Can't do a Windows 7 no-reformat, nondestructive reinstall

[Layback Bear]

Then get some one to help you with it. We need that drive out of the picture.
Let us know when that drive is unhooked.

You left the impression that after I requested you to unhook Drive 1 your system booted into Windows 7.
Now we don't really know. If you can't or won't follow a suggestion please let us know.


Please no more games. We can only help you if you follow instructions.

 

[gregrocker]

G must be marked Inactive because it's not booting an OS which is the only partition ever to be marked Active: Partition - Mark as Inactive - Windows 7 Forums

Pulling one of the plugs from G hard drive while powered down is a good idea because it can be interfering with your Repair Install.

Now let's troubleshoot why Repair Install won't run.

First establish a Clean Boot by unchecking everything in msconfig>Startup and >Services (after Hiding all MS Services). Now reboot and try Repair Install again.

If that fails, type Troubleshoot in Start Search box and run the WIndows Update Troubleshooter, report back what it finds.

Next reset WIndows Updates and run it's Readiness tool.
Windows Update - Reset - Windows 7 Forums
System Update Readiness Tool

Now Cbeck for Updates, install any missing.

Now run SFC /SCANNOW Command.

If the problems which underlie your need to Repair Install or Windows Updates failures still remain and Repair Install will still not run, then please complete the Windows Update Posting Instructions - Windows 7 Help Forums

 

[pcysmith]

Thank you all for trying to help me. I had already done SFC, System Readiness, update repair tool, and countless repair install attempts before I asked for help. My computer is usable and I have no boot problems. My G drive has nothing but a Macrium Reflect backup on it. I assume it is configured the way Macrium needs it to be. I can do a clean install of Windows booting from the Windows DVD, no problem, but I didn't want to do that except as a last resort. What I hoped I could do was Fred Langa's no-reformat, nondestructive reinstall. I did it several years ago and it worked perfectly. I see now that I'll have to do a total reinstall after all.
Thanks again to all of you for your time and your help.
Paula

 

[gregrocker]

I'm sorry I'm not familar with that non-destructive install nor do I know who Fred Langa is. Have you asked him for help?

Macrium would not configure an Active partition to save your images upon. Are you using some special bootable Macrium recovery program that I've not heard of? If not then mark it Inactive as it will interfere if any other than the System partition is marked Active?

 

[pcysmith]

Yes, I have a bootable Macrium recovery disk which is part of the backup process. You can read about Fred Langa and Windows Secrets here.

 

[AddRAM]

1) Why aren`t just using your Macrium image to re install windows ?

2) "I think the problem is with Windows installer itself because I don't have any trouble installing other software."

Then I would think you need a new installer

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, I have a bootable Macrium recovery disk which is part of the backup process. You can read about Fred Langa and Windows Secrets here.

Macrium boot disk saves and loads images from normal Partitions not Active ones.

If you are going to reinstall then stick with Reinstall tutorial http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164 which compiles everything that works best in tens of thousands of installs we've directly helped with here at the top tech forums, and has been used by more than 1.5 million consumers without a single complaint or problem.

 

[pcysmith]

That is what I plan to follow. I have read it through several times and printed it. Thank you for your help.
Paula