Repair Install

How to Do a Repair Install to Fix Windows 7​

   Information

This will show you how to do a repair install (aka: in-place upgrade install) to fix your currently installed Windows 7 and preserve your user accounts, data, programs, and system drivers.

   Note

Do a Repair installation if:

• A System Restore did not help fix your Windows 7.
• There is no other easier option left that can fix your Windows 7.
• You DO NOT want to do a Clean reinstall of Windows 7.
• You DO want to preserve your user accounts, data, programs, and system drivers.

   Tip

ITEMS THAT WILL BE RESET TO DEFAULT OR AFFECTED:

• Sounds
• Services
• Visual Effects Settings
• Device Drivers - Be sure to have these handy to reinstall. They do not always remain after the repair (upgrade) install.
• You may lose the ability to sign on to MSN Messenger, to solve this problem have a look at this thread Unable to sign in to WLM.
• You may lose your custom themes due to not having permisions set on the old themes. Go to the hidden themes folder at C:/Users/(User-Name)/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Themes, then Take Ownership of the themes folder and you will now have all your themes back.
• It has been reported that you may also lose your Media Center gadget after doing the repair install.
• Windows Updates will need to be checked and reinstalled again.

   Warning

• You can only do a repair install with the same edition Windows 7 installation disc for the same edition of Windows 7 that you have installed.
• You cannot use a OEM Windows 7 "Factory" Restore/Recovery type of installation disc that came with or created from a store bought computer to do a repair install with. These can only be used do a clean install instead.
• You can do a repair install on a factory OEM installation with the latest official Windows 7 with SP1 ISO file here: Microsoft: Windows 7 Direct Download Links, and use Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool to create a bootable DVD or USB flash drive with the ISO to do the repair install from within Windows 7.
• You can use a retail OEM Windows 7 installation disc to do a repair install with.
• You can use a retail (full or upgrade) Windows 7 installation disc to do a repair install with.
• You cannot do a repair install with a System Repair Disc. A System Repair Disc is not a installation disc, and will only boot to the System Recovery Options screen.
• If you have a 32-bit (x86) Windows 7 currently installed, then you must use a 32-bit Windows 7 installation disc to be able to do a repair install with.
• If you have a 64-bit (x64) Windows 7 currently installed, then you must use a 64-bit Windows 7 installation disc to be able to do a repair install with.
• You can use a retail Windows 7 SP1 installation disc (ex: Technet (available), MSDN (available), or retail (when available)) to do a repair install with on a currently installed Windows 7 SP1.
• You can use a Windows 7 SP1 installation disc (ex: Technet (available), MSDN (available), or retail (when available)) to do a repair install with on a currently installed slipstream Windows 7 SP1.
• You cannot use a slipstream Windows 7 installation disc to do a repair install with on a currently installed Windows 7 SP1.
• You cannot use a slipstream Windows 7 installation disc to do a repair install with on a currently installed slipstream Windows 7 SP1.
• You can only do a repair install from within Windows 7.
• You cannot do a repair install at boot or in Safe Mode.
• You must be logged into Windows 7 in a administrator account to be able to do a repair install.
• You must have at least 8.87 GB + what is currently being used of free space (more if you have a larger installation) on the hard drive/partition Windows 7 is installed on to do a repair install.
• If you changed the default location of a user account's profile folder, then you will need to change it back to the default C:\Users location first.
• If you moved the default location of a user folder, then you will need to change it back to the default C:\Users\(user-name) location first.

Here's How:
NOTE: Be sure to back up anything that you do not want to lose first to be extra safe.1. Start Windows 7, and log on to an administrator account.

2. Disable any 3rd party firewall, antivirus, or other security program to avoid it from possibly preventing the repair in-place upgrade installation of Windows 7.

3. Do either step 4, step 5, or step 6 below depending if your retail Windows 7 installation ISO/DVD/USB has SP1 or not, and if your currently installed Windows 7 has SP1 installed or not.

4. Repair Installed Windows 7 SP1 using Windows 7 with SP1 ISO

   Note

If you do not have a Windows 7 with SP1 ISO, then you can download an official ISO with your retail product key from Microsoft at the link below.

:ar: Microsoft Software Recovery

You can also download the latest official Windows 7 SP1 Media Refresh (SP1 U) ISO file at the link below, but this link is not always available for download.

