Repair Install

How to Do a Repair Install to Fix Windows 7​

   Information

This will show you how to do a repair install (aka: in-place upgrade install) to fix your currently installed Windows 7 and preserve your user accounts, data, programs, and system drivers.

   Note

Do a Repair installation if:

• A System Restore did not help fix your Windows 7.
• There is no other easier option left that can fix your Windows 7.
• You DO NOT want to do a Clean reinstall of Windows 7.
• You DO want to preserve your user accounts, data, programs, and system drivers.

   Tip

ITEMS THAT WILL BE RESET TO DEFAULT OR AFFECTED:

• Sounds
• Services
• Visual Effects Settings
• Device Drivers - Be sure to have these handy to reinstall. They do not always remain after the repair (upgrade) install.
• You may lose the ability to sign on to MSN Messenger, to solve this problem have a look at this thread Unable to sign in to WLM.
• You may lose your custom themes due to not having permisions set on the old themes. Go to the hidden themes folder at C:/Users/(User-Name)/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Themes, then Take Ownership of the themes folder and you will now have all your themes back.
• It has been reported that you may also lose your Media Center gadget after doing the repair install.
• Windows Updates will need to be checked and reinstalled again.

   Warning

• You can only do a repair install with the same edition Windows 7 installation disc for the same edition of Windows 7 that you have installed.
• You cannot use a OEM Windows 7 "Factory" Restore/Recovery type of installation disc that came with or created from a store bought computer to do a repair install with. These can only be used do a clean install instead.
• You can do a repair install on a factory OEM installation with the latest official Windows 7 with SP1 ISO file here: Microsoft: Windows 7 Direct Download Links, and use Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool to create a bootable DVD or USB flash drive with the ISO to do the repair install from within Windows 7.
• You can use a retail OEM Windows 7 installation disc to do a repair install with.
• You can use a retail (full or upgrade) Windows 7 installation disc to do a repair install with.
• You cannot do a repair install with a System Repair Disc. A System Repair Disc is not a installation disc, and will only boot to the System Recovery Options screen.
• If you have a 32-bit (x86) Windows 7 currently installed, then you must use a 32-bit Windows 7 installation disc to be able to do a repair install with.
• If you have a 64-bit (x64) Windows 7 currently installed, then you must use a 64-bit Windows 7 installation disc to be able to do a repair install with.
• You can use a retail Windows 7 SP1 installation disc (ex: Technet (available), MSDN (available), or retail (when available)) to do a repair install with on a currently installed Windows 7 SP1.
• You can use a Windows 7 SP1 installation disc (ex: Technet (available), MSDN (available), or retail (when available)) to do a repair install with on a currently installed slipstream Windows 7 SP1.
• You cannot use a slipstream Windows 7 installation disc to do a repair install with on a currently installed Windows 7 SP1.
• You cannot use a slipstream Windows 7 installation disc to do a repair install with on a currently installed slipstream Windows 7 SP1.
• You can only do a repair install from within Windows 7.
• You cannot do a repair install at boot or in Safe Mode.
• You must be logged into Windows 7 in a administrator account to be able to do a repair install.
• You must have at least 8.87 GB + what is currently being used of free space (more if you have a larger installation) on the hard drive/partition Windows 7 is installed on to do a repair install.
• If you changed the default location of a user account's profile folder, then you will need to change it back to the default C:\Users location first.
• If you moved the default location of a user folder, then you will need to change it back to the default C:\Users\(user-name) location first.

Here's How:
NOTE: Be sure to back up anything that you do not want to lose first to be extra safe.1. Start Windows 7, and log on to an administrator account.

2. Disable any 3rd party firewall, antivirus, or other security program to avoid it from possibly preventing the repair in-place upgrade installation of Windows 7.

3. Do either step 4, step 5, or step 6 below depending if your retail Windows 7 installation ISO/DVD/USB has SP1 or not, and if your currently installed Windows 7 has SP1 installed or not.

