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

 

[Myrovanna]

The report says the exact same thing on the picture

 

[Brink]

Myrovanna,

If you have a 3rd party AV or any other security program installed, you will need to disable or uninstall it before doing the repair install since it could cause an error like this. Afterwards, you could enable or reinstall the program.

 

[Myrovanna]

Is there anyway I can do a clean install on bootup because I'm about to smash my computer with a hammer like its not even going to the desktop or letting me logon I'm so frustrated

 

[Brink]

I'm afraid not. A repair install (in-place upgrade) can only be done from within Windows.

You might see if doing a system restore at boot using a restore point (if available) dated before you had this problem may be able to help.

 

[Myrovanna]

Is there anyway I can make a system repair dvd because my computer literally only came with the laptop itself user manual, power supply, and the windows activation and product key #

 

[Brink]

You could boot from the Windows 7 installation DVD/USB created from the ISO file you downloaded to do a system restore with.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html

 

[Vishw4ever]

I seem to be facing a weird problem with my W7 installation. There have been several hangups & BSODs for nearly an year, which mostly were caused due to faulty physical memory(replaced with new ones) & Kaspersky Internet Security(reinstalled).

But of late several windows programs like Media Player, Hibernation/Sleep mode aren't working which is why I decided to Repair Install my Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 installation using an genuine ISO (Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1 U [media refresh] X17-59465) from MS link given in this guide. There was another ISO (Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1 [old] X17-24395) in that page.

Problem is after accepting the license terms, the next window shows "Drive Options"(select partition to install Windows dialog) instead of "Upgrade/Install" window & after selecting the drive "Installing Windows" window appear instead of Upgrading Windows.

Is there any flaw I might have overlooked or did I choose the wrong ISO?

 

[Nisse]

Can repair install be run from safe mode with network. I get a BSOD neither repair or restore points can solve the problem.

 

[Brink]

Hello Nisse, and welcome to Seven Forums.

I'm afraid not. A repair install (in-place upgrade) can only be done from within Windows.

If you like, please follow the instructions at the link below, and post your BSOD details in the BSOD Help and Support forum area to see if we may be able to help with it.

http://www.sevenforums.com/bsod-help-support/96879-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html

 

[Brink]

I seem to be facing a weird problem with my W7 installation. There have been several hangups & BSODs for nearly an year, which mostly were caused due to faulty physical memory(replaced with new ones) & Kaspersky Internet Security(reinstalled).

But of late several windows programs like Media Player, Hibernation/Sleep mode aren't working which is why I decided to Repair Install my Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 installation using an genuine ISO (Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1 U [media refresh] X17-59465) from MS link given in this guide. There was another ISO (Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1 [old] X17-24395) in that page.

Problem is after accepting the license terms, the next window shows "Drive Options"(select partition to install Windows dialog) instead of "Upgrade/Install" window & after selecting the drive "Installing Windows" window appear instead of Upgrading Windows.

Is there any flaw I might have overlooked or did I choose the wrong ISO?

Hello Vish,

The only thing I can think of is that you may have pressed Enter three times real quick by mistake somehow (sticky key??) when accepting the license terms. Once to accept license terms, second for custom install, and third to select the drive to install to.

Did you have a "C:\Windows.old" folder and still have your settings and program after it was finished?

 

[Vishw4ever]

Hello Vish,

The only thing I can think of is that you may have pressed Enter three times real quick by mistake somehow (sticky key??) when accepting the license terms. Once to accept license terms, second for custom install, and third to select the drive to install to.

Did you have a "C:\Windows.old" folder and still have your settings and program after it was finished?

I didn't continue with the installation & cancelled right after it showed "Installing Windows" instead of "Upgrading Windows". I don't think I've pressed enter/clicked next three times. I tried the process again but somehow it ends up expanding files in "Installing Windows" window.

Do you think the ISO file I selected for upgrading my current installation would have caused something like this? Instead of media refresh ISO should I try with Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1 [old] X17-24395?

 

[Brink]

I wouldn't thing so, but you should have had the option to select "Upgrade" or "Custom" regardless if you are doing this from within Windows 7.

 

[dbroach]

Hey Brink. Brand new to the forum, but I read this tutorial as well as some of the posts and questions and it has been very helpful. I will begin using it to repair my Windows 7. Thanks in advance for the help. Quick question first, and I apologize if it has already been asked. My retail disk is Windows 7, but of course I have installed SP1 in a recent update. Do I need to download and create a DVD/USB with SP1 on it, or can I just repair with my installation disk and reinstall SP1 after the fact? Thanks again!

 

[Brink]

Hello dbroach, and welcome to Seven Forums.

I'm afraid that you will need to create a newer Window 7 w/SP1 included installation DVD/USB first to be able to do the repair install with since it needs to be the same as what you currently have installed.

 

[dbroach]

Thanks Brink. I'll do that and let you know how it goes.

 

[dbroach]

So... I created my install DVD (had to use a different machine because the "affected" one doesn't have a DVD burner). Ran setup.exe and got the UAC. Clicked yes. Screens dimmed for a few minutes as if something was about to start running. Nothing ever ran, screens came back bright after a few minutes. I can't run SFC/ SCANNOW because I can't start an elevated command prompt (get same behavior as above). Any ideas?

 

[Brink]

Posted there.

 

[mcmnky]

Repair install from safe mode or DVD boot?

Can the repair install be done without booting in to regular Windows? Running OEM install of Win7 Pro SP1 64-Bit. I have the appropriate ISO burned to DVD.

A recent Windows Update has me in a state where I put in my password, get my background desktop color, but never get more than a cursor on a solid color background.

I can get in to safe mode and boot from disc, but repair doesn't run in either of those modes.

I've tried startup repair, system restore, and uninstalling the recent updates from safe mode, none worked which is why I'm trying the repair install.

Any way to run the repair install without being able to log in to Windows (without safe mode)?

 

[Brink]

Hello McMnky, and welcome to Seven Forums.

I'm sorry, but no. A repair install can only be done from within Windows since it's an in-place upgrade install.

 

[mcmnky]

I'm sorry, but no. A repair install can only be done from within Windows since it's an in-place upgrade install.

Thanks. Looks like there's a clean install in my future. I have all my data backed up, but not a system image.