:ar: Microsoft: Windows 7 Direct Download Links

A) If you have not already, you will need to install a program like 7-Zip that supports extracting a ISO to a folder.

B) Using the program (ex: 7-Zip) from step 1, extract the Windows 7 SP1 ISO file to a folder on a partition or HDD other than the current Windows 7 partition. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: For example with 7-Zip, right click on ISO, click on 7-Zip, Extract files, browse button, select where you want to extract to, and click on OK twice.
C) While in Windows 7 SP1, open the folder that you extracted the ISO into, and run the setup.exe file.

D) Go to step 7 below.
5. Repair Installed Windows 7 SP1 using Windows 7 with SP1 DVD/USB

   Note

If you do not have a Windows 7 with SP1 ISO, then you can download an official ISO with your retail product key from Microsoft at the link below.

:ar: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery

You can also download the latest official Windows 7 SP1 Media Refresh (SP1 U) ISO file at the link below, but this link is not always available for download.

:ar: Microsoft: Windows 7 Direct Download Links

Afterwards, you can use Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool to create a bootable DVD or USB flash drive with the ISO to do the repair install from within Windows 7 using this step.

A) While in Windows 7 SP1, insert your retail Windows 7 SP1 installation DVD into the DVD drive, or connect your Windows 7 with SP1 installation USB thumb drive, and click on the Run setup.exe option in AutoPlay. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If the AutoPlay window does not open, then open the drive folder in Computer and run the setup.exe file.
B) Go to Go to step 7 below.
6. Repair Installed Windows 7 without SP1 using Windows 7 without SP1 DVD/USB

   Note

If you do not have a Windows 7 without SP1 installation DVD/USB, then you can download the latest official Windows 7 Professional or Home Premium without SP1 ISO file here: Microsoft: Windows 7 Direct Download Links, and use Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool to create a bootable DVD or USB flash drive with the ISO to do the repair install from within Windows 7 using this step.

It is preferred to have SP1 installed on your PC and to use step 4 or step 5 above to do a repair install with instead though.

A) While in Windows 7 SP1 installed, insert your retail Windows 7 installation DVD into the DVD drive, or connect your Windows 7 installation USB thumb drive, and click on the Run setup.exe option in AutoPlay. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If the AutoPlay window does not open, then open the drive folder in Computer and run the setup.exe file.
B) Go to Go to step 7 below.
7. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.

8. Click on the Install Now button to start the installation. (see screenshot below)
9. If prompted, uncheck the I want to help make Windows installation better box (unless you would like to ), and click on the Go online to get the latest updates for installation option. (see screenshot below)
A) Windows 7 will now check online for and install any available installation updates. (see screenshots below)



10. Check the I accept the license terms box, and click on Next. (see screenshot below)
11. Click on the Upgrade option. (see screenshot below)
12. Windows will now check for any compatibility issues. If any are found like in the example below, click on the red X to cancel the repair install and close this "Install Windows" window, take care of any found issues (ex: uninstall any incompatible program), then restart the repair install process over again.
13. The installation of Windows 7 will now begin. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: During the installation process, your screen may flash and computer will restart a few times.
14. After the final restart, you will see this screen for a moment. (see screenshot below)
15. Type in your Windows 7 product key number. (see screenshot below step 16)

16. Uncheck the Automatically activate Windows when I'm online box unchecked, then click on the Next button. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: You can activate Windows 7 later after you make sure it is running properly. (see step 23 below)
If you chose to automatically activate Windows online when you set up your computer, automatic activation begins trying to activate your copy of Windows three days after you log on for the first time.
17. Click on Use recommended settings. (see screenshot below)

:note: You will always be able to change your Windows Update settings at anytime in Windows 7.


18. Select your time zone and set your time and date settings, then click on the Next button. (see screenshot below)
19. Click on the option for your computer's location to select the correct network location type settings to be applied for that location. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: It is best to select Public location for the best security.
20. Windows 7 will now prepare your desktop to startup. (see screenshots below)



21. If you used a DVD or USB to do the repair install with, then you can remove the DVD or USB when the repair install has successfully completed and you are logged in to Windows 7.

22. Check to see if you are missing any user files. If you are, then you can copy them from the C:\Windows.old or the hidden protected operating system C:\$INPLACE.~TR and C:\WINDOWS.~Q backup folders. (see screenshot below)
23. If everything checks out in step 21, then you can run Disk Cleanup (step 5 at this link). You will need to click on the Clean up system files button first, and then could check the Files discarded by Windows upgrade, Previous Windows installations, and Windows upgrade log files boxes. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This will delete the C:\Windows.old, C:\$INPLACE.~TR and C:\WINDOWS.~Q folders from step 21 above.
24. Refresh your Windows Experience Index (WEI) score.

