Repair Install

entib · 20 Aug 2018

Hi Brink,
Thanks for your help and clarifications.

That part of the warning is just to let you know that you can use a retail ISO to repair install an OEM installation since you can't use OEM factory recovery media to repair install.

and

"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."

So my MSDN ISO/ DVD is equivalent of a Retail DVD in my scenario and can I use it for repair my OEM?

Brink · 20 Aug 2018

Correct, it's the same as a retail version and can be used as long as it's the same language, edition, and version or higher as what you currently have installed.

entib · 20 Aug 2018

"same version or higher"?
How a Microsoft ISO or DVD (5/6 years old) can be the same version or higher than a current, installed up-to-date Windows 7 x64 SP1 (6.1.7600600385)?
It would be surely older than that current release...

It can only be same version or lower.

Brink · 20 Aug 2018

That's the potential issue with an older OS.

It won't hurt to try the repair install since it will only fail and revert back if not successful.

entib · 20 Aug 2018

Ok clear.
Another question, please.
Currently the HD where Windows 7 x64 SP1 Ultimate is installed also includes another partition with Windows XP.
So booting the PC, there is the Boot Manager showing for a few seconds:
Windows 7
Windows XP

Usually I simply press enter when the Windows 7 is selected or after a few seconds automatically Windows 7 starts.

Will this Boot Manager setting be an issue for this Windows Reinstall on place?

SIW2 · 20 Aug 2018

Up to date version is currently 7601.24168

7601 is the build. You will have difficulty getting 7600 ( non SP1) media to perform repair install.

24168 is the service build. That doesn't seem to cause any problems for repair install.

entib said:

"same version or higher"?
How a Microsoft ISO or DVD (5/6 years old) can be the same version or higher than a current, installed up-to-date Windows 7 x64 SP1 (6.1.7600600385)?
It would be surely older than that current release...

It can only be same version or lower.

entib · 20 Aug 2018

Hi SIW2,

What do you mean for:
7601 is the build. You will have difficulty getting 7600 ( non SP1) media to perform repair install. ?

Using the Winver command I am getting:
Version 6.1 (Build 7601: Service Pack 1)

My ISO /DVS actually includes the SP1 so I am not sure about your post.

SIW2 · 20 Aug 2018

Using the Winver command I am getting:
Version 6.1 (Build 7601: Service Pack 1)

My ISO /DVS includes the SP1.

You would have difficulty trying to use non SP1 ( 7600) installation media.

Your media contains SP1 (it is 7601) your current installation is also 7601, so should be fine.

You will have a lot of updates to get afterwards, and you will also need to reactivate ( so have your product key handy).

The repair install should retain your existing boot menu entries.

entib · 20 Aug 2018

Ok, so then I am ready. Thank you!

Backup with 3rd party software has been done with boot CD available.

Also I save Windows desktop icons positions.

Let's keep fingers crossed!

SIW2 · 20 Aug 2018

Turn off your a/v. I always do - not sure if it strictly necessary.

I have lost count of the number of repair installs I have done - it is a useful feature. It can take quite a while if you have a huge number of programs installed.