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

 

[RushDP]

I'll wait since the thought of a clean install isn't really that appealing. However it has been over four hours since the Transferring of files... has begun so I find it hard to believe it isn't caught up in some sort of loop. Regardless, I'll wait it out.
Thanks for the input...I'll let the forum know what happens in the event somebody has a similar problem.

 

[Brink]

Rush,

I agree. It sounds like it is stuck in some sort of loop. 4 hours is way to long for this.

 

[RushDP]

any way of exiting the installation with some sort of hope of returning to the original state it was in? That would be pretty comfortable!

 

[RushDP]

Well I seem to be caught in a loop where the computer starts windows, then setup begins and immediately goes to a screen saying "windows installation cannot proceed" To install windows I must restart the computer and the cycle begins again.
I can go to Windows Setup Rollback but it only restarts and goes back to the Windows Boot Manager.
I have the option of booting from CD or DVD but am not sure about that.
Please help if you can.

 

[Brink]

Rush,

It appears that you may not be able to do a repair install.

After doing the "Windows Setup Rollback", do a Custom install of Windows 7 instead. This will be the same as a clean install, but will place all of your current installation files into a C:\Windows.old folder in the new installation. This way you will be able to copy any of your old files from within the C:\Windows.old folder back and not lose them. However, you will still need to reinstall all of your drivers and programs.

 

[swenetta]

Reply to theog and stevieray

To theog = I HAVE reinstalled the drivers - everytime I replug one of the devices in it tries to reinstall - can't.
I have check all my drivers against 'driveragent.com' - all are up to date.

To stevieray = yes, I disconnected the physical drives than ran the 'update'.

 

[stevieray]

To theog = I HAVE reinstalled the drivers - everytime I replug one of the devices in it tries to reinstall - can't.
I have check all my drivers against 'driveragent.com' - all are up to date.

To stevieray = yes, I disconnected the physical drives than ran the 'update'.

Hmmm... perhaps you could go to "device manager" and manually remove the external disc drive drivers. The repair install might then run as if those drives were never there.

 

[RushDP]

Rush,

It appears that you may not be able to do a repair install.

After doing the "Windows Setup Rollback", do a Custom install of Windows 7 instead. This will be the same as a clean install, but will place all of your current installation files into a C:\Windows.old folder in the new installation. This way you will be able to copy any of your old files from within the C:\Windows.old folder back and not lose them. However, you will still need to reinstall all of your drivers and programs.

I've tried every possible means of rolling back and it just starts over and over again. Even basic safe mode doesn't work. I think whatever happened is terminal. I may have to pull the drive and extract the info i need and then do a clean install and reinstall all my programs and drivers. Will I be cutting out all the HP stuff that came with my computer by doing this? If so where do i get the drivers i need? From HP or the manufacturer of the device?
Thanks again for the tutorial, it was worth a try but my problem seems to have been bigger than a repair install could fix.

 

[Brink]

Rush,

If you do a clean install without using the "HP factory restore" disc or partition, then yes you will lose all of the included HP stuff, programs, and drivers that HP had preinstalled.

You would get drivers for your HP computer at the HP website below, and you can get driver downloads for each of the other devices you connect/install to your computer at the device manufacturer's website.

For 32-bit Windows 7 HP g60 230us Notebook drivers:
Software & Driver Downloads HP G60-230US Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)


For 64-bit Windows 7 HP g60 230us Notebook drivers:
Software & Driver Downloads HP G60-230US Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

 

[RushDP]

Thanks for that Shawn. I'll get them from HP as you suggest that way they'll be grouped together and I'll avoid having to look for them. One less thing to do!
One last question; if the disc I am using was an upgrade from Vista to 7 it will still include a full version so i can do a clean install correct? I read somewhere on this forum that an upgrade disc includes the full version since i do get the custom install option when i do the upgrade. I just want to be sure since I am now going into something I've never done before!

 

[Brink]

Correct, you can do a clean install with a upgrade Windows 7 installation disc.

