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]

Hello Stevieray,

This may be close to what you used to completely uninstall the driver and device.

Uninstall Device and Device Driver - Vista Forums

 

[Zoandar]

You're welcome. A repair install wouldn't have gotten rid of the driver.

Oh. Well, that sort of makes my decision for me. Thanks for the information. Looks like unless I can figure out how to do what stevieray suggests, I'll be doing a new build of the PC again. At least I know that should work without any problems.

I've worked in Windows Registry on various versions over the year, so no fears there. But I would need to know what to do. I am unfamiliar with the term "filters" in regard to the Registry.

 

[Zoandar]

Hello Stevieray,

This may be close to what you used to completely uninstall the driver and device.

Uninstall Device and Device Driver - Vista Forums

When I tried to remove the JBMicron driver, I used the chipset driver disc that had come with my motherboard. I never thought to look in the Windows installed programs section to see if it was there. But, it was. And.....I was able to remove it that way! After a reboot, Device Mgr. now lists the Bluray drive once again.

I'll find out for sure next time I burn a disc if the issue is totally gone.

THANKS GUYS!!

 

[Brink]

Great news. I hope it stays working for you.

 

[Zoandar]

Great news. I hope it stays working for you.

Thanks. I wanted to click the icon to increase your reputation points, but it says I have to "spread some reputation around" before I can click on it. I tried to research this on the rules posting, and found nothing. I am guessing this means I can't keep praising you until I also praise someone else first? Rather strange concept, since I am not on need of anyone else's help at the moment, so it blocks me from showing my appreciation for your help until such time as I get help from another member (which could be months).

However, I am familiar with the things likely being prevented in setting it up that way, how some forums are filled with pointless posts and every one of them ASKS to be thanked. Seems to defeat the purpose of having a thanks system. So I guess a compromise is the only way around that.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

 

[Brink]

No problem. I'm just happy that you got it sorted.

I hope you have a safe and happy holiday season as well.

 

[SnackCabinet]

So to make this clear, I need a CD with the ISO on it? Is there a way to mount it to an virtual device i.e. damon tools? I really doubt that you can, but I don't know. :s

 

[Brink]

If you don't want to use a CD/DVD or USB, then you could also just do step 4 in the tutorial on the first page instead.

 

[SnackCabinet]

If you don't want to use a CD/DVD or USB, then you could also just do step 4 in the tutorial on the first page instead.

I started to do that, it got to the last step about 62% and stalled for awhile. Now some of the other steps also stalled at a certain point for sometime about an hour tops. While at this last stall, I kind of dozed of and took a little nap with my laptop right beside me. Then the next thing I know, I'm waking up to my laptop making this awfully, extremely, loud screeching noise. I mean this is nothing like I have heard before. So I was trying to mute my computer and it would not shut up for nothing. It was coming from the speakers and not the computer itself. So I shut my computer off (because I was still very confused on what was even happening since I just woke up). So now I have to restart the whole entire process. Has the noise ever happened to you? I'll be plugging my earphones in (with out them on) next time it gets around that part though.
--
Oh and why does it stall at some parts? It at least stalled at three different steps not loading anything until a hour later?

 

[Brink]

Sounds like you may need to bite the bullet, and do a clean install of Windows 7 instead.

 

[raloop]

Looks like a contradiction in the information

"You can do a repair install on a factory OEM installation with the latest official Windows 7 with SP1 ISO file here: Dell Community - Windows 7 ISO Downloads, 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 with."

(so you can do a repair installation from dvd)

contradicts

"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."

Perhaps you couldn't pre sp1(or pre the latest windows 7 release with sp1) and you needed to do it from windows 7 from an administrator account, but you can now. If that is so, then perhaps that could be added?

I think i've seen that Upgrade option appear on a recent W7 ISO on boot. Though i've heard maybe it didn't used to appear.

 

[Brink]

Hello Raloop,

Nope. No contradiction in terms.

While you are still technically creating a bootable DVD/USB, you can still only be able to do a repair install from within Windows and not at boot.

I've added to that statement to help make it more clear and avoid any confusion though. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

 

[raloop]

But as there are two options. Upgrade and Custom. Both there when booting off my USB that was taken from DVD. What does Upgrade do then?

would upgrade try to start windows, and then fail if it can't?

 

[Brink]

A repair install is the same as an in-place upgrade. This can only be done from within Windows and not at boot.

You can give it a try using "Upgrade" at boot, but it'll most likely fail.

 

[raloop]

yep, confirmed. One cannot do a repair install from booting off a Windows 7 disc Sp1 or otherwise. In case it's of interest to anybody, i've included the message it gives!

Clicked Upgrade(I tried it), from booting from Disc/iso and it said

"The computer started using the Windows installation disc. Remove the installation disc and restart your computer so that Windows starts normally. then, insert the installation disc and restart the upgrade. (Do not select "Custom(advanced)" to perform an upgrade. "Custom(advanced)" installs a new copy of Windows and deletes your programs and settings.)"

 

[Brink]

Thank you for double checking and confirming Raloop.

 

[TONPumper]

I ran this fix and now my computer is slow to boot. Some of the programs that should run at startup do not run. Any suggestions?

 

[Brink]

Hello TONPumper,

Looks like the repair install was unable to help with your issue. You might consider backing up anything that you do not want to lose, and reinstall Windows to have nice fresh install again.

 

[TONPumper]

It's weird that the fix would do that though. Doesn't it just reinstall Windows?

 

[Brink]

It really depends on what the issue was before doing the repair install. Sometimes the issue may be beyond being fixed by doing a repair install.

A repair install is an in-place upgrade install that basically just upgrades the current OS to the same edition. It's not the same as a clean install.