How to Run a Startup Repair in Windows 7
InformationStartup Repair is a system recovery tool that automates common diagnostic and repair tasks of unbootable Windows 7 installations. If the computer fails over into Windows RE because of a detected boot failure, Startup Repair launches automatically. If automatic failover to an on-disk Windows RE is not available, Startup Repair can also be launched as a manual recovery tool from a Windows RE CD/DVD.
This tutorial will show you how to run Startup Repair to allow it to scan your Windows 7 computer for a startup problem and try to fix it so your computer can start correctly.
Startup Repair is located on the System Recovery Options menu, which is on the Windows 7 installation disc. If your computer manufacturer (OEM) has preinstalled recovery options, Startup Repair might also be installed on your hard disk. If your computer does not include Startup Repair, your computer manufacturer (OEM) might have customized or replaced the tool. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's website.
NoteStartup Repair Process
Startup Repair will try to repair computers that are unbootable because of the following reasons:
- Registry corruption
- Missing or damaged system and driver files
- Disk metadata corruption (MBR, partition table, and boot sector)
- File system metadata corruption
- Installation of problematic or incompatible drivers
- Installation of incompatible Windows service packs and patches
- Corrupt boot configuration data
- Bad memory and hard disk hardware (detection only)
Startup Repair will not repair unbootable systems caused by the following issues:
- Malfunctioning firmware and other hardware components
- Problems with clean Windows installations or Windows upgrades (for example, from Windows XP to Windows Vista)
- Windows logon errors
- Viruses and malicious software
After Startup Repair has run, a text log with diagnostic information and repair results is generated. The log file is located at: C:\Windows\System32\Logfiles\Srt\SrtTrail.txt
For more information, see: How Windows RE Works
WarningStartup Repair cannot fix hardware failures, such as a failing hard disk or incompatible memory, nor does it protect against virus attacks. Startup Repair is not designed to fix Windows installation problems. Startup Repair is not a backup tool, so it cannot help you recover personal files, such as photos or documents. To help protect your computer, back up your system and files regularly.
For the updated Windows 10 tutorial, please see - Startup Repair - Run in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Tutorials
Here's How:
1. Boot to the System Recovery Options screen using your retail Windows 7 installation disk or system repair disc.
2. Select the Startup Repair option. (See screenshot below) 3. Startup Repair will now scan your computer to attempt to find and fix any startup problems. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: Startup Repair might prompt you to make choices as it tries to fix the problem, and if necessary, it might restart your computer as it makes repairs. If repairs are not successful, you'll see a summary of the problem and links to contact information for support. Your computer manufacturer might include additional assistance information. 4. If problems cannot be found, then click on Finish. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: You can click on the View diagnostic and repair details link to see a detailed summary of what Startup Repair has done.TipSometimes it may take running a startup repair (3) separate times with restarting the computer after each time before it fully fixes the startup issue.
That's it,
Shawn
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