Mar
8
2011
Windows

How to run a Repair Install on Windows 7

Author An article by Shyam Sasindran, MVP    Comments 16 Comments

You might encountered lot of scenarios where running System File checker etc. will not help after all troubleshooting finally need to reinstall Windows. Before doing a Clean Install you could perform a Repair Install which will preserve your user accounts, data, programs, and system drivers etc.  This article will show you how to do a repair install to fix  Windows 7 issues.

Note: You will only be able to run the Repair Install if your in Windows under Normal if you’re under Safe Mode this method won’t work

Step: 1

Put the Windows 7 Disk in and Click on Setup

Step 2:

Then Click on “Install Now“

Step 3:

Now click on “Go Online and get the latest updates for Installation“Then it might take few minutes to download the critical updates and apply them depending upon your Internet speed

Step 4:

Then Accept the Terms and Conditions and Click Next

Step 5

Now click on “Upgrade” to begin the Repair

Step 6:

Once the Repair is complete the setup will reboot your computer

 

Step 7:

You need to activate your Windows 7 and do the initial setup like setting up date time etc.

Step 8:

In case your missing any user setting copy them from C:\Windows.old folder or under C:\$INPLACE.~TR and C:\WINDOWS.~Q backup folders ( Thanks to Shawn Brink, MVP for the Tip)

Make sure you enable Hidden Files folder. Once you conformed everything run the Windows Disk Cleanup to remove the old installation files

select “Files discarded by Windows Upgrade“.

 

Note: If Windows 7  Retail DVD and you want to repair Windows 7 SP1 then you need you right click on the Setup.exe and go to properties and under compatibility tab choose Windows Vista SP2. Then  run the repair it should work.

Hope this helps

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About the Author: Shyam Sasindran

Shyam is the founder and editor of Captaindbg.com. He is Microsoft MVP under Windows Expert (IT-Pro) He used to write technical articles for few websites about Tips and tricks about Windows and other technologies.

  • http://www.thewindowsclub.com/ AnandK

    That’s a nice tutorial there Shyam. I’m sure many are going to find it useful :)

    • Shyam Sasindran, MVP

      Thanks Anand

  • Topper

    So what is this – repair, re-install, clean install with user data migration or what?
    I feel confused..

    • Shyam Sasindran, MVP

      Well Repair Install would try to fix any corrupted system files etc. The user data and settings would be intact. Clean Install means you wipe everything out and install a fresh copy.

  • Rickz80

    Sorry but this doesn’t erase all my programs installed?

  • Shyam Sasindran, MVP

    Yes correct. Repair Install will not erase all your programs. If you want that the you have to do a Clean Install.

  • vodomar

    thanx great tutorial

  • Ward Wensch

    My computer didn’t come with a separate Windows 7 installation disk. My installation program is on my hard drive behind a partition. In this case, is there any way I can do a repair install without having to buy a new separate Windows 7 Home Premium program? Thanks.

  • Ward Wensch

    Nice Tutorial. My computre didn’t come with a separate Windos 7 disk for reinstallations; my install program is on my hard drive behind a partition. Is thee any way to do a repair install without having to go out a buy a new copy of Windows 7? Thanks.

    • Shyam Sasindran, MVP

      Unfortunately there isn’t. If Windows came with Windows 7 I would recommend contact your Computer manufacturer. On such cases we could only restore the Computer to factory settings. You could always run a SFC SCANNOW. SFC /SCANNOW to Repair Windows 7 Files

      • wptski

        I ran into the same situation with a Dell PC or no Windows DVD. I borrowed a W7 Pro 64-bit DVD and used my Dell product key code. It did take two tries, the first try hung on the last step or location of your PC, Home, Work or Public. The second try, I disconnected my Ethernet cord and it completed bypassing that last step.

  • Gatz

    Why would you assume I can get into windows if I’m looking to repair install? – Mod Edit – Abusive language is not appreciated.

    • http://captaindbg.com Shyam Sasindran

       This particular article talks about Repairing within Windows. If you have trouble booting into Windows then try this article http://captaindbg.com/how-to-run-startup-repair-to-fix-boot-issues/

    • Ahh272

      very easy and it’s easier than eating a piece of cake. You don’t mind to learn a few tricks of DOS cmd. Ahhhhhhh

  • Sibi

    by reparing windwos 7 encryption key will also be deleted ?

  • Akin

    How do I get a proper chipset driver name without guessing with any driver installation disk

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