Solved repair install

[drpepper]

Lenovo B570
Win7x64 HP SP1

FIRST: I have read the repair tutorial from this forum. It indicated that I cannot perform a repair because I have an OEM installation.

factory configuration:

• hard drive

C: exactly what is expected, the working partition of the HDD
D: factory partition, containing executable files for various factory installed utilities
​

• factory feature

One Key Recovery, allows the option of restoring to factory settings or user provided image, documentation does not address the opportunity to select what to restore, it is all or nothing

​

I have a recovery disk which I burned shortly after configuring user accounts and passwords. Additionally I have image and file backups created by Windows Back Up. (I have been very busy with college courses and not had the time to set up Macrium. The semester is now over.)

My research to date has indicated that I cannot perform a repair install using an OEM disc or a recovery disk burned from an OEM operating system. Therefore, I am here in an attempt to repair my OS while keeping files, programs, user accounts, and home network settings.

Here is the problem which makes me believe that the OS needs to be repaired. During the boot process, the computer freezes immediately before the log on screen. The only recovery is a hard shut down using the power button. The problem is completely random in nature with no perceivable combination of events leading up to the failure. It may occur multiple times in a given day, wait a day or two, or wait a couple of weeks before manifesting again. This makes troubleshooting very difficult. I have been experiencing this problem for several months, but opted to wait until the current semester reached completion. I did not halve the time to study and repair this machine.

Here are the things I have attempted to use to repair the problem:

• chkdsk, no problems found
• start up repair, no problem found
• update graphics driver (Lenovo support recommended removing the graphics driver and reloading it. Microsoft found a driver update at the same time; so I chose to try that.)

I don't know how to restore selected portions from a backup. Furthermore, I am not confident that I can successfully locate all the files, programs, settings, etc. that I wish to retain. What do yo recommend? Is there a way that I can preserve the settings described above? I prefer to avoid the time and effort to install programs again and perform all the tasks necessary to restore this machine to the home network.


drpepper

 

[gregrocker]

You cannot run a Repair Install with the Factory Recovery Disks, but you can run one on Factory OEM with the latest official installer with SP1: Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River « My Digital Life.

Burn your licensed version and bit rate to DVD or write to bootable flash stick using Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool

You might also be interested in getting the much superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. Most tech enthusiasts will not run Win7 with the corrupting factory bloatware larded on it.

 

[boyans]

sfc scan can repair system files (if errors found):
sfc /scannow - on administrative command prompt.

sfc can be run several times if errors are reported - one scan cannot fix all errors at once.

If sfc does not find errors then one of the installed programs could be the problem - see what is started automatically and try to get rid of all unnecessary start-up items not really needed.

Check all running services - are there non-Microsoft services which could be stopped (and disabled) ? More and more utilities install services just to startup faster when launched.

 

[karlsnooks]

drpepper,

First, I recommend making a System Image backup using Windows 7 Backup and Restore. This is the only system image backup program that I use and I have also restored from such an image.

With a system image created by Win 7 Backup and restore, you can always extract anything from the image since the image is stored as VHD files, one for each partition you backup. I recommend backing up the entire disk and not just the C drive.

You will need an external USB drive. Backing up onto the very drive you want to backup is a little silly since then if the hard drive fails, your backup is also gone.

=====================================================
=====================================================

Following procedure is going to put a file on your desktop named LogonTimes.txt
Upload that file please.

# Places LOGONTIMES.txt on your DESKTOP
#
# ***************** NOTE ************************************
# if you receive this error msg:
# Get-WinEvent: The system can not find the path specified
# you need to update your PowerShell
# you must be using Powershell 2.0 or later.
# To determine your Powershell version:
# Run PowerShell
# enter following $host.version
# you should see at least:
# Major Minor Build Revision
# ----- ----- ----- --------
# 2 0 -1 -1
#
# If you do not see the above, update your Vista/Win 7.
# ************************************************************
#
#
# STEP 1 *****************************************************
# RUN PowerShell as administrator
# START ORB | type POWERSHELL | CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER key combo | YES
# ************************************************************
#
# **************** NOTE **************************************
# to PASTE in powershell--
# --RIGHT-CLICK (Ctrl V does not work)
# ************************************************************
#
# STEP 2 *****************************************************
# COPY following lines; PASTE into Powershell
# Include the two EXIT statements in the copy & paste
# ************************************************************