25. When finished, activate Windows 7, and make sure that your 3rd party security programs (if applicable) are enabled again.
That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Do an Upgrade Installation with Windows 7
• How to Do a Clean Installation with Windows 7
• How to Do a Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version
• How to Activate Windows 7 Online
• How to Run a Startup Repair in Windows 7
• How to Do a System Restore in Windows 7
• How to Repair Windows 7 System Files with System File Checker
• How to Extract Files from the Windows 7 Installation DVD
• How to Boot to the Advanced Boot Options in Windows 7
• How to Boot to the System Recovery Options in Windows 7
• How to Create a Windows 7 System Repair Disc
• How to Run Disk Check in Windows 7
• How to Create a Windows 7 Installation USB Key
• How to Install Windows 7 FAST without a DVD or USB Device
• How to Do a Custom Installation of Windows 7
• How to Create a System Recovery Shortcut in Windows 7
• How to Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 to Create a Installation DVD or ISO File
• Fix "The User Profile Service failed the logon. User profile cannot be loaded." Error in Windows 7

 

[Brink]

BammBamm,

Doing a repair install should only be done as a last restort to avoid doing a clean install when nothing else has worked to fix a issue that you can't live with.

It's not going to help anything in the installation if there was nothing wrong to begin with.

 

[Zeonstar]

I thought I would share an interesting update. I swapped out my motherboard today, going from an Abit IP35 to a Gigabyte with P43 chipset. Hooked everything up, plugged everything in and...Windows loaded just fine. It installed some drivers but that was pretty much it. I completed changed my motherboard and it didn't even seem to phase Windows 7.

I was fully prepared to do a clean install, figuring I would not have a choice. But now that I do have a choice, I might go ahead and do a clean install, I haven't decided yet. The computer is already running a lot better and is more responsive just with the new motherboard. Which by the way is the quietest computer I've ever seen.

 

[Brink]

That's great news Zeonstar. You got lucky.

 

[BammBamm]

BammBamm,

Doing a repair install should only be done as a last restort to avoid doing a clean install when nothing else has worked to fix a issue that you can't live with.

It's not going to help anything in the installation if there was nothing wrong to begin with.

Oh, alright. I guess my biggest problem is knowing when to say 'when', when it comes to fiddling with my PC.

My motto is:

"If it ain't broke, dink around with it until it is, perform a major facepalm, try to figure out how to fix what wasn't broken in the first freakin' place, then, when you're almost ready to wave the white flag, consult the experts at Windows Seven Forums."

 

[Zeonstar]

That's great news Zeonstar. You got lucky.

Of that I have no doubt. I'm not sure if my luck is contributed to the qaulity of Win 7, but I'm definitely impressed.

 

[PatrickGSR94]

sooo wait, am I reading this right? If I have a Dell machine that came from the factory with Win7 Pro x64, and I have installed SP1 on it, then to do a repair install I would have to go purchase a new retail Win7 Pro x64 SP1 DVD ($150 or more I'm guessing) if I do not have the SP1 backup files still on the machine?? That just seems completely ludicrous to me.

 

[Mrhermit]

Reinstalling Windows 7

I have tried your reinstall procedure 3 times now with no luck. I am trying to reinstall from a Windows 7 32-bit upgrade disk. Is it because it is the upgrade disk that it will not reinstall? I did not see if you mentioned that it could or could not be reinstalled from the upgrade disk.

 

[Brink]

sooo wait, am I reading this right? If I have a Dell machine that came from the factory with Win7 Pro x64, and I have installed SP1 on it, then to do a repair install I would have to go purchase a new retail Win7 Pro x64 SP1 DVD ($150 or more I'm guessing) if I do not have the SP1 backup files still on the machine?? That just seems completely ludicrous to me.

Hello Patrick,

Sorry, but a Dell OEM factory recovery installation disc/partition will only allow you to do a clean Dell factory restore of Windows 7 and not a repair install. That's the trade off of having a lower cost OEM vs full cost retail copy of Windows 7.

You might post the issue that you are having in a separate new thread in the appropriate forum area to see if we may be able to help you fix it without having to do a factory restore.

