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

 

[tgcws]

Hello Edster,

Thank you. What did it do to you with iTunes still installed?

Hey Brink, basically it just gave an error about iTunes, suggesting to deactivate iTunes account or to uninstall, and it would terminate the repair install.

I did receive more information about this:

Upgrading Windows will affect the following devices and/or programs:

These programs might not work properly after the upgrade. We recommend uninstalling these programs before upgrading. Cancel the upgrade, open Control Panel, and search for "uninstall a program". (Note: Programs marked as * can be safely reinstalled after the upgrade.)
iTunes (Please deauthorize computer prior to upgrade)

Did you have the latest version of itunes. A new version just came out within the past week. I just updated itunes to this version, hopefully it has the fix.

 

[SFwriter]

SFwriter,

Do you have the screen at step 5 to select the Go online to get the latest updates for installation option?

Absolutely. It all functions as explained in the guide. Each step completes until it gets to this screen (first attached image) and it stalls a 0% for many seconds then presents the next screen that (second image) sends me back to square one.

So I get the latest updates (there are none, even on a second enquiry) and try it again, and the cycle repeats... with the odd exception of this third screen (3rd attached image).

But the truth is, nothing ever gets changed. It just cycles endlessly.

Oh, and the ONLY resource file I've hacked is imageres.dll so I could change the intro sound when logging in, which I assume should have no effect on the upgrade.

 

[Brink]

SFwriter,

Modified system files could cause unknown issues. If you are able to, run a sfc /scannow command, then see if you can do the repair install after it finishes and you have restarted the computer.

If not, then you may need to do a custom install instead. This way everything in this installation will be placed in a C:\Windows.old folder in the new clean installation.

 

[SFwriter]

SFwriter,

Modified system files could cause unknown issues. If you are able to, run a sfc /scannow command, then see if you can do the repair install after it finishes and you have restarted the computer.

If not, then you may need to do a custom install instead. This way everything in this installation will be placed in a C:\Windows.old folder in the new clean installation.

This is the answer I was afraid of getting... Losing all my settings and installs. I actually did do the sfc /scannow in an elevated command box and it "repaired" my imageres.dll file before I did this, and it had no effect. I'll do it again just to be sure, but as the Great Psychiatrist once said "Insanity is defined by repeating the same actions over and over again whilst expecting a different result".

I'll edit this and apprise you when done.

Results: Lots of files "repaired"; only irreparable ones in the CBS.log are lots of license.rtf and these four, several times over. I edited the 12,000k file down to 56k by removing the licence.rtf references, so I'll append that .txt file so you can have a look.

dot4prt.inf_loc
ir_end.wav
corperfmonsymbols.ini
msdtcVSp1res.dll.mui

Ran set up again, it did the compatibility (first image) thing again, then it copied the windows files (second image) and then stalled again (third image).

So, does any of this help, or do I have to do the complete re-install?

 

[stevieray]

This is the answer I was afraid of getting... Losing all my settings and installs. I actually did do the sfc /scannow in an elevated command box and it "repaired" my imageres.dll file before I did this, and it had no effect. I'll do it again just to be sure, but as the Great Psychiatrist once said "Insanity is defined by repeating the same actions over and over again whilst expecting a different result".

So, does any of this help, or do I have to do the complete re-install?

If I remember correctly, scf/ scannow will place a brand new copy of a "corrupted" file in the proper folder, but it doesn't remove the original "corrupted" one... for instance, if you modified your system to run custom start orbs, you'll still have the original imageres.dll.old, plus the one you changed to run custom start orbs imageres.dll.old(2), plus a brand new imageres.dll file from the sfc/ scannow. You may be able to avoid running the complete new install by manually removing the old copies of any files that scf/ scannow replaced. Sometimes the multiple copies of a modified file seem to "confuse" Windows.

(Jeez... that was confusing... I hope you can figure out what I am saying..)

 

[SFwriter]

I'll certainly take a peek. Every time I run SFC it says it is replacing corrupted files. Even after I JUST ran it... Maybe it's not replacing anything, just adding new files.