4. Repair Installed Windows 7 SP1 using Windows 7 with SP1 ISO

   Note

If you do not have a Windows 7 with SP1 ISO, then you can download an official ISO with your retail product key from Microsoft at the link below.

:ar: Microsoft Software Recovery

You can also download the latest official Windows 7 SP1 Media Refresh (SP1 U) ISO file at the link below, but this link is not always available for download.

:ar: Microsoft: Windows 7 Direct Download Links

A) If you have not already, you will need to install a program like 7-Zip that supports extracting a ISO to a folder.

B) Using the program (ex: 7-Zip) from step 1, extract the Windows 7 SP1 ISO file to a folder on a partition or HDD other than the current Windows 7 partition. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: For example with 7-Zip, right click on ISO, click on 7-Zip, Extract files, browse button, select where you want to extract to, and click on OK twice.
C) While in Windows 7 SP1, open the folder that you extracted the ISO into, and run the setup.exe file.

D) Go to step 7 below.
5. Repair Installed Windows 7 SP1 using Windows 7 with SP1 DVD/USB

   Note

If you do not have a Windows 7 with SP1 ISO, then you can download an official ISO with your retail product key from Microsoft at the link below.

:ar: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery

You can also download the latest official Windows 7 SP1 Media Refresh (SP1 U) ISO file at the link below, but this link is not always available for download.

:ar: Microsoft: Windows 7 Direct Download Links

Afterwards, you can use Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool to create a bootable DVD or USB flash drive with the ISO to do the repair install from within Windows 7 using this step.

A) While in Windows 7 SP1, insert your retail Windows 7 SP1 installation DVD into the DVD drive, or connect your Windows 7 with SP1 installation USB thumb drive, and click on the Run setup.exe option in AutoPlay. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If the AutoPlay window does not open, then open the drive folder in Computer and run the setup.exe file.
B) Go to Go to step 7 below.
6. Repair Installed Windows 7 without SP1 using Windows 7 without SP1 DVD/USB

   Note

If you do not have a Windows 7 without SP1 installation DVD/USB, then you can download the latest official Windows 7 Professional or Home Premium without SP1 ISO file here: Microsoft: Windows 7 Direct Download Links, and use Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool to create a bootable DVD or USB flash drive with the ISO to do the repair install from within Windows 7 using this step.

It is preferred to have SP1 installed on your PC and to use step 4 or step 5 above to do a repair install with instead though.

A) While in Windows 7 SP1 installed, insert your retail Windows 7 installation DVD into the DVD drive, or connect your Windows 7 installation USB thumb drive, and click on the Run setup.exe option in AutoPlay. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If the AutoPlay window does not open, then open the drive folder in Computer and run the setup.exe file.
B) Go to Go to step 7 below.
7. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.

8. Click on the Install Now button to start the installation. (see screenshot below)
9. If prompted, uncheck the I want to help make Windows installation better box (unless you would like to ), and click on the Go online to get the latest updates for installation option. (see screenshot below)
A) Windows 7 will now check online for and install any available installation updates. (see screenshots below)



10. Check the I accept the license terms box, and click on Next. (see screenshot below)
11. Click on the Upgrade option. (see screenshot below)
12. Windows will now check for any compatibility issues. If any are found like in the example below, click on the red X to cancel the repair install and close this "Install Windows" window, take care of any found issues (ex: uninstall any incompatible program), then restart the repair install process over again.
13. The installation of Windows 7 will now begin. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: During the installation process, your screen may flash and computer will restart a few times.
14. After the final restart, you will see this screen for a moment. (see screenshot below)
15. Type in your Windows 7 product key number. (see screenshot below step 16)

16. Uncheck the Automatically activate Windows when I'm online box unchecked, then click on the Next button. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: You can activate Windows 7 later after you make sure it is running properly. (see step 23 below)
If you chose to automatically activate Windows online when you set up your computer, automatic activation begins trying to activate your copy of Windows three days after you log on for the first time.
17. Click on Use recommended settings. (see screenshot below)

:note: You will always be able to change your Windows Update settings at anytime in Windows 7.


18. Select your time zone and set your time and date settings, then click on the Next button. (see screenshot below)
19. Click on the option for your computer's location to select the correct network location type settings to be applied for that location. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: It is best to select Public location for the best security.
20. Windows 7 will now prepare your desktop to startup. (see screenshots below)



21. If you used a DVD or USB to do the repair install with, then you can remove the DVD or USB when the repair install has successfully completed and you are logged in to Windows 7.

22. Check to see if you are missing any user files. If you are, then you can copy them from the C:\Windows.old or the hidden protected operating system C:\$INPLACE.~TR and C:\WINDOWS.~Q backup folders. (see screenshot below)
23. If everything checks out in step 21, then you can run Disk Cleanup (step 5 at this link). You will need to click on the Clean up system files button first, and then could check the Files discarded by Windows upgrade, Previous Windows installations, and Windows upgrade log files boxes. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This will delete the C:\Windows.old, C:\$INPLACE.~TR and C:\WINDOWS.~Q folders from step 21 above.
24. Refresh your Windows Experience Index (WEI) score.

25. When finished, activate Windows 7, and make sure that your 3rd party security programs (if applicable) are enabled again.
That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Do an Upgrade Installation with Windows 7
• How to Do a Clean Installation with Windows 7
• How to Do a Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version
• How to Activate Windows 7 Online
• How to Run a Startup Repair in Windows 7
• How to Do a System Restore in Windows 7
• How to Repair Windows 7 System Files with System File Checker
• How to Extract Files from the Windows 7 Installation DVD
• How to Boot to the Advanced Boot Options in Windows 7
• How to Boot to the System Recovery Options in Windows 7
• How to Create a Windows 7 System Repair Disc
• How to Run Disk Check in Windows 7
• How to Create a Windows 7 Installation USB Key
• How to Install Windows 7 FAST without a DVD or USB Device
• How to Do a Custom Installation of Windows 7
• How to Create a System Recovery Shortcut in Windows 7
• How to Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 to Create a Installation DVD or ISO File
• Fix "The User Profile Service failed the logon. User profile cannot be loaded." Error in Windows 7

 

[vanblam]

yes I'm 1000% sure its a 64-bit OS .. The computer would start up and the first thing that happens is windows explorer will crash, this would happen if did anything as well , such as hitting the start button or running Firefox. Sometimes even task manager would crash, after manually restarting explore several times I would eventually get a blue screen of death ( which we all know is not good ). But I just did a system restore and its up and running without any crashes so far, the only thing that bothers me is I have no idea what caused the problem in the first place. My brother uses it for Flight Sim 10 or X, he has installed so many programs for it to help improve the scenery and realism and what not, my guess is that it might have been one of those.

 

[Ex_Brit]

Well I don't know of anything that would magically change a 64-bit system into a 32-bit one except infections perhaps that might cause the system to think psychotically. Can you boot OK into Safe Mode? Try it by tapping F8 repeatedly while booting up. Pick Safe Mode with Networking as a choice for reasons you will see.

Perhaps try that and use System Restore to go back to before all this started. Check with your brother as to the source of whatever he's been downloading and installing. File shares are notorious at giving infected files.

Whilst in Safe Mode with Networking you could also use Malwarebytes Free to check for malware.

Here's an excerpt from my help files on another forum:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (Free) This tool can downloaded, installed, updated and run all in 'Safe Mode with Networking' if an infection blocks it in regular mode. Or see Chameleon below.

BEWARE OF "SOUNDS LIKE" IMITATORS SUCH AS MALWAREBITER - DO NOT EVEN CONSIDER DOWNLOADING THEM !!