 

[NuttySquirrel]

I hope this hasn't already been asked...but...in Windows XP, if you weren't able to boot into the OS, you were able to reinstall an XP installation from the recovery console.

I see an option to do a Startup Repair, but can you reinstall a Windows 7 installation from the repair disc?

Thanks!

 

[Jonathan_King]

Not the repair disc, but if you have an installation disc, you can do a repair install or clean install.

From the repair disc, you can do a startup repair, open a command prompt, do a system restore, and restore from a system image.

 

[NuttySquirrel]

Thanks! So basically I would put in the installation disc and get to the point where I can click 'Install Now' (as shown in Method Two Step 4 of the http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/668-system-recovery-options.html tutorial), and there will be an option to either clean install or reinstall?

 

[Jonathan_King]

A clean install is another name for a reinstall.

Here on SF, we use the terms clean install and custom install separately. They are the same thing, except in a clean install, you format the disk before installing. A custom install backs up your user data to a Windows.old folder, but does not save programs.

There is also an in-place upgrade. When you do an in-place upgrade while in Windows 7 already, it is referred to as a repair install. It keeps all your programs and data intact, while replacing system files. An in-place upgrade can also be done from Vista.

If you cannot get into Windows to run the installer, you cannot do a repair install. You are left with the option of doing a complete reinstall, meaning either a custom or clean install.

See these tutorials so you feel confident enough to go ahead:

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

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/20146-custom-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[NuttySquirrel]

Sorry for mixing up the lingo - I am talking about a repair install. You answered my question though, looks like I cannot do a repair install if I can't get into Windows. Which is weird considering you could in XP. What's up with that Microsoft...

 

[RushDP]

Rush,

If you do a clean install without using the "HP factory restore" disc or partition, then yes you will lose all of the included HP stuff, programs, and drivers that HP had preinstalled.

You would get drivers for your HP computer at the HP website below, and you can get driver downloads for each of the other devices you connect/install to your computer at the device manufacturer's website.

For 32-bit Windows 7 HP g60 230us Notebook drivers:
Software & Driver Downloads HP G60-230US Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)


For 64-bit Windows 7 HP g60 230us Notebook drivers:
Software & Driver Downloads HP G60-230US Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Brink,
I retrieved all my data from my C Drive and then followed the tutorial on a Clean Install with my upgrade disc...being careful to activate manually...and installed on a newly formatted drive. I then installed the drivers from the list provided by you and followed up with my programs. The bonus is that all the HP stuff loaded on my computer is gone!
I'm up and running, faster and leaner than ever!!
Thanks for all the help on the forums from all those that contribute. Good to know there is support out there...God knows the manufacturers don't help!!

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome Rush. I'm happy to hear that you are up and running.

 

[swenetta]

Success At Last.

Too all those that offered their 'opinion(s)' = Thanks.

It was a combination of them that led to success.

But I have a suggestion to include in 'Step 1: Open msconfig, and disable ALL NON MS applications (both under services and startup) AND to disconnect ALL peripheral - except keyboard, mouse and WEB Connection' of course.

I also have a suggesstion to all in this forum: 'When someone posts a problem, do not assume that they are 'novices'! I for one, probably have more years of working on computers than most of you have been on this earth - started as an operator in 1965, became a cobol programmer in 1969, a LAN Administrator to over 300 users in 1991. However, I just started working with WINDOWS 7 - in March of 2010!!!! For those of you that knew XP and earlier, there was very little change to the user interface over the years. WINDOWS 7 on the other hand, was completly changed.'

So don't assume you are working with 'the nuts that call the help desk'. Ask me questions about XP - I could probably answer as quickly as others on this forum.

Again,

Thanks for all that offered their 'input' and hopefully others learned from this thread.

 

[AlexGP]

My question is: do I have to reinstall all my applications after doing a repair Install? (some of my apps are installed on c: drive, but most of them are installed on d
If I must reinstall them, which of them must I reinstall (the ones on c:, or d: or BOTH)?