Windows 7: Unable to repair Windows 7 after hardware upgrade

I used the windows backup feature to create a backup - to my understanding this doesn't create a system image, it just saves documents & similar, but not program files. When I get the option in the repair console to restore system image there is nothing there, indicating to me that I didn't create a system image.

Keep in mind that it's entirely possible I've stuffed this entire explanation up

LOL.

Post up the system hive in a zip from your non-booting windows 7.

I will do it for you and post it back.

Then you just copy it back to where it was and it should be fine.

OK, I have no idea how to do that. However, in searching the tutorials here for how to do it I found this Startup Repair Infinite Loop Recovery. Will this help me?

That tut won't help windows boot in this situation.

The system hive you are looking for is on your HD - in windows\system32\config folder.

If you can connect another pc - it is easy to copy it.

If you can't connect another pc:

Boot up Windows 7 dvd , when you see the install now screen , press shift+f10 - command window will open .

( you can take the dvd out now if you like )

Type the word NOTEPAD , then press enter.

When notepad pops up - click File>Save, select ALL Files in notepad dropdown (instead of text files ).

Navigate to windows\system32\config folder, rt click SYSTEM , select COPY - then you need to paste it somewhere you can get at it to zip it and post it up - a recordable cd - or usb stick - anywhere, really.

OK here it is. Thankyou very much for your help

Here you go - copy the attached system hive back to the original location - overwrite the one that is in there.

Windows should be able to start and install the new device drivers.

If you still have an issue- then either 7 doesn't have the required drivers in it's repository - or there is something wrong with the way you connected up your new mobo and ram.

Glad I did that - found out how to do it now.

Bit fiddly getting permisisions your registry - did it from winpe instead.

Thanks very much, I'll give that a go. Of course, my wife has decided that we need to go shopping now, so I'll have to try it after that

Edit: Once I have it sorted, how will I remove the 'new' Windows 7 from the other hard drive? I'm not interested in dual booting Windows 7 & would like to reclaim the space while keeping everything on that drive if possible.

The original OS is now working, so thankyou very much for helping with that!

However, every time it boots up it now says "Windows is preparing your computer for first use". Is there any reason this keeps coming up & how can I get rid of it?

Yep, boot into it again (unless you are already in it ),

then merge this .reg file

Not clear what you mean by new windows on other HD .

Post a screenie of Disk Mgmt window from within the windows installation you just fixed.

Thanks again. Now one last question (I hope). Are there any programs you can recommend that will help me get rid of all the drivers etc. that were associated with my old mobo but that I no longer need?

By new Windows I meant the 2nd version I inadvertantly installed on my 2nd HD. I'm fairly sure I can get rid of it now though.