Can't install Windows 7 USB DVD tool

[dbroach]

Hey Shawn,
I have a bit of a different problem. Ultimately I'm trying to repair Windows 7 (got your tutorial from another thread) so I downloaded the Windows 7 USB DVD tool to burn an install disk from an ISO. I can't install it. And I couldn't update other programs yesterday either. I have the "Run as Administrator" on the context menu but nothing happens (well the screen dims as if it's about to ask me if it's ok to run, but nothing happens. It just un-dims after several minutes). I was trying to run an elevated command prompt so I could run sfc /scannow and it wouldn't open an elevated command prompt either.

 

[Brink]

Hello DB,

When the screen dims, press an arrow key to see if you see the UAC prompt afterwards to click on Yes. I get this sometimes as well, and don't see it until I do.

 

[dbroach]

Ok, I right clicked the CMD, clicked run as admin, saw the UAC prompt, clicked yes, then it dimmed for about 3 minutes then un-dimmed. No elevated prompt. I know something's worng, hence the reason I'm trying to repair windows.

 

[Brink]

You might see if you may be able to run a SFC scan at boot or in Safe Mode instead?

 

[dbroach]

So I was able to boot in safe mode to a command prompt, which allowed me to run the SFC /SCANNOW command. It found no errors, so I rebooted into normal mode. I still cannot run an elevated command prompt or install the Win7 DVD/USB tool (or launch the setup from the Win7 w/SP1 DVD to repair my windows). Do I have Registry issues, maybe?

 

[Brink]

If you like, see if you may be able to use the free program Rufus to create an installation USB instead. It will give you a UAC prompt since it runs elevated, but it's a standalone .exe file that doesn't install on your PC.

Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way

 

[dbroach]

Downloaded Rufus and ran it. It gives me the UAC with the same results. Is my login corrupt? Is there something wrong with my admin privileges?

 

[Brink]

I think at this point, it may be best to do a clean install instead after backing up anything that you do not want to lose.

 

[dbroach]

I was sure hoping you wouldn't say that, but it's not like you didn't try everything. Bummer!
Well thanks for the help and tips!

 

[Brink]

It may take a bit more setup time, but I think you'll be happier in the end with a clean install considering how many issues you have now that may or may not be sorted with a repair install.

 

[dbroach]

Ok, with that being said, I just logged in using my wife's account (also an admin) and tried to run an elevated command prompt and IT WORKED!! I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner! Anyway, would you still recommend doing a clean install? I agree it may be better in the end since I am having so many issues.

 

[Brink]

In the end, it would still be better to do a clean install, but at least you will be able to do so when you like since you have an account that works.

If you like, you could also create a new administrator account for yourself while logged in your wife's account, then delete your old account after copying any files and shortcuts from it to the new account first. If it doesn't solve all issues you had in your old account, then at least this will buy you more time until you're ready to do a clean install.