A Repair Installation or Startup Repair of Windows is valuable when you need to reinstall important Windows files but keep all of your personal files and programs intact.
A Repair Install can be thought of as a "copy over" of Windows. A Startup Repair is a smarter version of a Repair Install.
A Startup Repair or Repair Install is very often a relatively easy fix for many serious Windows operating system problems. Since these Windows repair options don't erase anything from your computer, they are simple ways to restore important Windows files.
The specific steps involved in performing a Startup Repair or Repair Install of Windows can differ considerably depending on the operating system used:
- How to Perform a Startup Repair in Windows 7
- How to Perform a Startup Repair in Windows Vista
- How to Perform a Repair Install of Windows XP
Note: In Windows 7 and Windows Vista, Startup Repair has replaced the Repair Installation option that was available in Windows XP. Startup Repair replaces only damaged or missing Windows startup files. In a Windows XP Repair Install, all Windows files are replaced no matter if they work or not.
Important: While a Repair Install is not designed to remove any files, I recommend that you play it safe by backing up your important files. You should also prepare to reinstall your programs just in case the Repair Install damages any of their installations.
Note: If you're using a restore disc from your computer manufacturer instead of an original Windows Setup CD or DVD, a Startup Repair or Repair Install as described in the linked guides above may not be possible.
Please reference the documentation that came with your computer or contact your computer manufacturer directly for directions.
