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

 

[abuh11]

hi, i want to know, does this method delete or uninstall any of your software and does it change your internet settings (delete passwords and extension etc.)

 

[Brink]

Hello Abuh,

It will not uninstall any programs, but may with some drivers. Internet settings should carry over, but I would recommend to backup or write them down just to be extra safe.

 

[abuh11]

ok, thanks, is there any you-tube link that you could post, showing how to perform this.

 

[Brink]

You'll pretty much just need to write down the settings and possible manually change them back afterwards if they didn't carry over.

 

[EvanPezoldt]

Brink,

First off, thanks for the great tutorial!

I am having trouble getting it to go. I am on Win7 HP x64. I ended up uninstalling SP1 so I could usemy original installation DVD. Now I get past the compatibility checker, and it will begin a few percent with the installation, but then it spits out the message

"Windows cannot copy files required for installation. The files may be corrupt or missing. Make sure all files required for installation are available, and and restart the installation. Error code 0x80070017"

I tried searching the thread, but found nothing similar. I apologize if it has already been answered.

Evan

Edit: problem = solved! Method: take out disc, do a couple "ha"s, wipe on shirt, put back in. Restart installation. Done.

 

[Brink]

Hello Evan, and welcome to Seven Forums.

I'm happy to hear that you got it working. Thank goodness it was just something simple.

 

[tanw]

No, this is not a System Image Recovery that restores your system back to a system image that you created at some earlier point in time. Instead, this is using the factory recovery partition to reinstall and restore Windows 7 back to factory conditions like when it was first turned on.

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support-

Hi Brink,
Just want to say thank you for your help.Managed to reformat using the method u posted.Thanks

 

[Brink]

You're welcome tanw. I'm glad that it was able to help.

 

[multiweb]

Hi Brink, thanks for the great tut. I'm using Win 7 professional 64bit. I have a Win7 install disc with SP1 already in it. When I do the upgrade I'm prompted that the versiojn I'm running is already newer than the one on the CD and it exits. I haven't tried any ISO or removing SP1 yet. I don't even know if I can remove SP1 with my install. Any idea? TIA.

 

[Brink]

Hello Multiweb, and welcome to Seven Forums.

What type of disc and installation are they both? For example: retail, OEM, factory installed, student, etc....

 

[multiweb]

The label on the CD jacket says:

Win Pro 7 64-bit
English 1pk DSP OEI DVD
OEM System Builder Pack
Provided when I bought the machine.

 

[Brink]

I haven't tried one of those type of installation disc, so you might go ahead and download a ISO from the link in the NOTE box under step 5 to create a DVD/USB with it to see how it works for you instead.

 

[multiweb]

I haven't tried one of those type of installation disc, so you might go ahead and download a ISO from the link in the NOTE box under step 5 to create a DVD/USB with it to see how it works for you instead.

Thanks - I'll try that then. I have imaged the whole machine already just in case
Will report back.

PS: Can I burn the ISO direct with ImgBurn or do I need the linked program as well?

 

[JonathanV]

When we do a repair install of Windows 7, activate Windows 7 using key on bottom of laptop or buy new product key?

 

[Brink]

Hello Jonathan,

You would use the key on the COA sticker on the bottom of the laptop. This is your license key that is what you actually purchase when getting Windows 7.

 

[Jatinder]

Hello Jonathan,

You would use the key on the COA sticker on the bottom of the laptop. This is your license key that is what you actually purchase when getting Windows 7.

I followed all your instructions but lastly it is telling that This copy of Windows is not genuine Please help me out as this is my my legal copy came along with my Sony Vaio Laptop preinstalled. I repaired the windows after downloading X17-24209.iso file from digital river links provided here

 

[Brink]

Hello Jatlinder, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Did you use the product key number on the COA sticker of your laptop as in the quoted post in your post?

Please go ahead and do the link below to post back here with your full unedited MGADiag report.

http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-...ne-activation-issue-posting-instructions.html

 

[Jatinder]

Hello Jatlinder, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Did you use the product key number on the COA sticker of your laptop as in the quoted post in your post?

Please go ahead and do the link below to post back here with your full unedited MGADiag report.

http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-...ne-activation-issue-posting-instructions.html

Yes I did use the key on the COA

Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0):
-----------------------------------------
Windows Validation Data-->

Validation Code: 50
Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0
Windows Product Key: *****-*****-MP4WX-6FRYB-YTQ7W
Windows Product Key Hash: vqjOUZi/sPrFPHrglVXIWFJlfxU=
Windows Product ID: 00359-OEM-9809081-02574
Windows Product ID Type: 8
Windows License Type: COA SLP
Windows OS version: 6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003
ID: {498D8280-05EE-4943-B104-6845AA81F8B5}(1)
Is Admin: Yes
TestCab: 0x0
LegitcheckControl ActiveX: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Product Name: Windows 7 Home Premium
Architecture: 0x00000009
Build lab: 7601.win7sp1_rtm.101119-1850
TTS Error: 
Validation Diagnostic: 
Resolution Status: N/A

