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]

Thank you for the tutorial.

Glad it could help.

 

[truckinguy]

Thanks for this post as it did the trick for me.

 

[multiweb]

No luck with tutorial for me

Well I've just about exhausted every avenue to fixing my Windows 7 professional 64 bit installation. There is something terribly wrong with Telephony and miniports. I followed the tutorial. It works until the second reboot when it finally says that it can't be done and then rolls back to the previous version.

I have done an online anytime upgrade from Professional to Ultimate. I'm now on ultimate and tried from the Ultimate ISO. Same thing. So it looks like I'm ready for a clean install on a new drive.

My next question is how can I migrate the program licences and activations to the new drive and Windows installation? I have Adobe products, Microsoft Office and a lot of other applications on current subscriptions that I don't want to lose.

Thanks for any tips.

 

[Brink]

multiweb,

Did you not have any installation disc or ISO files to be able to reinstall the software?

They should have also came with a product key number (license) that should have been kept or written down somewhere safe. You might be able to use one of the free programs in the tutorial below to have it display the key number for each of these programs.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/153626-product-key-number-windows-7-find-see.html
Hope this helps some,
Shawn

 

[multiweb]

multiweb,

Did you not have any installation disc or ISO files to be able to reinstall the software?

They should have also came with a product key number (license) that should have been kept or written down somewhere safe. You might be able to use one of the free programs in the tutorial below to have it display the key number for each of these programs.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/153626-product-key-number-windows-7-find-see.html
Hope this helps some,
Shawn

Hi Shawn, yes I have two valid keys. One for the old Professional and one for the new Ultimate. I have the old CD for Pro and the ISO I bought off the Microsoft website for Ultimate. I know the keys and both are activated. The issue is with the final stage of the installation. It just won't complete and rolls back at the last minute.

My question is how do I migrate program settings (i.e. Adobe PS, Premiere, Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, etc...) to a fresh install of Windows 7 on a new drive. I heard Windows 7 has a migration tool of some sort. Thought I'd ask here if you have a link.

Marc.

 

[Brink]

Ah, ok. This may be able to help with that then.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11470-windows-easy-transfer-transfer-computers.html

 

[multiweb]

Excellent! I'll have a go at that then. Going to pick up a new HD this afternoon.

 

[multiweb]

Ah, ok. This may be able to help with that then.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11470-windows-easy-transfer-transfer-computers.html

Hi Shawn I got the new drive. Here's what I plan to do. Let me know if it makes sense and you reckon it's ok.

My current C: drive has the 'bad' OS. I have imaged it (Acronis) in case anything goes wrong and I have already restored from the image so I know it works.

1_ Create a transfer file on an external drive linked to the machine via an eSata port.

2_ Swap the C: drive with the new drive and install Windows 7 on it.

3_ Retrieve the transfer file onto the new C: drive.

All my applications are installed on two other physical drives in the same PC. Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office, etc... so is it reasonable to assume they should work again when I boot the new OS with minimal fuss? Namely all the activation keys already set with Photoshop, Word, Excel etc...

 

[Brink]

multiweb,

I've ever used Windows Easy Transfer myself, but that looks about right.

You might also consider creating a new thread for this if needed to get better help with it since it's getting off topic of the tutorial in this thread.

 

[GiCOMMANDO]

Is their another link for the iso?

Is their another faster link for the windows 7 home premium 64 bit version?

The download is going so slow (7.0 Kb/s) even though i have cable internet which has speed capability of (18 MB/s).

 

[Golden]

Is their another faster link for the windows 7 home premium 64 bit version?

The download is going so slow (7.0 Kb/s) even though i have cable internet which has speed capability of (18 MB/s).

We only provide one link to Windows 7 ISO's:

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

You want the one labelled : X17-58997.ISO

Regards,
Golden

 

[hispanico]

I follow your fine tutorial but at 11 point, the installation stopped and windows tell that it's impossible update system and i can only install a new copy of windows.
I have windows 7 ultimate sp1 and use file X17-59212....

Where is the problem??

Thank

 

[Brink]

Hello Hispanico,

What do you currently have installed, and what type (OEM, retail, student, upgrade, full, etc...) is it?

Did you use step 4 or 5 in the tutorial?

What was the full message?

 

[hispanico]

Hello Hispanico,

What do you currently have installed, and what type (OEM, retail, student, upgrade, full, etc...) is it?

Did you use step 4 or 5 in the tutorial?

What was the full message?

I have OEM ultimate, i use step 4 and this is the message:

Impossibile eseguire l'aggiornamento da Windows 7 Ultimate a Windows 7 Professional. In alternativa, è possibile scegliere di installare una nuova copia di Windows 7 Professional, ma si tratta di un'operazione diversa dall'aggiornamento e non consente di mantenere file, impostazioni e programmi. Sarà infatti necessario reinstallare i programmi desiderati utilizzando i dischi o i file di installazione originali. Per salvare i file prima di installare Windows, eseguirne il backup in una posizione esterna, ad esempio un CD, un DVD o un'unità disco rigido esterna. Per installare una nuova copia di Windows 7 Professional, fare clic sul pulsante Indietro nell'angolo superiore sinistro e selezionare “Personalizzata (utenti esperti)”.

Thank

 

[Brink]

You can not upgrade from Windows 7 Ultimate to Windows 7 Professional. Alternatively, you can choose to install a new copy of Windows 7 Professional, but it is not the same thing by the update and does not preserve your files, settings and programs. You will need to reinstall your programs using the original installation discs or files. To save your files before installing Windows, back them up to an external location, such as a CD, DVD or external hard drive. To install a new copy of Windows 7 Professional, click the Back button in the upper left corner and select "Custom (advanced)".

You will need to download a correct Windows 7 Ultimate ISO to use instead. You downloaded a Windows 7 Professional ISO.

 

[hispanico]

You can not upgrade from Windows 7 Ultimate to Windows 7 Professional. Alternatively, you can choose to install a new copy of Windows 7 Professional, but it is not the same thing by the update and does not preserve your files, settings and programs. You will need to reinstall your programs using the original installation discs or files. To save your files before installing Windows, back them up to an external location, such as a CD, DVD or external hard drive. To install a new copy of Windows 7 Professional, click the Back button in the upper left corner and select "Custom (advanced)".

You will need to download a correct Windows 7 Ultimate ISO to use instead. You downloaded a Windows 7 Professional ISO.

...ooh yes but in italian i don't find windows 7 ultimate !?!

Thank

 

[Brink]

It will not install using Pro on Ultimate, but with Ultimate, you could change your display language to be Italian afterwards.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/87317-display-language-change.html

 

[hispanico]

..Thank very much... SOLVED

Hispanico

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome.

 

[marcelive]

Great Tutorial! Thanks Brink. After a windows 7 update on my work pc, my PC got severally corrupted. I ran System File Checker and there are some issues it cannot fix. There are also too many to try and replace from the original disc. My windows 7 runs but certain things don't function correctly (ejecting USB's correctly etc). When I do this upgrade (repair) and it creates a windows.old folder, will the Programs I have installed previously run off this old folder or how does it keep the Programs installed? I'm not the best Techie when it comes to these sorts of things so excuse my noobishness before I go and delete the old windows folder and lose work programs.

(I have an OEM version of Win 7 Pro 64-bit)

Many thanks