windows 7 install - is there a repair option like for xp

I have a nasty problem where I can't create restore points, actually they get created but then disappear in about 10 seconds. multiple posts on multiple forums have not resulted in any fixes. please see posts here for more information.(restore point created but goes away, create restore point success but disappears) I know from working with xp doing system work, there was a repair option that was available with an install, I was wondering if that same option exists for win7? At this point I'm hoping something like a major repair where most if not all of the os is inspected and replaced could fix this severe nasty problem.

thanks, have not seen the icacls.exe, but will try that, also the clean boot and reliability monitor before the repair.
The suggestion for making an image is just to be safe in case something goes horribly wrong with the repair? or other repair fixes

ok thanks again, once I get restore point working again, I will probably make a weekly restore point there as well