Win 7 Repair Issues USB

[JackNaylorPE]

Power Outage today took out my Main Workstation which is where all our data files are stored for lappie and other PC. No biggie to access the data as i can just yank the drives and use from another computer, but want to get box back up and running ASAP.



After booting, could get into windows but no networking no sound and other problems. Lotta things non functional , even Disk Manager, Seatools doesn't run, Samsung Magician will run after giving a WMI error message.


On cold boot, it does ask you to choose an Operating System (Windows 7 only option) while booting. Used F8 to try the repair option but it wont while both KB and Mouse are functional (added 2nd KB too) up to that point, as soon as the "loading windows files" bar finished the file loading all KB and mouse devices shut down(lights out) and system won't take KB / Mouse input.


Started looking here in 7F and found this thread:


https://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/413791-how-make-bootable-uefi-system-repair-usb.html


Went looking for the 64 bit 64 bit 17514x64-v6.iso file but no longer there. I did do the original install by making a boot USB with Rufus. Kept the USB too .... but wifie replaced the files . Relevant info...



Existing Volumes:


C: C-Boot SSD1
D: D-SSD2
E: E-Office Backups (SSHD)

F: Has 4 Volumes QRST (SSHD)



So with all that info out out of the way....



1. Any suggestions on what options I might try before resorting to USB repair ? (yes I tried alternate KBs and ports on back).


2. Done a lot of installs using USB, never a repair USB ... any warnings ?



Asus Maximus VI Formula Z87 MoBo

 

[Paul Black]

Hi JackNaylorPE,

Went looking for the 64 bit 64 bit 17514x64-v6.iso file but no longer there. I did do the original install by making a boot USB with Rufus. Kept the USB too .... but wifie replaced the files . Relevant info...

NOTE: The light blue text below are links to the relevant websites and programs, just click them!

Firstly, your OS version is omitted from your specifications!

Update System Specifications

Please update your system specifications in your UserCP > Edit System Spec setup. It will help us to help you!

This SevenForums tutorial [Published by Brink and written by CyberZeus] makes this task very easy and quick to do. Click here => System Info - See Your System Specs.

Thanks.

Windows 7 SP1 ISO

You can download the latest and last Windows [Final] > Windows 7 SP1 [build 7601] > Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 ISO [build 6.1.7601 - July 2009] file from TechBench [make sure you select the correct language and bit type]. It is recommended that you download the Win 7 Ultimate SP1 ISO because all versions of Win 7 can be made available from it. This is achieved by creating a folder on the desktop and then unzipping the ISO into it using 7-Zip, and then delete the ei.cfg file in the sources folder. Alternatively, you can run the eicfg_removal_utility against the downloaded ISO. If the version of Windows you are installing is Windows 7 SP1 Ultimate, then there is NO need to remove the ei.cfg file as instructed above.

Then use Rufus to create a bootable USB.

2. Done a lot of installs using USB, never a repair USB ... any warnings?

Repair Install

A repair install differs from a clean install in the fact that it ONLY replaces the corrupted OS with a new fresh copy. This means that ALL your User Accounts, Folders, Files, Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, Data Files, Icons, and any installed programs are left intact. It does however, delete ALL the Window updates, and can affect, sounds, services, visual effect settings and device drivers by re-setting them to default. You cannot do a repair install at boot, in Safe Mode, using a system repair disk, or using an integrated Windows update disk. Basically, this process can ONLY be performed from within the LIVE OS.

IMPORTANT: You must have more than the currently used HDD space available BEFORE you start. This is because during the repair install process, a C:\Windows.old backup folder gets created which is a FULL copy of the current version.

NOTE: This backup folder can either be used to restore the OS back to the pre-repair install version, or to restore individual files etc that weren’t properly copied. Once you are happy, you can delete this folder.

SUGGESTION: It is advisable that you run an Extended Disk Cleanup [with ALL the options checked] BEFORE you start the repair installation. This gets rid of all the superfluous files and will reduce the size, the install processing time, and the size of the C:\Windows.old backup folder.

You will need your Product Key for the version of Windows that you are re-installing. This is the ONLY version that you will be able to activate. On a laptop, it will either be on a sticker on the bottom, or in the battery compartment. If the sticker is too worn to read, or there isn't one, then you can retrieve it by either using Belarc Advisor or Magic Jelly Bean. Write this Product Key down and keep it in a safe place.

To begin the repair install, go to the extracted ISO folder on the desktop and click Run setup.exe. The process is the same as if you were doing a clean install, with the exception of when you get to the Which type of installation do you want screen, you MUST click Upgrade.

You now need to get Windows updated, because ALL the Windows updates were deleted through the repair install process. There are at present, over 240 updates. Now rather than letting M$ Windows update update your OS, which involves many hours of downloading, installing and re-booting, you can use DISM++ [see below] to do it all for you. DISM++ is discussed and explained here => Update your Win 7 installation media.

