows 7: Startup Repair not working

I was using my computer to update my ipod and it suddenly restarted. I figured it was restarting because of the ipod and I left it. When it turned back on, it was doing a startup repair, which I've never seen before and didn't ask it to do. When it finished, it said that it couldn't fix the errors. It restarted my computer and opened the startup repair again. I've tried the system restore too and it still opens to the startup repair everytime I turn it on. I don't know what to do and why it's doing this but I'm getting nervous about it. How can I fix it, or at least get past the startup repair so I can back up everything and restore the computer to the factory settings?

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

There is some useful information in this link that may be of help to you.

Windows 7 directly boots into Startup Repair without install disk - Microsoft Answers

I don't think I have an install disk.

In that case, check out this tutorial: System Repair Disc - Create

The system repair disk doesn't re-install Windows, but it will get you into the recovery environment, from where you can select Last Known Good Configuration, which with a bit of luck will get you out of trouble without re-installing Windows.

I can't even open the start menu like it says to, I'm just stuck on the system repair window and this window

Did you access the Repair Console in screenshot above by tapping F8 at boot? You can run Startup Repair from here but it depends on System Files which might be corrupt. This is why it is best to make a Repair CD from another Windows 7 computer of same 32- or 64-bit rate.

First try running Startup Repair repeatedly. Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times

Startup Repair should automate System Restore but if it doesn't start run it manually from the list.

Open a Command Prompt to run SFC -SCANNOW Run in Command Prompt at Boot to repair damaged System Files.

If these fail from the F8 Repair console, try from the Repair CD. In addition using the Repair CD or Windows 7 installation DVD (which has the REpair console) you can copy out your files: Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console

If all attempts fail after repeated repair attempts, you can run full Factory Recovery from partition or the Recovery Disks if you made them or order them from manufacturer. Or you can find a Windows 7 installer for your version to clean reinstall using the Product Key on COA sticker following these steps: Reinstalling Windows 7

I got to that screenshot by waiting until the startup repair finished. I've run startup repair at least 10-15 times and it says that it cannot fix the problem automatically.

I've tried System restore 3 times and it says its successful but when I restart the computer it brings me back to the startup repair screen.

I'm not sure if I have a repair CD, I've been looking for it though. I was also hoping to not have to do a factory recovery because I don't have a recent backup and I don't want to lose everything.

Try this:

Boot free Partition Wizard bootable CD, see which partition is marked Active, post back a camera snap of layout or report back.

Next highlight the Windows 7 HD by clicking on it, from Disk tab select Rebuild MBR, OK, Apply.

If Windows 7 doesn't start, rightclick on the Windows 7 partition, select Modify>Set to Active, OK.

Then select Rebuild MBR again on the Disk, OK. Apply.

Now if Windows 7 doesn't start, run Startup Repair again x3.

You can copy out your files using the method I gave you.

But I wouldn't give up until you make a Repair CD to run Startup Repair x3 from it, with first the 100mb System Reserved boot partition marked Active and then the Windows 7 partition itself marked Active.

Hello devinrose613, welcome to Seven Forums!


If you do have to do a clean install there's always the option outlined in the tutorial linked below.

Clean Install : Factory COA Activation Key

This is what i tried once and it worked.. Restart the PC Press F8 If no Startup Repair Restart the Pc again and Load the PC Operating System and as it loads Restart the PC With the Restart Button on the PC Case then press F8 Again and you should see it!