Windows 7 / Getting Started

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Windows 7 Startup Repair

Windows 7 includes the Startup Repair tool (StR) to automatically detect corrupted system files during startup and guide you through automated or manual recovery. Once started, StR attempts to determine the cause of the startup failure by analyzing startup logs and error reports, then attempts to fix the problem automatically. If StR is unable to resolve the problem, it restores the system to the last known working state and then provides diagnostics information and support options for further troubleshooting.

When you install Windows 7, a Window Recovery Environment (Windows RE) partition is created automatically. Because of this, note the following:

• If your computer fails to shutdown properly, the Windows Error Recovery screen is shown automatically the next time you start the computer. You then have the option of starting the computer in one of several Safe Modes or using normal startup.
• If your computer fails to start, the Windows Error Recovery screen is shown automatically the next time you try to start the computer. You then have the option of running the Startup Repair tool or using normal startup.

If the Windows RE partition has been corrupted, you won't be able to access any of the repair tools. To safeguard your computer against this possibility, you can create a System Repair disc.

You can manually launch the Startup Repair tool by following these steps:

1. If the computer is running but has started with errors, click Start. On the Start menu, click the Shut Down options button and then click Restart.
2. During startup you can access the Windows RE, press F8 to access the Advanced Boot Options screen. If the computer has multiple operating systems, you'll see the Windows Boot Manager screen; select the operating system to work with, and then press F8.
3. On the Advanced Boot Options menu, use the arrow keys to select Repair Your Computer, and then press Enter.
4. The computer will load the Windows RE. In the System Recovery Options dialog box, select a language and keyboard layout, and then click Next.
5. To access recovery options, you need to logon using a local administrator account. Select the local administrator to log on as, type the password for this account, and then click OK.
6. In the System Recovery Options dialog box, note the location of the operating system, and then choose Startup Repair.

The Startup Repair tool checks for problems preventing your computer from starting. If problems are found, the tool tries to repair them to enable startup. The automated troubleshooting and repair process can take several minutes. During the first phase of the repair, you can click Cancel to exit.

If Startup Repair doesn't find common problems, you see the "Do you want to restore your computer using System Restore?" dialog box. Clicking Restore starts System Restore. Clicking Cancel returns to the startup repair process and the Startup Repair tool will attempt to make repairs using advanced techniques. During this advanced phase, you may not be able to click Cancel to exit the repair process.

If Startup Repair is successful, your computer will start. If Startup repair was unable to find or correct problems, you'll see a note about this and will be able to send more information about the problem to help Microsoft find solutions in the future. Select the option to send or to not send information to Microsoft. You'll then return to the Startup Repair dialog box.

To access advanced repair options, click the related link and follow the procedure discussed in the next section, to continue troubleshooting. Otherwise, click Finish. You may want to disconnect any external devices that you've recently connected to your computer and then try to start your computer again. Otherwise, ask your network administrator for help or your computer manufacturer.

Corrupted system files aren't the only types of problems that can prevent proper startup of the operating system. Many other types of problems can occur, but most of these problems occur because something on the system has changed. Often you can resolve startup issues using safe mode to recover or troubleshoot system problems. When you are finished using safe mode, be sure to restart the computer using a normal startup. You will then be able to use the computer as you normally would.

You can restart a system in safe mode by completing the following steps:

1. If the computer is running but has started with errors, click Start, then click the Options button to the right of the power and lock buttons, and click Shut Down.
2. Start the computer. During startup, press F8 to access the Advanced Options screen. If the computer has multiple operating systems, you'll see the Windows Boot Manager screen; select the operating system to work with, and then press F8.
3. Use the arrow keys to select the safe mode you want to use and then press Enter. The safe mode option you use depends on the type of problem you're experiencing. In most cases, you'll want to use one of the following options:

   Safe Mode
   Windows loads only basic files, services, and drivers during the initialization sequence. The drivers loaded include the mouse, monitor, keyboard, mass storage, and base video. No networking services or drivers are started.
   
   Safe Mode with Networking
   Windows loads only basic files, services, and drivers during the initialization sequence. The drivers loaded include the mouse, monitor, keyboard, mass storage, and base video. After the initialization sequence, Windows loads the networking components.
   
   Safe Mode with Command Prompt
   Windows loads basic files, services, and drivers, and then starts a command prompt instead of the Windows 7 graphical interface. No networking services or related drivers are started.
   
   Last Known Good Configuration
   Windows starts the computer in Safe Mode using registry information that Windows 7 saved at the last shutdown. Only the HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG (HKCC) hive is loaded. This registry hive stores information about the hardware configuration with which you previously and successfully started the computer.

4. If a problem doesn't reappear when you start in Safe Mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes. If a newly added device or updated driver is causing problems, you can use Safe Mode to remove the device or reverse the update.
5. If you are still having a problem starting the computer normally and you suspect that problems with hardware, software, or settings are to blame, remain in Safe Mode and then try using System Restore to undo previous changes.