$events = Get-WinEvent -FilterHashtable @{logname='application'; id=4101; level=4} `
-verbose:$false -erroraction:silentlycontinue
$events | format-table -property timecreated,message -auto -wrap `
> $env:userprofile\desktop\LOGONTIMES.txt

exit
exit

# ******************* THAT WAS EASY **************************

 

[drpepper]

Thanks everybody,

various replies:

gregrocker --
I am taking time to read/study your links. I am aware that I cannot run a repair install. I am looking for the equivalent of a factory install to prevent the need to install and configure MS Office Pro 2010, Visual Studio Express 20210, and other smaller programs again. Removing the bloatware is much easier.

boyans--
sfc reveals no problems.

karlsnooks--
I have image and file backups saved to an external drive using Windows Backup, and I have a recovery disk. My computer savvy is not great enough to be familiar with power shell. I want to take a closer look before attempting it. Yes, I understand that you have provided script which can be pasted. I just want to know what to expect in case of problems.

Bottom line:
Because of slow internet speed, the installation process for VS express took over five hours (including updates). Installing Office took over three hours (including updates). The download for theISO promises to take hooouurrs also. This does not include the smaller programs, user account settings., browser settings, etc. I will go to great lengths to avoid this extra time and work instead of repairing the OS if reasonably and reliably possible .

Maybe I have missed something in the replies. That is why I am taking more time to read and understand the links before continuing.


drpepper

 

[karlsnooks]

drpepper,
Just do it. Your computer will not explode or implode.

 

[gregrocker]

You can in fact run a Repair Install, just not using the Recovery Disks. You'll need to download and burn to DVD or write to flash stick the latest official Win7 installer ISO from the link I gave you and burn it with the tool i provided. How could you take from this the continued misimpression that you cannot run a Repair Install?

 

[drpepper]

individual replies follow this:

---

I greatly appreciate the time and knowledge you are sharing with me. With all due respect for your advanced knowledge, I ask you to be patient with me. I am attempting to gain an understanding as well as accomplish a task. I find computers to be fascinating and am trying to increase my knowledge base in all areas I come in contact with. Everyone has to start somewhere. If my only goal was to accomplish the task, I would pay a shop and be done with it.

---

karlsnooks,
If my inspection of your instructions gives me the correct understanding, the script will produce an error log to use for troubleshooting start up problems. The intent is to have it easily accessible from the desktop. Is that correct?

---

gregrocker,

You asked,

How could you take from this the continued misimpression that you cannot run a Repair Install?

At the time of my previous post, I had only done a quick read of your tutorial links and followed a few links inside the links to get an overview. The warning section of How to Do a Repair Install to Fix Windows 7 contained so many "you can" and "you cannot" statements that I did not have them mentally sorted out. I have the correct understanding now.

There is something that I would like for you to help me get a clear understanding of. Does the USB containing the ISO have to be dedicated to that purpose only? The reason for my question is that I have two 4GB flash drives which contain data and an empty 32GB flash drive. I see two options in preparation here. The first is to transfer all data from one of the 4GB flash drives to the 32GB flash drive and use the 4GB flash drive for this task. The second option is to use the 32GB drive for this task and use the remaining unused space for other data. I do not posses a deep enough understanding of ISO files and bootable media to make this decision. Does this make sense?

---

drpepper

 

[karlsnooks]

carrying out the script will help us to help you.

 

[gregrocker]

I would use one of the 4gb flash sticks for the installer, writing the latest ISO linked previously to stick using the Win7 download tool.

 

[drpepper]

karlsnooks,

My standard user account, using run as administrator, did not create a file on the desktop. I had to use the administrator account to successfully create the file saved to the desktop. I guess this is an elevated permissions detail.

Anyway the file is attached to this post.

 

[karlsnooks]

thanks for the feedback. I'm one of those who never uses a standard account.

The results indicate that you have a valid Win 7. I needed to make 100% certain that there weren't any problems in that area.

