Windows 7 Repair Install - what happens to my old files?

Ivan Drago · 9 Feb 2010 at 19:06

I'm going to have to do a repair install on Windows 7 which I am led to believe won't cause the loss of all my files (apart from the obvious ones like Windows etc).

Where do I have to keep these files to make sure they are not lost? Keeping them on the C: drive will mean they are still there after the repair install?

Which folders are affected by a repair install? Thanks

no_1_dave · 9 Feb 2010 at 20:04

The repair install just replaces the boot files to stop boot errors.
All your stuff will still be there

I've had to do it a good few times in the past lol

Ivan Drago · 9 Feb 2010 at 20:17

Ok, so I don't need to partition my hard drive first?

no_1_dave · 9 Feb 2010 at 20:38

If you are just repairing due to boot errors and plan to click the "repair my install" button then no, it only takes 5 mins & only repairs your boot files.

Ivan Drago · 9 Feb 2010 at 21:19

As far as I know, I'm going to be running the Windows 7 disc through Windows and will be clicking on 'Install Now' as the only option. Can't see where I will have the option of 'repair my install'.

Raumarik · 9 Feb 2010 at 21:23

Ivan you shouldn't need the boot CD to do this, but after turning the PC on and just before the windows logo appears keep tapping F8. You'll get a menu which has an option to repair. You can do this whilst booting from a CD too, I just know that you don't actually need it to initiate the repair.

Used it last week, didn't help as my problem was down to Nvidia drivers and not Windows, I ended up restoring from backup.

Ivan Drago · 9 Feb 2010 at 21:26

I have already tried using the repair option through hitting F8 and it didn't solve my problems. I thought that was to repair startup - not to repair windows?

From the tutorial I have seen when I googled 'windows 7 repair install', it seems that running the Windows disc is a different process to the F8 route.

no_1_dave · 9 Feb 2010 at 22:39

Yes.
Put the windows disk in & boot from the windows disk.
Then select "repair" once booted from the windows disk. This is different as it uses the boot files from the disk so windows should boot fine afterwards.
You have to boot from the disk though, you cant do it once inside windows.