Frustrating attempt to Repair Windows

Had an issue with a memory chip and had lost the computer a few days ago. Lost part of the bios and the RAID mirror array was lost in the bios. After fixing the bios and getting a replacement memory I recreated the RAID array and copied my backup drives onto the new array. When trying to boot I got a Window boot MBR error so I put the ORIGINAL Windows 7 Ultimate 64 DVD into the drive to try and do a Windows repair and solve the problem to go on my merry way. The problem is that when I run the repair I get an error stating that the version of Windows I am trying to repair is not the same as what is installed. How can that be since this is the only disk I have and the only installation I've ever done? I've tried downloading and using a Repair Version for it and I get the same error. It would be a whole lot better if the stupid error message would give a little more informaiton. Can anyone give me some ideas? PLEASE!

We see only problems here with RAID - week after week since before Win7 release, never a success story with RAID, only problems. It is hardly worth the bother since it offers no appreciable difference and in most cases you lose both HD's data if one fails.

So what I would do is unRAID, then with only one HD plugged in, set SATA controller to AHCI to do a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 - same for retail. After install plug back in the other HD to use for image and file storage.

Certainly an option, but the Raid array has saved me in the past when a drive failed. Would love to just get back to where I was. Any suggestions to getting back to where I was? Why can't I do a repair with the exact same disk I did the original install?

Try Startup Repairs x3 with a new install ISO burned to disk with the tool provided in Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start.

If that fails write the ISO to flash stick with the same tool.

Make sure the 100mb System Reserved (preferred if you have it) or C is still Partition Marked Active then run Startup Repair - Run up to 3 Separate Times in case the boot files need rewriting instead of just repair.

Hi Greg,

I can't run start-up repairs because every time I select the "Repair" option, it pops up an incorrect windows version. I've tried using my original installation disk, I've tried using the downloaded version from Windows 7 Direct Download Links but both say it's the incorrect version.

Try the bootrec commands in trouBleshooting tutorial, from command line accessed by Shift + f10 at first screen. Then see if Repairs will run.

Make a Win7 Repair CD from another PC of same bit version.

Never knew about the Shift-F10. Thanks. I was able to get to the command prompt and I was able to run the
bootrec /fixmbr which completed successfully

but the bootrec /fixboot said that there was an incorrect parameter

I ran the bootrec /rebuildbcd and it found my windows installation but did not work

At this point you can skip to the steps in Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start to rescue your files and reinstall. In this case I'd also wipe the HD first from installer Command Line with Diskpart Clean Command

Or if you want to continue trying to repair complete all the other steps in the tutorial including burning a Partition Wizard CD to boot, Confirm 100mb System Reserved (preferred if you have it) or C is Set Active - Partition Wizard Video Help, then Rebuild MBR - Partition Wizard Video Help.

If Win7 doesn't start post back a camera snap of PW drive map and listings, try again to run Startup Repair - Run up to 3 Separate Times.