Download the free version here - do not accept the free trial offer or you'll end up with the wrong version):

Support Forum

A quote from one of the lead developers of MalwareBytes (Bruce Harrison) in answer to a question why one should employ other tools as well as an antivirus and if MBAM is a replacement for an antivirus:As far as why MBAM is very good at dealing with (this) infection, that is simple. MBAM is designed to be very good at dealing with malware that the AV's seem to be having problems with. I do not spend my time making MBAM detect millions of infections that any decent AV already detects as MBAM is DESIGNED to work alongside antivirus software, not replace it. A huge chunk of the research that goes into MBAM revolves around what we see making it into HiJackThis threads as the vast majority of these threads involve antivirus software that was in some way bypassed.
Lets settle this now and avoid any further misinformation. MBAM is now a very good backup to any antivirus software and will only get better in the future. MBAM will NEVER add antivirus abilities to its core app and is always advised to be used WITH antivirus software. We actually get this question a lot in the forums and I assure you that we always say : "No, MBAM can't replace your existing antivirus software and is not designed to."
Chameleon: If you are having problems downloading and installing Malwarebytes because the infection is preventing it and you've tried Safe Mode with Networking and failed, then try using their Chameleon tool, webpage HERE.

 

[vinfiz]

HP Pavillion dm3
Windows 7 Home Premium **WITHOUT SP1**
Intel(R) Pentium(R) CPU U5400 @ 1.2GHz
4.00 GB RAM
64 bit
1st time:
Windows cannot install the required files. Make sure all files required for installation are available; and restart the installation. Error code; 0X8000FFFF
2nd time:
Windows was unable to create the required installation folder c:\$windows.~BT. An existing file or folder of this name could not be deleted. Error code: 0X80070091
What can I do next?
Dave

 

[Brink]

Hello Dave, and welcome to Seven Forums.

I would recommend to back up anything that you do not want to lose, then do a clean install instead.

 

[vinfiz]

Thank You for the fast response

 

[BuzWeaver]

I'm trying to do the repair, however I'm getting the message that I have a more current version of Win7 and the repair can not proceed.

 

[Gary]

I'm trying to do the repair, however I'm getting the message that I have a more current version of Win7 and the repair can not proceed.

If you have SP1 installed , you will have to use a DVD with SP1 slip streamed on it. Other than that you will have to remove SP1.

 

[marsmimar]

I'm trying to do the repair, however I'm getting the message that I have a more current version of Win7 and the repair can not proceed.

One of the more common reasons to get that message is when SP1 is installed but the disk being used to do the repair install doesn't have SP1 on it. If that's the case, you can create a new Windows 7 installation disk that contains SP1. See the "note" under Step 4 in this tutorial and follow the link. Select your version of Windows 7. Download the ISO file and save it to your desktop. Then burn the ISO to a blank DVD to create the new install disk w/SP1.

 

[BuzWeaver]

Thanks guys, actually the disc I have does have SP1 and I can't remove it using Uninstall. Win7 seems to be working fine, but when I ran a Scannow in command prompt it does indicated that I have corrupted files, but over-all Windows is working well, very few if any hitches.

I've backed up all my stuff, but I really wanted to avoid a Format Reload. Thus far everything is working, but it does bother me that I have some corrupted files. What I've discovered is since my Disk came with SP1 there isn't a way to do a repair, at least that's what I've read.

 

[Gary]

Thanks guys, actually the disc I have does have SP1 and I can't remove it using Uninstall. Win7 seems to be working fine, but when I ran a Scannow in command prompt it does indicated that I have corrupted files, but over-all Windows is working well, very few if any hitches.

I've backed up all my stuff, but I really wanted to avoid a Format Reload. Thus far everything is working, but it does bother me that I have some corrupted files. What I've discovered is since my Disk came with SP1 there isn't a way to do a repair, at least that's what I've read.

You can do an in-place repair using that disk with SP1 on it. That way you will not have to remove SP1. If you want you can open a command prompt and run it as an admins and enter

 SFC/SCANNOW

It will find any problems and fix them if it can.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html?ltr=S

 

[BuzWeaver]

How would I do a in-place repair? I've run the Scannow three times and I get this prompt:




When I check the CBS Log its shows quite a bit of Cannot Repair Member File. I've run the scan with the Win7 SP1 desk, if that's of any help, but nothing thus far. I've love to just be able to do a repair.