Have a few chores to do and then will be back with suggestions.
karl

 

[drpepper]

Dealing with a standard user account is a new rodeo for me, too. I was not expecting this limitation when "running as administrator" from the standard user account. This the only one of my three machines on I which employ a standard user account for my use. One other one has standard user accounts for other users. My reasoning in employing a standard user account on this machine is that it is used away from home on a regular basis. The little (granted very little) extra security offered by the standard user accounts can limit what others can do if they gain unauthorized access to the machine when it is running while in use away from home. All account log ons are password protected. The bulk of the work I perform is in the standard user account to make it readily accessible when working on the computer away from home.

no hurry on the return reply ... Life comes first.

drpepper

 

[drpepper]

sorry gregrocker,

I missed your post at the bottom of the first page. One of the 4GB flash drives will be the one.

 

[karlsnooks]

I agree with you about working your way thru one of the install tutorials.

They are excellent and everything is there. Perhaps because everything is there and the tutorials touch all bases, then one can become confused.

Tell me precisely which type of install you would like to make to what and I'll give a quick overview of the route to take.

 

[drpepper]

Give me until tomorrow or Tuesday. My schedule is a little tight for about the next 48 hours. Judging from the size of the download, it will take a few hours at my slow internet speed. Previous multiple GB downloads proven that to me.

I will also review the options again to try to chose the proper one to satisfy my desires.

Thanks again,
drpepper

 

[karlsnooks]

Sounds good.

 

[drpepper]

I just had an aha! moment which woke me up. I don't recall the following being covered in the tutorials. As viewed under Computer, the HDD is configured as:

Local Disk (C)

206GB free of 254GB
​

Lenovo (D)

26.7GB free of 28.9GB
​

I checked the contents of D: drive. The D: drive contains Lenovo factory loaded propriatary software executables plus Adobe and McAfee. There are certain features of the factory software I wish to keep. Notable is Port Locker, which I keep enabled when away from home for security purposes.

Research regarding the One Key Recovery feature built into this computer does not address the necessity of the D: drive. One Key Recovery is both hardware (a button on the computer) and software (the program) related. Do I need to attempt to contact Lenovo support for an explanation?

Does a desire to target only C: drive influence my decision regarding which repair option to choose? From what I have read, it sounds like I need to copy the D: drive folders/files to removable media in addition to an image backup before embarking on the task. Would it also be prudent to use ERUNT to save a backup of the registry to removable media?

drpepper

 

[gregrocker]

Running a Repair Install should not affect the Recovery partition at all.

If you have any hesitation and need to keep the entire D partition just to support one Lenovo function you need, then I'd consider running Factory Recovery instead. You'll eventually need the program installers you failed to save previously anyway. They should be stored and backed up in the Downloads folder.

You seem tech savvy enough to want a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which most tech enthusiasts insist upon viewing the factory crapware and useless utilities as little more than corruption.

 

[drpepper]

gregrocker,

Thanks for the "savvy" comment. I have worked real hard to get where I am. The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know. Your words are encouraging.

So far I have:

downloaded Windows 7 SP1 ISO. WOW! That took ten hours @ 80 KBs, the maximum speed of our internet service. I sure am happy that downloads can be unattended.

downloaded Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool

created a bootable flash drive with the ISO

​

I have read both the How to Do a Repair Install to Fix Windows 7 and the Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 tutorials and followed many of the links contained within both. If I have not lost continuity by jumping from link to link, there are some key considerations for choosing which route to take. Please correct me where I may be wrong or have missed something of importance.

Repair install
will leave the D: drive intact. After further thought, I do not see the need for the D; drive. I can install the programs I wish to keep from Lenovo's web site. I have already done this once when support advised me to remove one of them for troubleshooting purposes. Replacing it was a smooth operation.

My user accounts, files, and installed programs will be preserved. The bloatware would also be preserved, necessitating removing it (again).

Clean install
will require me to gather and save all kinds of data: browser settings, user account configuration, an inventory of installed programs, files, home network settings, internet connection settings, etc.

Programs would have be installed and configured again. User accounts would have to be created again or restored from the folders described in the tutorials. The internet connection and home network would have to be set up again (for this machine). Browsers would have to be installed and settings imported from backups (Mozbackup for Firefox e.g.). For brevity I stop listing things here.

I could, however, recover just short of 30GB of hard drive space, now dedicated to D: Lenovo, for use as part of the C: drive. Bloatware would be absent on the clean install.

​

The decision will hinge almost entirely upon the trade off between saving time and effort while sacrificing extra available hard drive space and gaining extra hard drive space at the cost of extra time and work. Cleaning up after the task is a minor consideration compared to the trade off. Please correct me if I am wrong. It will help me to learn important concepts.

Thanks,
drpepper