03:38
Ganesh Sharma
Three Methods: Performing a Startup Repair Performing a System Restore Performing a Clean Install
Reinstalling Windows 7 every 6 to 12 months--as opposed to never reinstalling--can keep your computer running as smoothly as possible. For those who aren't very computer literate or tech-savvy, the reinstallation of an operating system like Windows 7 can seem like intimidating task. Fortunately, the process has been streamlined compared to older versions of Windows, with very little risk of messing up. Keep reading to learn how to easily repair or reinstall Windows 7.
1. Determine what the problem is.
Before doing a complete reinstall, determine if your problem can be
fixed by performing a Startup Repair. This will replace your operating
system files that may have become corrupt. The most common use for a
startup repair is fixing the Windows load sequence.
2. Insert the Windows 7 CD. Make
sure your computer is set to boot from CD. To do this, enter the BIOS
immediately after your computer starts. You will see the key to press
underneath the manufacturer’s logo. The most common keys are F2, F10,
F12, and Del.
3. Enter Windows Setup. Press
a key when the message “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD…” appears
on the screen. This will take you into the Windows setup. Files will be
loaded for a few moments, and then you will be presented with a screen
asking for your Language and Time preferences. These should already be
set correctly. Click Next to proceed. 
4. Click Repair your computer. This
option will be on the bottom left of the screen underneath a large
“Install now” button. Clicking “Repair your computer” will take you to
the System Recovery Options.
5. Select Startup Repair. The
Startup Repair tool will begin searching through your Windows files,
looking for errors. Depending on the errors it finds, it may suggest
solutions or repair them automatically.
Your
computer may reboot several times. Do not boot from the CD while this
is happening, or you will have to start the process over again. 
6. Click the finish button. Once
the repairs are complete, click the Finish button to start Windows
normally. If Startup Repair did not detect any errors, then you will not
be presented with this screen.
1. Launch the System Restore tool. Depending on whether or not Windows will boot, you have two different ways to get to the System Restore tool.
2. Select your restore point. You
can choose from restore points you created, automatically scheduled
restore points, and restore points that were made during the
installation of certain programs and Windows updates. You can only
restore your computer to dates that are listed here. 
3. Click Next, then Finish. Click
Yes for the final confirmation. Your system will begin the restore
process. Your computer will automatically restart during this process.
The restore may take several minutes. When you log in to Windows after
finishing the restore, you will see a message telling you that the
process was completed successfully.
1. Backup all important data and files. While
the process is safe and there is little chance of a critical error, it
is always a smart idea to backup important data before making large
changes to your system, especially reinstallation. Copy the important
data to an external hard drive, an external flash drive, or burn them
onto a DVD. 
2. Gather what you will need for installation. Your
Windows 7 product key is especially important. This can be found
attached to the case that the CD came in or attached to your computer.
Make a list of all the programs currently on your computer that you wish
to keep so that you will be able to install them again after the
reinstallation. 
3. Run the Windows 7 installation. Stick
the disc into the computer and reboot your computer. Be sure that your
computer is set to boot from CD/DVD. You can do this by following Step 2
of the first section of this guide. 
4. Begin the installation. You
will be prompted to enter a few preferences, such as language options,
and you will be asked to agree to the terms of the Windows 7 license.
You cannot install Windows 7 if you do not accept the license agreement. 
5. Select the installation type. After the booting process, you will be presented with a choice: Upgrade or Custom installation. Select the Custom installation option as this is what you'll be using to wipe your hard drive clean for a reinstallation. 
6. Format the destination drive and install to it. Formatting
a drive will wipe it clean of all data and make it suitable for
reinstallation. Though formatting is not necessary, it is recommended
when reinstalling to prevent potential problems with the system.
Typically, Windows 7 will be installed to the C: drive. Installing
Windows 7 can take anywhere from 30 to 120 minutes depending on your
system. 
7. Finish up installation by filling out the final details. Once
the installation is over, you'll be asked to name your computer and
create an initial user account. For the majority of users, the default
name will suffice. After creating your user account, you can use it to
log onto your freshly reinstalled Windows 7 operating system. 
8. Restore your backed up data and programs. If
you had anything to back up, now would be the time to transfer the
files back onto your computer. If you made a list of programs you'd like
to keep, this would also be the time to download and install them.
Reinstalling Windows 7 every 6 to 12 months--as opposed to never reinstalling--can keep your computer running as smoothly as possible. For those who aren't very computer literate or tech-savvy, the reinstallation of an operating system like Windows 7 can seem like intimidating task. Fortunately, the process has been streamlined compared to older versions of Windows, with very little risk of messing up. Keep reading to learn how to easily repair or reinstall Windows 7.