Addenda:

No sign of any folders with the .old added. Seems to be just a single copy of each replacement in the appropriate locations

 

[Brink]

In addition, you can extract the original files from your Windows 7 installation disc to use to replace them with in your current installation.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/42776-extract-files-windows-7-installation-dvd.html

 

[SFwriter]

Since coming to the awareness that SFC says it's replacing files every time I run it, that makes me think that not much is really changing... I guess I'm going to have to do the re-install. At least I'll be able to install hardware and software again. (I hope). I'll let you know what happened.

 

[SFwriter]

Had to do a complete reinstall, but at least it works now. I can install programmes and hardware once again. And the new web-camera that started it all? I plugged it in and it worked without software, as advertised.

 

[Brink]

SFwriter,

I'm happy to hear that you got it all working again. Sorry it took a clean install to do so.

 

[SFwriter]

C'est la vie, I suppose... or is it more "c'est la guerre"? <heheh> In retrospect, I should "sail a boat" and stay out of the Operating System!:roflmao:

In any case, thanks for your insights, folks.

 

[talek]

Hello

I m trying to do a repair install on my windows 7 64bit cause for some reason i cannot even enter windows.
I m getting a bsod error "Stop: 0x000000F4" right after windows welcome logo screen comes up.

So i m trying to do a rpair install but it doesnt let me do so when booting from the DVD. A message appears saying that i have to start windows normally and then choose upgrade from the DVD!

What else can i do now? :huh:

 

[Tews]

You may end up having to do a clean install..

 

[talek]

i know this is the easiest solution.. but it is also the last solution..

 

[desolator4u]

Was directed to this thread earlier today. I followed the steps, but there were a few differences.
I have Win 7 Ultimate, the Upgrade asked me for 12.2 GB free (on a drive i only has 20 GB total ) Anywayz, when it was complete, literally nothing changed, still had my Welcome Screen pic, saved custom themes, every app functioned properly, even some of the default services I disabled weren't re-enabled. I also still had all of my settings, drivers and so on (which, of course, was a good thing)
I did see some improvement, such as less CPU usage, but my main problem wasn't fixed (some DirectX thing)

Glad to know i'll have this option to utilize in the future, but after deleting practically everythig I installed just to do the Upgrade/Repair, I may as well go do another clean installation.
Thanks though.

~Des

 

[freelancer91]

This guide won't work in my case. I can't it because the reason that I need to do a repair install is that none of my USB devices work (ie: I can't log in because of a lack of a keyboard). It doesn't matter what port I use or what device I use, it doesn't work.

I got in this situation because I was having trouble with iTunes not restoring my ipod. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling the USB host controller. Apparently, it didn't reinstall and when I rebooted, I couldn't log in. Safe mode doesn't work either. I have tried a system restore but for some reason I only have one saved and it is after the damage was done. I really don't want to have to reinstall. I have a backup of my files, but I just hate doing through the process of installing all of my programs. If I insert the Windows 7 DVD and boot from it, the mouse and keyboard work. Can I do a repair install by booting from the disk or do I have to be logged in?

 

[Jonathan_King]

This guide won't work in my case. I can't it because the reason that I need to do a repair install is that none of my USB devices work (ie: I can't log in because of a lack of a keyboard). It doesn't matter what port I use or what device I use, it doesn't work.

I got in this situation because I was having trouble with iTunes not restoring my ipod. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling the USB host controller. Apparently, it didn't reinstall and when I rebooted, I couldn't log in. Safe mode doesn't work either. I have tried a system restore but for some reason I only have one saved and it is after the damage was done. I really don't want to have to reinstall. I have a backup of my files, but I just hate doing through the process of installing all of my programs. If I insert the Windows 7 DVD and boot from it, the mouse and keyboard work. Can I do a repair install by booting from the disk or do I have to be logged in?

You will need to be logged in to Windows to do a repair install.

 

[freelancer91]

Is there any way I can load the driver from the Windows 7 DVD?

 

[Jonathan_King]

There is no driver. You are simply upgrading your current installation, which requires Windows to be running.

 

[n00bs]

Excuse me... I've got little problem when trying ti repair or upgrade the win 7
It always said that the windows cannot upgrade from 32 to 64 or the opposite
Even though i using the 64 and want to upgrade to 64 again
How to solve this problem?