DISM++ [Deployment Image Servicing and Management]

DISM++ Direct download [zip] => DISM++.
DISM++ Website [you will need to translate the page] => DISM++ | New Windows Utility.

DISM++: DISM++ is a FREE implementation tool that has the ability to perform Windows Update [WU]. Some of the advantages [but not all] are:

[1] The GUI is very easy to understand and use.
[2] It is much faster than M$’s WU because it uses a different engine.
[3] It downloads the latest WU DB from the M$ servers, scans your OS, and then lists the updates available.
[4] It doesn’t install superseded updates like M$ does.
[5] It gives you the option of what you want to install.
[6] The pre-ticked updates are what is recommended and are similar to the WU critical and recommended updates. The un-ticked updates are similar to the WU optional updates.
[7] It warns you if an update:

• Includes telemetry.
• Has known issues with certain hardware.
• Needs exclusive access.
• Is suspect.
• Your OS doesn't need it.
• Has any other known issues.

[8] It doesn’t require re-booting between updates.
[9] It can be used to either update an install.wim image OFFLINE, or to update the LIVE OS.

If you decide to use DISM++, then it is best to run the DISM++ Windows updates a couple of times to make sure you get ALL the updates that are needed. DON’T install the ORANGE updates though [see numbers [6] and [7] above]. It can also install the required .NET Framework updates. Then just run WU to see what other updates are available, if any.

IMPORTANT: Although a repair installation leaves ALL your User Accounts, Folders, Files, Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, Data Files, Icons, and any installed programs intact, it is still strongly advised that you backup ALL your essential files [excluding installed programs of course because these have registry entries and other data including product keys etc] to an external HDD or USB BEFORE you start in case of any unforeseen problems. You should also make a system image as a secondary precaution. This way, if things go wrong in the future, you will be able to restore your OS back to the exact same state that it is now in a very short time. There are two imaging programs which are very popular among members here, the first is AOMEI Backupper Standard [FREE], and the second is Macrium Reflect [FREE].

IMPORTANT: REMOVE any connected drives BEFORE you start.

SUGGESTION: Once you have your OS updated and running the way you like it, make a system image. This way, if things go wrong in the future, you will be able to restore your OS back to the exact same state that it is now in a very short time. There are two imaging programs which are very popular among members here, the first is AOMEI Backupper Standard [FREE], and the second is Macrium Reflect [FREE].

I hope this helps!

 

[iko22]

Hello

Power Outage today took out my Main Workstation which is where all our data files are stored for lappie and other PC. No biggie to access the data as i can just yank the drives and use from another computer, but want to get box back up and running ASAP.
...
Asus Maximus VI Formula Z87 MoBo

You should run CHKDSK and SFC/SCANNOW before attempting a System Repair.

If neither of these cure your issue, then download a Windows 7 ISO, as suggested by Paul Black, to create your System Repair USB.

On cold boot, it does ask you to choose an Operating System (Windows 7 only option) while booting.

Has your computer ever set up for dual booting?

 

[SIW2]

17514x86.iso

17514x64-v9.iso

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Guys.


First to address the comments ....

1. OS is in the title, so didn't repeat -Win 7 (pro BTW)

2. Didn't see as CPU / DVD etc as relevant.... have all that stuff handy

1 Case - Phanteks Enthoo Primo Ultimate Chassis

2 PSU - Seasonic X-1250

3 MoBo - Asus Maximus VI Formula

4 CPU - Intel 4770k

5 RAM - (2 x 8GB) Muskin CAS 10 DDR3-2400

6 SSD - 2 x SAMSUNG 840 Pro Series MZ-7PD256BW 2.5" 256GB

7 Hard Drive - 2 x Seagate ST2000DX001 2TB MLC/8GB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s NCQ 3.5" Desktop Solid State Hybrid Drive

8a Primary GFX Card - Asus GTX 780 DCII 8b Seconary GFX Card - Asus GTX 780 DCII

9 USB Drive - Mushkin Ventura Pro 64GB Flash Drive

10 Optical - Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS

11 Monitor - ASUS VG248QE Black 23" 144 Hz Monitor

12 Keyboard - Logitech G19s 920-004985

13 Mouse - ASUS Republic of Gamers GX950 Laser Mouse

14 Speakers - Logitech Z5500

15 Top Rad Push Fans - PH-F140SP_BK_BLED

16 Top Rad Pull Fans - PH-F140SP_BK 17 Bottom Rad Fans - PH-F140SP_BK 18 OS - Windows 7 64 Bit Professional OEM


3. Wifie did delete the files, but somehow the line in original post where I mentioned that I made a new Bootable USB w/ Rufus latest version got lost whenI was editing out duplicate info, sorry about that... but that's done. Build lotta boxes here, and do clean installs on wife and kids boxes every Xmas holiday so it's kinda routine. If wife sees "Free" she clicks on it and like the kids with all their game trading, they were beat up and slow after a year. Usually I just do the DVD method for them.