 

[Brink]

I have tried your reinstall procedure 3 times now with no luck. I am trying to reinstall from a Windows 7 32-bit upgrade disk. Is it because it is the upgrade disk that it will not reinstall? I did not see if you mentioned that it could or could not be reinstalled from the upgrade disk.

Hello Mr. Hermit, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Do you have SP1 installed?

If so, see the warning box at the top of the tutorial for more details about it.

 

[whs]

sooo wait, am I reading this right? If I have a Dell machine that came from the factory with Win7 Pro x64, and I have installed SP1 on it, then to do a repair install I would have to go purchase a new retail Win7 Pro x64 SP1 DVD ($150 or more I'm guessing) if I do not have the SP1 backup files still on the machine?? That just seems completely ludicrous to me.

Hi Patrick, as Shawn (Brink) says, there are certain restrictions with OEM versions of Windows. But there is an easy way to protect yourself from mischief - and that is imaging.

If you do frequent imaging, you can always bail yourself out of a tight spot and have no need for repair functions. There is a vast choice of free and paid imaging programs. I myself use free Macrium which does a beautiful job - it is fast, easy to use, reliable and you always know what you are doing. Here is my tutorial if you want to persue the idea: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html?ltr=I

 

[Mrhermit]

Brink. No, SP2 is not installed. It was, but I uninstalled it before trying do do the Re-install.

 

[Brink]

Brink. No, SP2 is not installed. It was, but I uninstalled it before trying do do the Re-install.

Is it a "retail" upgrade disc?

Are you running the the installation process from within the started Windows 7 and not at boot?

If so, what error is it giving you?

 

[Sammy888]

when u select the upgrade option during the installation process. what happens to your favorites et al? and if by chance there is a problem with the upgrade process and it fails, where does that leave the user? does he lose everything?

 

[Brink]

Hello Sammy,

Usually if a repair install fails, it will automatically cancel the installation and revert back to where you were before doing the repair installation. However, if say you lost power while doing the repair install, then you could lose everything.

You should always create a backup of anything that you do not want to lose to be safe. Anything can happen.

 

[Brink]

Hi,
I need to do a repair install on a Windows 7 x64 PC. Is there a way to do this with the DVD if you can't login to the PC?

It boots up, but just goes to an all black screen with a mouse cursor. I can move the mouse, but ctrl + alt + del doesn't do anything. There is nothing else on the screen other than the mouse cursor.

I have tried the startup repair, no help.

I tried system restore, says no restore points found.

Hello Rick, and welcome to Seven Forums.

I'm sorry, but a repair install can only be done from within a started Windows 7, and not at boot.

 

[Sammy888]

Thanks Brink. I have maybe done one "upgrade" in my 30 years of computing. I always do a fresh install. If I understand the STICKY in your first post, pretty much everything (favorites, email, directories) with the added exceptions remain intact during the "upgrade/repair" process?

 

[Brink]

That would be understood correctly.

 

[Sammy888]

Hi Brink,

Excellent advice. My repair/upgrade worked out well...so far. Other than already mentioned in the first page, sticky. Are there any common files that sometimes aren't copied or transferred over? If at all possible, I don't want to keep the old directory (installation) around if I don't need to. Thx

 

[Brink]

Hello Sammy,

That's great news. There shouldn't be anything that didn't copy over, but it wouldn't hurt to hang on to the old directory for a few days just to be safe before deleting it.

 

[Sammy888]

The good news is unfortunately, short lived. I noticed my PC running considerably and unacceptably slower with the upgrade/repair. Booting up is taking longer than before as well. In addition, I had a USB 3 Driver issue where I couldn't upgrade to the NEC Driver. See: http://www.sevenforums.com/drivers/153099-usb3-install-fail-feature-transfer-error-2-a.html

What I would like to know,perhaps this question needs to be moved to the SETUP installation thread, is can I create another NEW installation on my C drive, keeping this old exisiting installation in tact and if necessary booting to it? Basically creating a dual boot with my old and new installation. If there is an app and data that I must use, I would like to reboot to that.

I have an Acronis Image of a fresh clean install of C that I did when I brought home my PC. However, installing that would result in me losing my data or taking a great deal of time in backing it up or moving it to other drives.

The other option I have considered but Partition Magic is now dead. Is creating another partition on my current HD that Win 7 currently resides and using Acronis to copy the image to that.