 

[Brink]

Hello BuzWeaver,

If the only thing that is wrong with your system is the files that SFC cannot repair, then please use OPTION THREE in the tutorial below to post your sfcdetails.txt file to see what it cannot repair. Sometimes you may not need to worry about it.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

 

[BuzWeaver]

I'm completely confused by the Option Three Instructions as the process only seems to include items in which ever folder I specifically click on. I'm familiar with doing a restore, however I would assume if files are corrupted its not going to help? I can try a restore, however I'm not even sure when the corruption happened.

Its would seem so much easier to do a repair. As you mentioned there doesn't seem to be an issue with Win7's performance or general use, aside from the occasional little snafus. Like most we'd like our computers to be running in tip top shape, so I'm a little disconcerted that I have corrupted files.

 

[Gary]

NOTE: This includes all of this previous version folder's subfolders and files as well.

1. Right click on the folder, and click on Restore previous versions. (see screenshot below)

Previous Versions - Restore Files and Folders-folders-1.jpg

2. You may have the option to either Open, Copy, or Restore the selected previous version of the folder. (see screenshots below)

Click image for larger version Name: Deleted-2.jpg Views: 167 Size: 57.8 KB ID: 73619Previous Versions - Restore Files and Folders-folder-2.jpg

3. To Open the Previous Version Folder
NOTE: You can't open previous versions of folders that were created by Windows Backup to view it to make sure it's the version you want, but you can restore them. You will only be able to open the folder if was saved as part of a restore point.

A) In the Previous Versions tab, select an available previous version of this folder and click on the Open button if available. (see screenshots below step 2)

B) If this is the version of the folder you want, then you can either restore (step 5) the folder to this location, copy (step 4) the folder to another location, or manually drag and drop or copy and paste previous versions of the sub files and folders in this previous version folder to another location to restore them instead of the whole previous version folder.

Previous Versions - Restore Files and Folders-open_folder.jpg

Option 3 is above.

 

[BuzWeaver]

I don't have a Sample Image folder from which to follow the instructions step by step and by selecting any random folder I'm only able to restore from 3/22/2013.

 

[Brink]

I'm completely confused by the Option Three Instructions as the process only seems to include items in which ever folder I specifically click on. I'm familiar with doing a restore, however I would assume if files are corrupted its not going to help? I can try a restore, however I'm not even sure when the corruption happened.

Its would seem so much easier to do a repair. As you mentioned there doesn't seem to be an issue with Win7's performance or general use, aside from the occasional little snafus. Like most we'd like our computers to be running in tip top shape, so I'm a little disconcerted that I have corrupted files.

Sorry, it copied the wrong link for OPTION THREE. It should be the from the tutorial link below instead.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

 

[BuzWeaver]

I'm completely confused by the Option Three Instructions as the process only seems to include items in which ever folder I specifically click on. I'm familiar with doing a restore, however I would assume if files are corrupted its not going to help? I can try a restore, however I'm not even sure when the corruption happened.

Its would seem so much easier to do a repair. As you mentioned there doesn't seem to be an issue with Win7's performance or general use, aside from the occasional little snafus. Like most we'd like our computers to be running in tip top shape, so I'm a little disconcerted that I have corrupted files.

Sorry, it copied the wrong link for OPTION THREE. It should be the from the tutorial link below instead.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

There is quite a lot it can't repair. In short, is there a way to remove SP1? I saw a link of yours Uninstall SP1 should I try that?

I tired this too: wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:976932


It says your computer requires SP1 to run, how annoying.

 

[Brink]

I honestly don't think uninstalling SP1 going to do any good.

If you like, go ahead and post your sfcdetails.txt file for use to look at and see if it's anything to worry about or not.

 

[BuzWeaver]

I honestly don't think uninstalling SP1 going to do any good.

If you like, go ahead and post your sfcdetails.txt file for use to look at and see if it's anything to worry about or not.

Link to .txt file:

 

[Brink]

Buz,

I'd hate to say it, but you may be better off to do a clean install instead to get a fresh start. It'll take longer, but you'll be happier with the end result.