How to Repair a Windows 7 System with an Installation Disc [1]
You can never have too many Windows repair discs. A previous tip [3] showed how to obtain a full Windows 7 installation disc for use in repair. Here is how to use the installation disc to run System Recovery Options to fix problems.
Be sure that the DVD you are using is for the same edition of Windows 7 that you are trying to repair – for example, Windows 7 Home Premium, 64-bit or whatever specific version that you have. A full installation disc can be used for repair even if you have an OEM system. No product key is required in this process.
- Put the disc in your optical drive and restart to boot from the DVD. You may have to change the boot settings in your BIOS if booting from a CD/DVD is not enabled. (See how here [4].) Watch for the “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD” message.
- On the "Install Windows" screen, make the appropriate selections for language, time, and keyboard, and then click “Next”.
- On the next screen, click “Repair Your Computer”. Do not click "Install now"
- In “System Recovery Options”, select which operating system you want to restore if any are listed. It will be blank in many systems with only one operating system.
- Click “Next”.
- The “System Recovery Options” screen shown below will open.
- Select “Startup Repair” or whichever option you wish to apply.
More information about Windows 7 repair functions
A series of articles with many details and screenshots for using the Windows 7 repair functions are at Windows SevenForums, Here are several worth checking out:
- How to Boot to the System Recovery Options in Windows 7 [5]
- How to Run a Startup Repair in Windows 7 [6]
- How to Do a Repair Install to Fix Windows 7 [7]
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This tips section is maintained by Vic Laurie [9]. Vic runs several websites with Windows how-to's, guides, and tutorials, including a site for learning about Windows and the Internet [10] and another with Windows 7 tips [11].
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