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]

Hey! So I am looking to do a repair install however my issue is that my current Windows is SP1 but the installation disk I have is not SP1. It is probably a simple solution but how would I go about resolving this issue?
Cheers,
Michael

Hello Michael, and welcome to Seven Forums.

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

 

[MikalShmikal]

Hello Michael, and welcome to Seven Forums.

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

First of all thanks for the quick response! Now I went to the link but I am getting a validation error with my product key. The retail product key I have is for a Windows 7 Upgrade (Family pack x3). Would the fact it's an upgrade be causing a problem?

Cheers,
Michael

 

[Brink]

It's most likely because the key is for 3x family pack instead of a normal retail key.

 

[MikalShmikal]

It's most likely because the key is for 3x family pack instead of a normal retail key.

Hmmm that's a shame.. Would it be best then to uninstall SP1 and then run the repair install?

 

[Lewisshaw]

Hello Lewis, and welcome to Seven Forums.

If you are using some sort of custom installation media that includes both 32-bit and 64-bit versions on it, then that would be the issue. The installation media can only be either or to be able to use it for a repair install.

So I used a disk with just x64 and it worked fine, thanks for the help man!

 

[Brink]

It's most likely because the key is for 3x family pack instead of a normal retail key.

Hmmm that's a shame.. Would it be best then to uninstall SP1 and then run the repair install?

No. It wouldn't make any difference.

 

[Brink]

Hello Lewis, and welcome to Seven Forums.

If you are using some sort of custom installation media that includes both 32-bit and 64-bit versions on it, then that would be the issue. The installation media can only be either or to be able to use it for a repair install.

So I used a disk with just x64 and it worked fine, thanks for the help man!

Great news.

 

[mnemonick]

OEM Ult 7 64bit

Ok here is what bothers me. I have been trying to do this for days. I have SEVERAL OEM 64bit Win 7 ult DVDs. None work, saying they are older than the one I am installing. Now here is the real bitch.

I have seen this happen 2 times but as they were doing it I did NOT take notes, or really pay attention.

Microsoft paid technical support CAN and HAS done a repair install of a PC via REMOTE! First time I watched it happen and had no clue what they were doing till it was done. But they were able to do it WITHOUT any media at all! I am not sure what they did to cause the end results were exactly what's described in this article! (unfortunately the problem had to do with a picture codec program, and the reinstall worked until windows updates were installed, conflicted with the viewer and all hell broke loose again)

But the point was it was awesome! No program re-installs, YAY! Now if they can do it, why cant we, there must be a way.

Every time I do a hardware upgrade, I would like to reset windows so to speak, but without installing the 100s of programs I have. This IS the answer, but now to get it to work with Windows ultimate SP1 OEM with all windows updates installed. I know its possible, I have seen it.

 

[CrzySLAM]

Having issues

We are trying to fix a problem using these steps, but we get several pop ups. One of the issues is the following....

 

[CrzySLAM]

My picture won't post, but it's saying my version is more up to date then the one on my installation disc. It won't let us do anything more because it's in the compatibility section. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Brink]

Hello CrzySLAM, and welcome to Seven Forums.

That error means that you will not be able to do a repair install with that media since your current installation is more up to date than the installation media.

A repair install is basically an inplace upgrade to the same edition. This only works if the installation media is as current or more up to date than the currently installed Windows.

 

[CrzySLAM]

Ok the problem we are experiencing is, we made a repair disc using these steps found at this link....
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html
But the problematic computer doesn't run the disc as a repair disc, the computer sees the disc as a disc filled with JPEG images. How can we fix this?

 

[Brink]

It wouldn't matter. A system repair disc is just to be able to boot to "System Recovery Options", and cannot be used to install Windows, so it can't be used to do a repair install with.

 

[CrzySLAM]

Well aside from these missing DLL files, would it be ok to install Windows 10 on my machine once Windows 10 is released? Would installing the new OS fix these issues or make them worse?

 

[Brink]

Sure you could upgrade to Windows 10 if you like, and shouldn't have these issues anymore.

 

[CrzySLAM]

iso boot/reinstall questions

I have an old system ISO of Windows 7 from last year when my PC was problem free, is there a straightforward guide to boot/reinstall from this ISO on my external HDD?

 

[Brink]

Sure, you could create a bootable DVD or USB from the ISO, and use the tutorial below to do a clean install with it.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[CrzySLAM]

Ok here is our issue, we are having issues trying to download content from the Internet using Chrome. We get this web page https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2898334?p=ui_download_errors&rd=1
The issue we are getting is Virus Scan Failed Message. We went throu all the Microsoft troubleshooting to fix this issue but we can't fix the issue. Would the Clean Install Windows 7 method be the end all best way to solve this issue?? Or is there an easier way of fixing our PC to download files?

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Brink I may be well out of line here but what about using a friends or neighbours installation media - to install 7 with this http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html and use the ie.cfg removal tool as in that tutorial onto a new drive and then transfer whatever data Crazy wants afterwards?
It seems to me the old drive is maybe past it's use by date for a lot of fancy footwork.

 

[Brink]

Hey John,

Sure, he could do that as well as long as it's for the same edition of Windows 7.