This article explains how to repair a Windows 7 installation using the "Startup Repair" tool. If for any reason this solution does not work, you can use the "System Restore" option by choosing a restore point created when your computer was still working perfectly. You will be explained, step by step, how to perform both procedures. Read on to find out how.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use System Recovery Options
Step 1. Disconnect all external USB memory drives from your computer and remove the CD / DVDs inside from all optical drives
If your computer fails to start Windows, you can use the recovery features built into the operating system to try to fix the problem. Start by removing all external memory drives and optical media from the computer's readers.
Step 2. Press and hold the power button to shut down your PC
When the computer has shut down, you can release the indicated button.
Step 3. Press and hold the F8 function key after turning on the computer again
Press and hold the indicated key until the Windows Advanced Startup Menu appears on the screen.
If you have multiple operating systems on your computer, you will need to select Windows 7 installation when prompted to do so
Step 4. Select the Repair your computer option and press the button Enter.
Use the directional arrows on your keyboard to move around the menu and be able to select the correct option.
If the indicated item is not in the list, please refer to this item method
Step 5. Select the installation language and click the Next button
The "System Recovery Options" menu will appear.
Step 6. Click on the Startup Repair item
The program will scan your Windows installation for errors, then attempt to repair them automatically.
Step 7. Click the Finish button to restore the system and restart the computer
If these steps solve the problem, Windows 7 should load normally.
Step 8. Try running a system restore if Windows fails to start
If an error message appears on the screen indicating that the system cannot be recovered at boot, follow these instructions to perform a full recovery of the operating system:
- Start the computer by holding down the F8 key as before;
- Select the item Reset the computer and press the Enter key;
- Select the installation language and click on the button Come on;
- Choose the voice System Restore;
- Follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to select a restore point created when your computer was working perfectly.
Step 9. Perform a full system recovery if Windows recovery does not solve the problem
If you have a Windows 7 installation or recovery disc, you can use it to reinstall your operating system. In this case, refer to the instructions in the next method of the article to find out how.
Method 2 of 2: Use the Windows 7 Installation or Recovery Disc
Step 1. Insert the Windows 7 installation or repair disc into your computer's drive
If your computer turns on but cannot start Windows, you can solve the problem using a Windows 7 installation disc. If you have created a recovery disc, you can use it instead of the installation disc.
If you don't have a Windows 7 installation or recovery DVD, but you have the option of using a computer with a burner, you can use it to create a new installation disc. Refer to this article to find out how. In this case you will need a valid product key which is normally clearly indicated on an adhesive label located on the body or case of the computer
Step 2. Disconnect all external drives, including USB sticks, from your computer
Step 3. Press and hold the power button to shut down your PC
When the computer has shut down, you can release the indicated button.
Step 4. Turn on your computer again
You will be prompted to boot your PC using the install / restore disc you inserted into the drive.
Step 5. Press any key on the keyboard to start the installation or recovery of the operating system
A message will appear indicating that the files needed to perform the requested operation are being uploaded.
If you are not prompted to boot your computer from the DVD player, it means that you will most likely need to enter your PC's BIOS and change the order of the boot devices by moving the DVD player to the first position. Refer to this article to find out how to perform this BIOS change
Step 6. Select the installation language and click the Next button
If you are using a Windows installation disc, the "Windows Setup" dialog will be displayed; if you are using a recovery disc instead, the "System Recovery Options" dialog box will appear.
Step 7. Click on the Repair your computer option
The recovery program will try to detect all Windows 7 installations on your computer.
Step 8. Select the Windows 7 installation you want to repair and click the Next button
Step 9. Click on the Startup Repair option
The program will scan your Windows installation for errors and, if necessary, try to repair them automatically.
Step 10. Click the Finish button to restore the system and restart the computer
If these steps solve the problem, Windows 7 should load normally.
Step 11. Try running a system restore if Windows fails to start
If an error message appears on the screen indicating that the system cannot be recovered at boot, follow these instructions to perform a full recovery of the operating system:
- Restart the computer from the installation / recovery DVD as you did previously;
- Select the installation language and click on the item Reset the computer;
- Select the Windows 7 installation and click on the button Come on;
- Choose the voice System Restore;
- Follow the instructions that will appear on the screen to select a restore point created when your computer was working perfectly.
Step 12. If the previous solution did not solve the problem, you will need to perform a full recovery of the operating system
Normally this procedure involves formatting the hard drive and reinstalling Windows 7. Follow these steps:
- Start the computer using the installation DVD and choose the installation language;
- Click on the option System Image Restore from the "System Recovery Options" screen;
- Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to reinstall the operating system.
