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

 

[Jonathan_King]

You can borrow one from a friend, as long as it's the same version (32 or 64-bit). If teh editions are different (home, pro, ultimate), delete the ei.cfg file from the sources folder.

 

[AnotherBrick]

none of my friends are running 7. i cant do this like through Microsoft's website or anything?

 

[Jonathan_King]

none of my friends are running 7. i cant do this like through Microsoft's website or anything?

You could call MS and have them ship you a DVD for a small charge, I believe. Or you can contact your computer manufacturer and see if you can work something out.

What issues are you experiencing? Try creating a new thread in the appropriate section of this forum, and we'll see if we can work out a different solution, that doesn't involve the installation disc.

 

[AnotherBrick]

actually i just found the discs, its an error with updates, which doesnt let me connect to the internet (i've searched around for hours and this is the only solution people have said works) and here's a real dumb question...do i put in the "windows 7 home premium upgrade media" disc, or the "hp upgrade manager" disc and that one says insert this disc first. sorry for the dumb question haha

 

[bballuk]

ve tried Repair/Update Windows 7 twice now one as my account and one as admin and both times about half way in it comes up with this error message.

Windows Installation Cannot Continue Because a Required Driver Could Not Be Installed.

then when you click OK button it just sends you back to desktop. I dont know what to try next.

I hope someone who created this topic or helped out would know a way around it or a reason way i cant really even search as theres not error code just a message box with that text above displayed in it.

 

[Brink]

Hello Balluk, and welcome to Seven Forums.

It's possible that the installation disc may be bad if it's a burned copy and not a original one.

Check to make sure that you have all drivers installed, and that everything is running ok in Device Manager (devmgmt.msc) without any exclamation marks showing for anything listed.

Be sure that you have all external devices, except keyboard, mouse, and monitor(s), disconnected before attempting installaton.

If this still does not help, then you might consider a Custom install instead. This way you will have a clean reinstall with a copy of all your current installation files in a C:\Windows.old folder. You can copy the files that you wish to keep from the Windows.old folder back into your new installation.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[bballuk]

The disc i have is off a mate and its not on a retail disc.

Ive checked devmgmt.msc and everything is ok. If a custom install will save all the old files on my pc i might do that then because i was just going to format and start new but i have a few questions if you dont mind about Custom Install.

• Do i have to reinstall all my programs again
• Will i have to add all my gadets and personal themes again
• In this Windows.Old folder will it back up all video, images and every kind of .rar etc
• Once ive done a custom install and move all old stuff back how can i remove this Windows.Old folder without problems

thanks for all the help.

 

[Brink]

You're welcome Balluk.

Yes, unfortunately you will need to reinstall your programs, gadgets, and drivers again with a custom install as well. It's the same as a clean install, but with just a copy of the previous OS files. The Windows.old folder is good to copy back your videos, images, .rar files, and say files like in your user folders to the new installation.

 

[bballuk]

thanks for the quick reply i will have to do that then when i have some spare time in the next couple of days.

thank again Brink

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome. Please let us know how it went.

 

[Lilithv2]

Hi guys, i'm new

I've a question for you: I've the autoplay on but when i follow the first or second step of tut, to me don't appear the screen on the step 4, but this:

And so i cannot go to the next step

Someone can help me please?

Of course, i'm logged by administrator! My version is x64

 

[Jonathan_King]

Hi guys, i'm new

I've a question for you: I've the autoplay on but when i follow the first or second step of tut, to me don't appear the screen on the step 4, but this: http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/6615/42353810.jpg

And so i cannot go to the next step

Someone can help me please?

Of course, i'm logged by administrator! My version is x64

If you're sure you selected "Upgrade" instead of Custom install, go ahead and select the C partition to install on.

 

[Brink]

Hello Lilith, and welcome to Seven Forums.

It looks like you may have clicked on Custom instead of Upgrade at step 9 instead. What type (retail full or upgrade) of Windows 7 installation disc do you have?

 

[Lilithv2]

Hello guys thanks for the welcome!

Mmm the problem is that i don't have clicked on nothing.. I only click to 'Setup.exe' by autoplay or from windows explorer and windows open that new install

I don't see the step 4!

Anyway i think to have a retail tweaked by vlite..

 

[Brink]

Ah, having it slipstreamed by vlite would be why then. It just depends on how it was slipstreamed on how it will install as either clean or upgrade. I would recommend to backup anything that you do no want to lose in case it's clean.

 

[Lilithv2]

Uhm sorry but my first language isn't english.. What is the mean for 'slipstream'?

This problem is because i've tweaked too much the os by vlite?

 

[Brink]

Lilith,

Slipstream is just the process of modifying and burning the OS using a program like vlite. Yeah, I would say that the slipstreamed OS was tweaked to much and will not be able to do a repair install. It seems it's only capable of a clean install instead.

 

[bballuk]

Hi again all,

Ive just done a Custom Install and re-installed and transfered all my stuff back over to main drive now and everything seems to be running ok and windows updates ok now.

I would just like to say thanks again and if i come aross any more problem this is the frst place im going to look for a fix.

 

[Brink]

That's great news Balluk. Thank you for posting back with your results.

 

[Lilithv2]

Hi again all,

Ive just done a Custom Install and re-installed and transfered all my stuff back over to main drive now and everything seems to be running ok and windows updates ok now.

I would just like to say thanks again and if i come aross any more problem this is the frst place im going to look for a fix.

Uh! Thank you for the explaination

Anyway i've found a mine old backup now i'm to the last step of upgrade

Thanks to all!