Vista WgaER Data-->
ThreatID(s): N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

Windows XP Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
File Exists: No
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaTray.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
WgaLogon.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Notifications Data-->
Cached Result: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Version: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAExec.exe Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
OGAAddin.dll Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002

OGA Data-->
Office Status: 109 N/A
OGA Version: N/A, 0x80070002
Signed By: N/A, hr = 0x80070002
Office Diagnostics: 025D1FF3-364-80041010_025D1FF3-229-80041010_025D1FF3-230-1_025D1FF3-517-80040154_025D1FF3-237-80040154_025D1FF3-238-2_025D1FF3-244-80070002_025D1FF3-258-3

Browser Data-->
Proxy settings: N/A
User Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Win32)
Default Browser: C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
Download unsigned ActiveX controls: Disabled
Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Allowed
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disabled
Allow scripting of Internet Explorer Webbrowser control: Disabled
Active scripting: Allowed
Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Allowed

File Scan Data-->
File Mismatch: C:\Windows\system32\wat\watadminsvc.exe[7.1.7600.16395], Hr = 0x80092003
File Mismatch: C:\Windows\system32\wat\watux.exe[7.1.7600.16395], Hr = 0x80092003

Other data-->
Office Details: <GenuineResults><MachineData><UGUID>{498D8280-05EE-4943-B104-6845AA81F8B5}</UGUID><Version>1.9.0027.0</Version><OS>6.1.7601.2.00010300.1.0.003</OS><Architecture>x64</Architecture><PKey>*****-*****-*****-*****-YTQ7W</PKey><PID>00359-OEM-9809081-02574</PID><PIDType>8</PIDType><SID>S-1-5-21-4142489690-467528009-2920590083</SID><SYSTEM><Manufacturer>Sony Corporation</Manufacturer><Model>VPCEB26FG</Model></SYSTEM><BIOS><Manufacturer>American Megatrends Inc.</Manufacturer><Version>R0300Y8</Version><SMBIOSVersion major="2" minor="6"/><Date>20100720000000.000000+000</Date></BIOS><HWID>F4B93607018400FC</HWID><UserLCID>4009</UserLCID><SystemLCID>0409</SystemLCID><TimeZone>India Standard Time(GMT+05:30)</TimeZone><iJoin>0</iJoin><SBID><stat>3</stat><msppid></msppid><name></name><model></model></SBID><OEM><OEMID>Sony</OEMID><OEMTableID>VAIO</OEMTableID></OEM><GANotification/></MachineData><Software><Office><Result>109</Result><Products/><Applications/></Office></Software></GenuineResults>  

Spsys.log Content: 0x80070002

Licensing Data-->
Software licensing service version: 6.1.7601.17514

Name: Windows(R) 7, HomePremium edition
Description: Windows Operating System - Windows(R) 7, OEM_COA_SLP channel
Activation ID: 5e017a8a-f3f9-4167-b1bd-ba3e236a4d8f
Application ID: 55c92734-d682-4d71-983e-d6ec3f16059f
Extended PID: 00359-00196-090-802574-02-16393-7601.0000-2452012
Installation ID: 007642805513284920161653380144841095277473949545362244
Processor Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88338
Machine Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88339
Use License URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88341
Product Key Certificate URL: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=88340
Partial Product Key: YTQ7W
License Status: Notification
Notification Reason: 0xC004F009 (grace time expired).
Remaining Windows rearm count: 4
Trusted time: 01-09-2012 09:27:05

Windows Activation Technologies-->
HrOffline: 0x00000000
HrOnline: 0x00000000
HealthStatus: 0x0000000000000000
Event Time Stamp: 7:18:2012 03:04
ActiveX: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
Admin Service: Registered, Version: 7.1.7600.16395
HealthStatus Bitmask Output:


HWID Data-->
HWID Hash Current: OAAAAAEABAABAAEAAAACAAAABAABAAEA6GFwDhJpUsce7ppR+kVmkGDaNhdYS4hpDGQ8hd5eXF0=

OEM Activation 1.0 Data-->
N/A

OEM Activation 2.0 Data-->
BIOS valid for OA 2.0: yes
Windows marker version: 0x20001
OEMID and OEMTableID Consistent: yes
BIOS Information: 
  ACPI Table Name    OEMID Value    OEMTableID Value
  APIC            Sony        VAIO
  FACP            Sony        VAIO
  HPET            Sony        VAIO
  MCFG            Sony        VAIO
  SLIC            Sony        VAIO
  SSDT            Sony        VAIO
  SSDT            Sony        VAIO

 

[Brink]

Not sure where the X17-24209.iso file was listed at. See if using the X17-58997.iso file for 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium w/SP1 from step 5 may work.

Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River « My Digital Life

 

[Jatinder]

Thanks for your replies, I could not repair and activate my installation by your method hence I had to do fresh install and activate with telephone support and update and install all my used programs one by one. Today being weekend I could afford to do so hence the late reply.
Thanks anyway will still look forward for further helpful tips