Method 1 of 3: Performing a Startup Repair
1. Determine what the problem is.
Before doing a complete reinstall, determine if your problem can be
fixed by performing a Startup Repair. This will replace your operating
system files that may have become corrupt. The most common use for a
startup repair is fixing the Windows load sequence.- If your computer no longer loads Windows, then a startup repair may fix your boot process and allow Windows to load again.
2. Insert the Windows 7 CD. Make
sure your computer is set to boot from CD. To do this, enter the BIOS
immediately after your computer starts. You will see the key to press
underneath the manufacturer’s logo. The most common keys are F2, F10,
F12, and Del.- In the BIOS menu, navigate to the Boot submenu. Select CD/DVD or Optical Drive as the 1st boot device.
- Save your changes and exit the menu. Your computer will automatically restart.
3. Enter Windows Setup. Press
a key when the message “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD…” appears
on the screen. This will take you into the Windows setup. Files will be
loaded for a few moments, and then you will be presented with a screen
asking for your Language and Time preferences. These should already be
set correctly. Click Next to proceed. 4. Click Repair your computer. This
option will be on the bottom left of the screen underneath a large
“Install now” button. Clicking “Repair your computer” will take you to
the System Recovery Options.- The program will take a moment to search for your Windows installation. Select your installation from the list and click Next. For most users, there will only be one installation listed.
5. Select Startup Repair. The
Startup Repair tool will begin searching through your Windows files,
looking for errors. Depending on the errors it finds, it may suggest
solutions or repair them automatically.- Remove any flash drives or external hard drives, or Startup Repair may not function properly.
Your
computer may reboot several times. Do not boot from the CD while this
is happening, or you will have to start the process over again. 6. Click the finish button. Once
the repairs are complete, click the Finish button to start Windows
normally. If Startup Repair did not detect any errors, then you will not
be presented with this screen.Method 2 of 3: Performing a System Restore
1. Launch the System Restore tool. Depending on whether or not Windows will boot, you have two different ways to get to the System Restore tool.- If Windows will not load, follow steps 2-4 in the previous section to enter the System Recovery Options. From there, select System Restore.
- If you can log in to Windows, click the Start button. Select All Programs, then Accessories. Select System Tools and then click the System Restore icon.
2. Select your restore point. You
can choose from restore points you created, automatically scheduled
restore points, and restore points that were made during the
installation of certain programs and Windows updates. You can only
restore your computer to dates that are listed here. 3. Click Next, then Finish. Click
Yes for the final confirmation. Your system will begin the restore
process. Your computer will automatically restart during this process.
The restore may take several minutes. When you log in to Windows after
finishing the restore, you will see a message telling you that the
process was completed successfully.- System restore will not recover deleted files.
Method 3 of 3: Performing a Clean Install
1. Backup all important data and files. While
the process is safe and there is little chance of a critical error, it
is always a smart idea to backup important data before making large
changes to your system, especially reinstallation. Copy the important
data to an external hard drive, an external flash drive, or burn them
onto a DVD. 2. Gather what you will need for installation. Your
Windows 7 product key is especially important. This can be found
attached to the case that the CD came in or attached to your computer.
Make a list of all the programs currently on your computer that you wish
to keep so that you will be able to install them again after the
reinstallation. 3. Run the Windows 7 installation. Stick
the disc into the computer and reboot your computer. Be sure that your
computer is set to boot from CD/DVD. You can do this by following Step 2
of the first section of this guide. 4. Begin the installation. You
will be prompted to enter a few preferences, such as language options,
and you will be asked to agree to the terms of the Windows 7 license.
You cannot install Windows 7 if you do not accept the license agreement. 5. Select the installation type. After the booting process, you will be presented with a choice: Upgrade or Custom installation. Select the Custom installation option as this is what you'll be using to wipe your hard drive clean for a reinstallation. 6. Format the destination drive and install to it. Formatting
a drive will wipe it clean of all data and make it suitable for
reinstallation. Though formatting is not necessary, it is recommended
when reinstalling to prevent potential problems with the system.
Typically, Windows 7 will be installed to the C: drive. Installing
Windows 7 can take anywhere from 30 to 120 minutes depending on your
system. 7. Finish up installation by filling out the final details. Once
the installation is over, you'll be asked to name your computer and
create an initial user account. For the majority of users, the default
name will suffice. After creating your user account, you can use it to
log onto your freshly reinstalled Windows 7 operating system. 8. Restore your backed up data and programs. If
you had anything to back up, now would be the time to transfer the
files back onto your computer. If you made a list of programs you'd like
to keep, this would also be the time to download and install them.
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