How to run a Repair Install on Windows 7

[javajolt]

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 you have a Windows 7 Retail DVD and you want to repair Windows 7 SP1 then you need to 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.