4. Yes the difference between clean (wipe and install) and repair is well understood.... The procedure on repair is somewhat new as only time have done was at boot where the option was given and (no DVD / USB required). Been building PCs since early 90s but just never done the repair route except as above. Was considering it here as it's the SOHO server (small office / home). My oldest is a pilot and he has tons of airport data in his user files for FlightSim.... it was too big to allow a repair so I copied his folder to SSHD, hopefully can paste it back in ..... now 106 GB used / 132 GB available after moving his to SSHD.

5. Usually our boot drives contain ONLY the OS, this time I also installed utilities, drivers and programs in this one box .... no data no pics, no nothing.... all data is on QRST and backed up to E.

6. I do an extended cleanup on a monthly basis. Running Dick Cleanup w/ all options checked to remove log files, install logs, dump files, temp files, recycle bin service pack files, error reporting and everything else ... also ran chkdsk and scan now and system. Also clean registry monthly. Box was never set up for dual booting in the at least in normal sense. I installed OS once to SSD1 and repeated the install to SSD2 and would boot to either via BIOS. Think I will go back. Got tired of keeping both updated.

7. Yes, I had to put in the license key before downloading ISO from MS site. I keep electronic copies of the Belarc Reports for every PC we ever built so as to have access to all Software Licenses and hardware from any box.

8. I used to use Shadow Protect Desktop but got out of the habit of using it when it became just as easy to have a 2nd install on SSD2, just boot to other SSD and all was right w/ the worlds .... but that got to be a pain , keeping both updated.

9. If I am understanding the your recommendation correctly, I have added a few steps to normal install routine to do a repair ....

Option 1 Repair .....

a) Use Rufus to create bootable USB. (done)
https://i.imgur.com/rxHJpOC.jpg
https://imgur.com/Cso8O34

b) Unplug all other DATA cables to SSD2 and both SSHDs for, leaving only OS SSD1 drive plugged in

c) Set BIOS to boot from USB

d) Initiating setup.exe will offer a repair option which will install new OS to SSD1 putting all the old stuff in widows.old folder and created a new "live windows install" on the desktop whose OS had been corrupted ?

e) One thing I found confusing....

"To begin the repair install, go to the extracted ISO folder on the desktop and click"

The extracted ISO folder is on the USB stick .... the unextracted copy is on my lappie. Am I copying the USB stick to a new folder and running it from there ?

f) Reinstall all drivers, disable WUs ability to install Hardware drivers and run Windows Update 27 times. Question: Does DSMM++ allow the ability disable installation o hardware drivers.

g) If issues with any programs, do repair installation on all programs or install over themselves if not fully functional.

Option 2 ... clean install ... what I'm used to

After some thought, thinking that clean install may be better option due to the extent of corruption ... I have copied over the entire existing SSD to the SSHD so have ll the

-User Folders.... as in C:\Users\JackN, C:\Users\JackN, C:\Users\JoeBlow
-Program Files
-Program Files(86)
-Program Data
-AppData

When upgrading to a new box... in the old days, we never had anything actually on the OS Partition except OS... for this reason.... This time since had the space, installed programs to the same drive as OS (256 GB SSD).

After installing the OS on new Box, we would create a separate Programs Partition. Then for example would copy each Program Folder from on box to the other which preserved all my custom settings. Then, would just install from original media over themselves to set up registry.

To provide for a cleaner install, I'm thinking might be better served by just doing a clean install since I lost so much functionality .... GFX card, sound and other drivers .... can't even eject USB drive ... and it might be messy.

As I said I had good success in past many times over copying D:\Autodesk\AutoCAD2018 folder from one box to another and doing repair install over it. I have also had good success installing FireFox, created a user named JoeBlow and then copying the C:Users\JoeBlow\AppData ... Firefox\Profiles folder over. What I don't know

Safe to assume anything I might need will be in those folders or anything else should grab that might not come over on a C drive copy / paste ? The copy / paste window says its a lot smaller than what C takes up

Option 2 Clean Install .....

a) Use Rufus to create bootable USB. (done)
https://i.imgur.com/rxHJpOC.jpg
https://imgur.com/Cso8O34

b) Unplug all other DATA cables to SSD2 and both SSHDs for, leaving only OS SSD1 drive plugged in

c) Set BIOS to boot from USB

d) Install Windows on freshly formatted SSD

e) Reinstall all drivers, disable WUs ability to install Hardware drivers and run Windows Update 27 times. Question: Does DSMM++ allow the ability disable installation of hardware drivers.

f) Copy Program Folders user data and anything else needed over manually from copy of C drive.


PS.... any idea why forum is triple spacing my posts ? I leave 1 space, it creates 2 more.