Repair Install Compatibility Error:You can't upgrade 64-bit Windows...

Paul Black · 24 Oct 2019

Hi Cittizin7,

Cittizin7 said:

I think the only task left is to check for individual updates per Megahertz07 method (previous post)

And more Backups!

Whatever method of update you use, you will need to run WU's to get any updates that are specific for your OS and updates for .NET Framework etc!

I hope this helps!

Cittizin7 · 24 Oct 2019

Paul Black said:

Hi Cittizin7,

Whatever method of update you use, you will need to run WU's to get any updates that are specific for your OS and updates for .NET Framework etc!

I hope this helps!

Yep. I'm scared to even attempt any of those after what I've (we've) just been through.

I can tell you I'm going to install them one at a time.

I will mark this solved and give everyone mention after I do that.

Thanks!

Paul Black · 24 Oct 2019

Hi Cittizin7,

Cittizin7 said:

Yep. I'm scared to even attempt any of those after what I've (we've) just been through.

I can tell you I'm going to install them one at a time.

What you can do is to create a system image before you update the OS. That way, you can use either DISM++ or SIMPLIX, and if things go wrong you can re-image the OS back to the exact same state it was when you created the system image.

Doing the WU's one at a time will take hours and hours!

There are two imaging programs which are very popular among members here, the first is AOMEI Backupper Standard [FREE], and the second is Macrium Reflect [FREE].

I hope this helps!

Cittizin7 · 24 Oct 2019

Yep been using AOMEI and windowsbackup this entire process.
And double the restore points cause Windows doesn't appear to notate them like I do, in case of problems. And apparently, windows (natively) doesn't allow you to delete individual points, and I'm not doing the research to solve that now.

Thanks!

Cittizin7 · 24 Oct 2019

Solution:

I had to do a Repair Install because there was a problem (corruption) with Windows Update after I clean installed windows 7 and attempted to install

Rollups (aka SP2 and other updates) in a way that is not current and was likely erroneous in other ways too.

Used Simplix post Repair to install Security updates only or mostly? then installed individual ones.

Repair Install Compatibility Error:You can't upgrade 64-bit Windows...

I had a link to a page here at sevenforums something like, prefered method of clean install ,but I can't find it - search the forum. Ask questions.

As for the repair install (aka in-place upgrade, NOT startup repair), make sure you have your original Setup disc or USB drive or ISO download, NOT just a recovery Disc - Though this is royally confusing issue especially if you are working with upgrades and downgrades, so probably best to confirm with the forum before proceeding! And if necessary redownload appropriate version of Windows from MS.

Easy to say, but make sure you know about topics, such as how to make bootable media etc... IMGBurn is great and so is Rufus.

Review other tools (diagnostic etc...) provided in this thread, because I can't remember them all!

Also, hide any sharp objects during this process

That's it for me folks!

Paul Black · 24 Oct 2019

Hi Cittizin7,

Cittizin7 said:

Also, hide any sharp objects during this process.

I am glad you have it sorted and thanks for the detailed solution, it will help others with the same problem visiting this thread!