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

 

[entib]

What do you mean for turn off your a/v?

I am going to repair this Windows 7 because of system sounds not working. I need system sounds.
I would be glad to follow other solutions if available...

 

[Paul Black]

Hi entib,

What do you mean for turn off your a/v?

I think SIW2 suggested doing this because it can interfere and slow down the process.

I hope this helps!

 

[SIW2]

a/v means your antivirus program. Nothing to do with audio/video.

What do you mean for turn off your a/v?

I am going to repair this Windows 7 because of system sounds not working. I need system sounds.
I would be glad to follow other solutions if available...

 

[Snick]

Could have answered entib's questions on his thread! Not a noobie at repair installs!!!! I directed OP to Britec video on repair install to view the process and listen to Brian's explanation! Great video by the way!

No biggie, all is well!

Nic

 

[file3456]

Quick question: I intend on doing a repair install because I noticed Hijackthis said I had missing Windows files. SFC /scannow found no integrity violations. I use a custom GUI and a custom logon wallpaper. Will a repair install revert all that? I'm thinking it will. I know sfc /scannow does.

 

[Snick]

sfc /scannow reverts your custom GUI and custom logon wallpaper?? First I've heard of that happening! Curious, what files is Hijack This reporting missing? I demoed Hijack This once or twice, don't use it, no particular reason.

Have you ever heard of or run SFCFix.exe by Niemiro? Similar to sfc /scannow with several additional functions, similar to some FRST tools. What does SURT tool say?

@F22 Simpilot, I don't believe it will but can't say for sure. I haven't repair installed on machine with custom GUI or logon screen. Repair Install preserves your files, folders, music, video, installed programs, settings, etc., it replaces the OS and produces a backup Windows.old.

Full disk image to external HDD before attempt is always recommended!!

I'd run disk cleanup or preferably Disk Cleanup : Extended - Windows 7 Help Forums with all boxes checked prior to repair install, RI completes quicker and resulting in smaller win.old image.

Might be a good question for Brink, Torchwood or SIW2.

Off subject: What's up with all the extra blank line being added to posts recently?

Nic

 

[file3456]

I use a custom theme that required a theme patcher to overwrite the Windows settings. I have noticed that after running sfc/ scannow everything reverted back since Windows thought (and was right) the files that were replaced were not originals.

I'll check out SFCFix.exe.

I'll look at SURT.

I don't understand the blank line comment.

 

[Snick]

Just started happening a week or so ago, extra blank lines keep being added between paragraphs when I press enter once between paragraphs.

This is an example


This is an example


see the double spacing I didn't do it!


You want System Update Readiness Tool x64!
Nic

 

[file3456]

I don't see that in Pale Moon. But I have noticed as of late that there's like a 5 second pause before the post will post. Something happened in the server I reckon.

 

[iko22]

Just started happening a week or so ago, extra blank lines keep being added between paragraphs when I press enter once between paragraphs.

This is an example


This is an example


see the double spacing I didn't do it!


You want System Update Readiness Tool x64!
Nic

I seen the double spacing issue in Firefox but not Vivaldi. Haven't tested all browsers, but you are not alone in this matter.

 

[Snick]

Thanks for the info F22 Simpilot & iko22, Firefox is my preferred browser, may be a Quantum update issue. I'm on win7x64 HP & haven't been on Win 10 and tried it yet.

 

[Paul Black]

But I have noticed as of late that there's like a 5 second pause before the post will post.

I have also noticed this recently, strange!
The double spacing doesn't appear to affect IE or Chrome.

I hope this helps!

 

[entib]

Could have answered entib's questions on his thread! Not a noobie at repair installs!!!! I directed OP to Britec video on repair install to view the process and listen to Brian's explanation! Great video by the way!

No biggie, all is well!

Nic

I really appreciated your help in my thread and for Brian video.
Here I got the remaining information.

The Repair Install is ongoing... will let you know later the results.

 

[Snick]

No problems here! Good deal, always glad to assist others with computer issues. Hope you have your 25 character product key, because you will need it to activate Windows. If it's an OEM installation, it is most likely on the sticker on your case. If not, I believe you can contact Microsoft via telephone and activate it that way.
Nic

 

[entib]

Hi everyone,
the Repair Install fixed successfully the audio issue. All the software settings have been kept. There is only a minor detail on launching a portable app at the startup. I will able to manage it in some way. Bootmanager sequence is the same than the original. Running a subsequent sfc /scannow shows there are no current violations.

The $INPLACE.~TR, $WINDOWS.~Q, $Windows.~WS folders practically are empty /1.5 MB overall.
There is no Windows.old folder.
Disk Cleanup simply shows 6.00MB temp files and other minor files.
Free space is roughly coherent with previous status.
And... a new backup has been done.

Thank you guys!

 

[Paul Black]

The Repair Install fixed successfully the audio issue. All the software settings have been kept. There is only a minor detail on launching a portable app at the startup. I will able to manage it in some way. Bootmanager sequence is the same than the original. Running a subsequent sfc /scannow shows there are no current violations.

 

[entib]

[...] Bootmanager sequence is the same than the original. [...]

I have just discovered that it's not the case. Not sure why it changed.

Here is the current situation according the EasyBCD:
Versione precedente di Windows (i.e. Previous Windows version)
Windows 7 (default)
Windows XP

 

[entib]

May I delete the Entry 1?



Only Windows 7 and XP actualy exist.

 

[Snick]

To the best of my understanding that is Windows.old. I believe you can delete that entry, and add it again if you wish.
What does Windows Disk Management say?
What is the issue with portable app? Error Code?

Nic

 

[entib]

There is no Windows.old folder in C:\
Only folders are: $INPLACE.~TR, $WINDOWS.~, $Windows.~WS that actually uses 1.5 MB.
What should I look in Windows Disk Management? there is nothing new in partitions. (Only thing I know there is something screwed for years but that's another matter).

What portable app? I am not sure what you are referring to: this is not a matter of any error code; there is no error code. Issue is about how to manage the new entry in Boot.ini and that \ntldr (as shown in the screenshot). Thank you.