PC won't boot. Possible to fix/replace system 32 files?

[Eyeopr8r]

Did something really stupid. In an attempt to follow Instructions to replace window media player 12 with
WMP 11 for work purposes, I moved system 32 files from windows/system32 folder to
A folder on the desktop, and tried to replace them with "new" system 32 files downloaded from the instruction website. I manually set a restore point prior to doing this thinking that i would be able to restore everything back to normal if a problem developed. Well of course the moving and replacing not only didnt go as represented, but the pc now won't boot. And system restore says there are no restore points to go back to (why??). When rebooting pc goes into a type of repair mode the name if which i cant remember, but says it is unable to correct the problem. I do not have a recovery disc or win 7 disc--got lost in the move. And of course I have tons of data, music,etc files, so I don't want to restore PC to original out of the box condition. I would highly appreciate any help any of may have to offer. Thanks very much in advance.

 

[gregrocker]

Pretty reckless to butcher system files without any disk to boot to do serious repairs or even reinstall. Had you asked us someone here would have known how to do what you want.

Use the Win7 bootable installer provided in Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start to boot into System Recovery Options to try Startup Repair a few times, System Restore if it isn't offered, or if it won't run SFC /SCANNOW Run in Command Prompt at Boot.

If it fails you can try the other repairs but most of them are not tailored for those who deliberately ruin their OS, so you might want to skip to rescuiing your files to get a perfect Clean Reinstall. Everything is in the links provided.

 

[Eyeopr8r]

Thanks for the help

Gregrocker, Thanks for the help, but I don't think you needed to be so brutal in your rebuke. If I were as knowledgable as you I would have KNOWN it was reckless. Obviously I am NOT as knowledgable so I didn't know any better. That's why I'm here humbly asking for help. Also, didn't know this forum existed until I ran into trouble but I know now and will come here first next time.
I will try everything in your reply. If anyone else has additional suggestions, I'm all ears. Thanks again.

 

[gregrocker]

How would you know it is reckless unless someone told you? Why is that brutal?

 

[Eyeopr8r]

gregrocker,
I guess the same as you didn't know it was brutal until you were told. But then I didn't realize the forum was for the purpose of scolding first, then offering a few bones of advice, rather than just helping---my bad. Sorry to have wasted your time.

 

[gregrocker]

I am sorry if I offended you with my bluntness. I'll still be glad to help you resolve the issue. I'd hate for you to have to pay hundreds of dollars because I offended you.

Where are you on this now?

 

[Eyeopr8r]

Have tried startup repair over 5 times with "unable to repair" message. System restore says there are NO restore points even though I manually set one prior to my stupid behavior. Have used command prompt to run sfc scannow, with message "unable to repair". Have just downloaded iso of win7 home preimium x 64, as I've been told I can try to use it as a "repair install" of win 7.Tried the win 7 iso burned to disc. When used to boot it gets just past "install now", then stops at an error message: "A required cd/dvd drive device driver is missing. If you have a driver floppy disc, cd,
dvd, or usb flash drive, please insert it now." So I'm stuck at this
point.

 

[gregrocker]

The error you got almost always means a bad installer. Confirm the download size of the ISO, burn to DVD using the tool provided in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 step 2.

Unfortunately you can't run a Repair Install from boot mode as it must be run from within Win7. But you can use DVD's System Recovery Options to run a more stable version of Startup Repair, which should offer to automate System Restore. If not you can try that from the repair options Menu.

If these fail and you want to try everything possible it is all in Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start.

In both tutorials it shows how to rescue your files so you can as a last resort do the reinstall. If you follow the steps in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 you'll wind up with a perfect install.

We'll be here to help you.

 

[Eyeopr8r]

thanks for the reply. I will go forward with your advice and steps one aat a time. What exactly does "bad installer" mean, and how do I confirm the size of the iso download. thanks again

 

[AddRAM]

Another member jumping in here to lend a hand, Greg may be a little harsh, but his advice and wisdom are Gold.

 

[gregrocker]

The reason this is important is because the error you got almost always means the DVD is bad, either burned wrong or the ISO wasn't full and complete.

Where did you download the ISO from and how was it burned to DVD?

Win7 Pro x64 should download around 3.1 gb to be complete, should be an ISO file that you burn to DVD using a specialized tool like ImgBurn or Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool

I saw you were looking at the Slipstream SP1 tutorial but that isn't necessary since the official Windows 7 Direct Download Links all have SP1 and latest media refreshed.

Back at 8 am PST.

 

[AddRAM]

What Greg means by installer is....

The method by which you install windows onto the pc, whether by dvd, flash drive, or by using an external hard drive. Much like the usb hard drive I used today to install an image onto a hard drive.

 

[Faladu]

Hi OP, no worries on losing data, You could always buy a cheap 30-60gig SSD at this point and reinstall Windows 7 on it and use current drive(s) as data disk(s) now. (or another compatible with your system hard drive).

Other options, include shuffling the data off to a friends system and then wipe the HD, make two partitions, and put back your wanted stuff to partition 2, and reinstall 7 on partition 1.

 

[AddRAM]

Excellent advice !!

 

[Eyeopr8r]

Gregrocker,
I re-downloaded the win 7 x 64 iso from correct lo k and used windows DVD dowoas tool. Used it to boot compute, but startup repair still says cannot repair fives times consecutively. Went on go try system restor through the boot DVD but still says there are no restore points.
Tried Sfc /scannow /offbootdir=d:\ /windir=d:/windows. Scan started but within 30 seconds says it cannot repair. Will be going through entire win 7 troubleshooting tutorial now.

Thanks to Faladu for his/her thoughts. Good idea and mAy end up doing just that.
Thanks to all.