How to Repair Windows 7

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow will teach you how to repair Windows 7 using the Startup Repair tool. If for some reason Startup Repair isn't able to fix the problem, you can use System Restore to restore Windows to a date when it was working properly. We'll walk you through how to do both! Check out the steps below to get started.

How do you repair Windows 7 at startup?

  • Make sure to remove all external drives, CDs, and DVDs from your PC before starting the repair process.
  • Open the Advanced Boot Options menu when restarting your computer. Then, select ‘Repair your computer.’
  • If your computer turns on but won’t boot Windows, try using your Windows 7 installation or recovery disc to repair the system.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using the System Recovery Options

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your PC turns on but won't boot into Windows, you can use the built-in Startup Repair tool to repair the operating system. Start by disconnecting all removable media. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Reuse-Your-Old-Computer-Hard-Drives-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reuse-Your-Old-Computer-Hard-Drives-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Reuse-Your-Old-Computer-Hard-Drives-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Reuse-Your-Old-Computer-Hard-Drives-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can lift your finger once the PC is off.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Continue holding this key down until Windows boots into the Advanced Boot Options screen.
    • If the PC has more than one operating system, you'll have to select the Windows 7 installation when prompted to do so.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use the arrow keys to scroll down and select the option.
    • If you don't see this option, see the "Using a Windows 7 Installation or Recovery Disc" method.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This opens the System Recovery Options.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The Startup Repair tool will scan Windows for errors and try to fix them automatically.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If Startup Repair fixed your issues, your PC should now boot into Windows 7.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you see an error that says the system cannot be repaired, follow these steps to perform a system restore:
    • Boot the computer while holding down the F8 key as you did earlier.
    • Select Repair your computer and press ↵ Enter .
    • Select a language and click Next .
    • Select System Restore .
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point from when the computer was last functioning properly.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you have a Windows 7 installation or recovery DVD, you can use it to reinstall Windows 7. See the " Using a Windows 7 Installation or Recovery Disc" method to learn how.
    10. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a Windows 7 Installation or Recovery Disc

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your PC turns on but won't boot into Windows, you can your Windows 7 installation DVD to repair the operating system. If you created a system repair disc, you can insert that instead. [2]
    • If you don't have a Windows 7 DVD or system repair media but have access to a working computer with a DVD burner, you can use it to create a new installation disc. See How to Create a Recover Disc in Windows 7 to learn how. You'll need your Windows product key to do this, and you'll usually find it on a rainbow sticker somewhere on your PC.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This includes flash drives.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Reuse-Your-Old-Computer-Hard-Drives-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Reuse-Your-Old-Computer-Hard-Drives-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Reuse-Your-Old-Computer-Hard-Drives-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Reuse-Your-Old-Computer-Hard-Drives-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":529,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can lift your finger once the PC is off.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Diagnose-and-Replace-a-Failed-PC-Power-Supply-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Diagnose-and-Replace-a-Failed-PC-Power-Supply-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Diagnose-and-Replace-a-Failed-PC-Power-Supply-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Diagnose-and-Replace-a-Failed-PC-Power-Supply-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The PC should prompt you to press any key to boot from the installation/repair disc. [3]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You should see a message that says "Windows is loading files."
    • If you are not prompted to boot from the DVD, you probably need to access the BIOS and make the DVD drive the first option in the boot order. See Change Computer BIOS Settings to learn how to change the boot order.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will bring you to the "Install Windows" screen if you're using an installation DVD, or the "System recovery options" screen if you're using a repair disc. [4]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-16-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-16-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-16-Version-2.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-16-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The recovery tool will attempt to find Windows 7 on your computer.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-17-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-17-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The Startup Repair tool will scan Windows for errors and try to fix them automatically.
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-19-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-19-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-19-Version-2.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-19-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If Startup Repair fixed your issues, your PC should now boot into Windows 7.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5a\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-20-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-20-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5a\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-20-Version-2.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-20-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you see an error that says the system cannot be repaired, follow these steps to perform a system restore:
    • Reboot the PC from the DVD as you did a moment ago.
    • Select your language and click Repair your computer .
    • Select your installation and click Next.
    • Click System Restore .
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point from when the computer was last functioning properly.
  12. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-21-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-21-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Repair-Windows-7-Step-21-Version-2.jpg\/aid4280015-v4-728px-Repair-Windows-7-Step-21-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you are not able to fix your computer using these tools, you'll typically have to perform a system recovery. This will wipe your hard drive clean and reinstall Windows 7. To perform a recovery:
    • Reboot from the DVD again and select your operating system.
    • Click System Image Recovery on the "System Recovery Options" screen.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the operating system.
    13. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Fix Registry Errors in Windows 7
      How to
      Reinstall Windows 7
      How to
      Repair Bad Sectors
      How to
      Troubleshoot Windows 7
      How to
      Activate Windows 7 Without a Product Key
      How to
      Find Your Windows 7 Product Key: CMD, Registry & More
      Add Album Covers to MP3 Files Easily with 6 Free Windows Tools
      The Complete Guide to Installing Windows 7
      How to
      Reset Windows 7 Administrator Password
      How to
      Set Different Wallpapers on Dual Monitors on Windows
      How to
      Print Screen on Windows 7
      How to
      Change the Language in Windows 7
      How to
      Boot from USB in Windows 7
      How to
      Control the Brightness of Your Computer With Windows 7
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17101/windows-7-system-recovery-options
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17101/windows-7-system-recovery-options
      3. ↑ https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-perform-a-startup-repair-in-windows-7-2626170
      4. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17101/windows-7-system-recovery-options

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 96,607 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement