Win7’s no-reformat, nondestructive reinstall

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	TOP STORY Win7’s no-reformat, nondestructive reinstall
	By Fred Langa You deleted a file yesterday; now you really need it back. Your Windows recycle bin is empty — what now? Your next-best option is the Restore Previous Versions tool — a truly great, automatic data-protection feature buried in Win7.

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The full text of this column is posted at windowssecrets.com/top-story/win7s-no-reformat-nondestructive-reinstall/ (paid content, opens in a new window/tab).

Columnists typically cannot reply to comments here, but do incorporate the best tips into future columns.[/td]

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Re Fred’s reinstallation of Windows. I think you will find that some programs that you reinstalled after SP1 will now not run.

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a couple things
1 the ISO file for win 7 SP1 is floating about so you can get your hands on it if you look hard enough (just be sure of what you are grabbing)
2 its a better idea to use one of many utilities to predownload the set of patches and not risk getting hit by a drive-by doing the WU and reboot shuffle

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This is an excellent article and is going to save me a lot of time but I do have a question. Does this upgrade process get rid if all the garbage that has built up in the registry. Registry cleaners just don’t work. In a badly cluttered registry, you will be lucky if a registry cleaner removes 1% of the garbage and if you get too aggressive you stand a good chance of killing your Windows. I have found on machines that are running slow, the registry file can be anything up to ten times it’s original size. A fresh install gets the registry back to original and then the computer really performs again.

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Good question. I was going to ask this myself. It is key to know this fact before deciding. If you only have a broken system in terms of function but performance is fine then this route seems the best way to go. If your main reason to refresh is for performance then it would be a shame to do all this if it made not much difference.

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Can I use this method to upgrade from 32bit to 64bit ? or whats the safest method to do that while retaining my applications or their settings.

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Can I use this method to upgrade from 32bit to 64bit ? or whats the safest method to do that while retaining my applications or their settings.

No, you must do a custom install to change from 32 Bit to 64 Bit, sorry.

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Can I use this method to upgrade from 32bit to 64bit ? or whats the safest method to do that while retaining my applications or their settings.

Hi Chaudhry, and welcome to the Lounge.

There is no upgrade path from 32 bit Windows 7 to 64 bit Windows 7. If you want to install the 64 bit version, it will require a ‘Custom’ install, which is basically a clean install. You will have to install all your programs after installing Windows 7 64 bit. You will also have to install 64 bit versions of your hardware drivers as well. Your old Windows 7 32 bit will be placed into a folder named ‘Windows.old’, which you can delete after you copy any user files you want to recover to Win7 64 bit. NOTE: Copying installed program files over to Windows 7 64 bit will not work – they must be reinstalled.

It is advisable to manually backup all your user files to DVDs or an external USB hard disk before doing a Custom install.

NOTE: I did not see Ted’s post in answer to this question when I posted the above.

If you want more information on the procedure, please start a new thread in the Windows 7 Forum.

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Can I use this method to upgrade from 32bit to 64bit ? or whats the safest method to do that while retaining my applications or their settings.

A 32-bit to 64-bit upgrade requires a clean install. You’ll have to reinstall all your applications. Your best bet for data is a complete system backup.

Joe

--Joe

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Would this method be applicable to get rid of problems with installing SP1 because of .NET incompatibilities? I’m afraid not, as the method would leave installed programs untouched, if I understand correctly…

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Great article but one scenario I didn’t see covered. Fred said it would work with an OEM Win7 disk but will this method work with an OEM Win7 UPGRADE from Vista disk? My HP machine w/ Vista came with the free upgrade to Win7. I did the Windows Mail hack which seems to be preventing SP1 from installing so would like to try this install if I can determine that it will work. Thanks.

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Great article but one scenario I didn’t see covered. Fred said it would work with an OEM Win7 disk but will this method work with an OEM Win7 UPGRADE from Vista disk? My HP machine w/ Vista came with the free upgrade to Win7.

My Win7 64 bit DVD is a Dell upgrade option from Vista to Win 7 home premium.

After selecting “Upgrade”, he tells me “Your current version of Windows is more recent than the version you are trying to upgrade to [sic]. Windows cannot complete the upgrade”.

Tom

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My Win7 64 bit DVD is a Dell upgrade option from Vista to Win 7 home premium.

After selecting “Upgrade”, he tells me “Your current version of Windows is more recent than the version you are trying to upgrade to [sic]. Windows cannot complete the upgrade”.

Tom

The message / warning is accurate.

In order to do a “repair installation” the os & sp version of the cd / dvd must be the same as the os & sp version on the system.

Their are two alternatives to get around the above issue.

1) Either un-install the sp update via add/remove programs or programs/features control panel “or”

2) Create a new cd /dvd by merging the files from the current (older) cd/dvd with the current sp update file. The file should be downloadable from Microsoft. In any case, you will be creating a new bootable cd/dvd that is the same version as the system. This method is called “slipstreaming”.

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The message / warning is accurate.

In order to do a “repair installation” the os & sp version of the cd / dvd must be the same as the os & sp version on the system.

Thank you for the explanation.

So it’s nothing to do with “Dell Upgrade” – anyone with a pre-SP1 DVD who’s installed SP1 will hit the same problem. Right? And this must be a large percentage of Win 7 users…

Tom

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After selecting “Upgrade”, he tells me “Your current version of Windows is more recent than the version you are trying to upgrade to [sic]. Windows cannot complete the upgrade”.

Oops – sorry folks. My fault. I did not do the “uninstall SP1” step Fred specified.:unsure:

Re-install running now…

Tom

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I have not read the article fully, but have downloaded it, for when I do need it.
I have also downloaded the earlier article for XP (not read yet).
I have not needed to do this for Win 7, but I believe I have done it many times for XP
Is this article, and the XP article, referring to what is very commonly called a ‘Repair Install’ ?
(PS I know we are not referring to the Recovery Console Repair)
If it is referring to a ‘Repair Install’, then I have an additional tidbit for you all.
If you have created an image of your partition (the one containing the OS), and your PC dies.
You can restore the image into a drive in another PC.
Then when you are ready to try it in the new PC, you should have the XP CD in the drawer, and boot into that (Do NOT run the OS yet).
Once you have done your ‘Repair Install’, XP will now run in your new hardware.
I have heard rumors that you do not need to do this trick with Win 7, as it will happily adapt to the new hardware.
Is there any truth to that rumor ?
Rob

PS Update:
My Win7 PC died (I broke the CMOS battery holder).
I tried Restoring the Win7 image into three other 2004 PCs, with no success. (They would not Repair Install)

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Yes but this method still requires you to have a running windows setup, the beauty of the WinXp repair is that you can boot off the install CD and run the repair! I’ve used this hundreds of times to recover WinXp installation. I’ve never understand why MS, when they have something that really works, always manages to mess it up. I’ve seen numerous Win7 installations that are unrepairable via the Win7 boot repair function, and since you can not get win7 boot this repair will not work. Does anyone know how to accomplish a similar WinXP CD boot repair in Win7

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Really? This process seems as busy and potentially error prone as a full re-install. Remove SP1? Run repair install? Re-run hours (if not days) of downloading the Tuesday patches, doing SP1 again, complete with re-boots, and attendant recovery from problems with those same patches? And the registry? That component will get double abuse throughout all of this. At least with a full re-install, you get to start with a clean registry.

As for the individual that said they have done this hundreds of times…really? You have a more basic problem to solve.

While I appreciate that Fred is pointing out this particular item, it seems to be old news, Microsoft doesn’t think much of it, and they probably don’t want anyone using it (clearly the case as they don’t “advertise” this as a general solution; why does Microsoft keep so much stuff hidden?) Once again, why are the writers of Windows Secrets becoming so pro-Microsoft lately? Joined the dark side, they have?

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Yes I have done the WinXp repair hundreds of times, I am an IT Consultant with over 100 customers supporting approx 2800 Wintel PC. So hundreds of time is a realistic amount.

NOTE: This post was edited to remove a flaming remark.

Deadeye81
WS Lounge Admin Team

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My main question is this: For those of us with a second partition holding our data, i.e. My Documents, Favorites, pics, music, etc. (we have moved all data folders to the data drive) will the Win 7 No Format, non-destructive Reinstall leave my setup in place and just replace the system files still included on my C Drive, or will it place new folders for these data folders on my C Drive that I now have to move again to my D Drive?

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I have discovered that installation of IE9 fails after performing an upgrade from Vista to 7 (at least for me…and a few others with whom I have consulted). It only apparently responds to a clean install. Will this fix solve that problem? I have delayes moving to IE9 for the sole reason that I don’t want to deal with the re-creation of my whole system.

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See my earlier Post about ‘Repair Installs’
I found out early in my ‘Repair Install’ days, NOT to install recent versions of IE
MS has long ago (or never known) forgotten about ‘KISS’
Thus they insist on building applications into the core of the OS (eg IE).
If you wish to do ‘Repair Installs’ then un-install any recent versions of IE.
If you do not do that, then the final result will be a flaky OS.
Just leave the original version of IE in your OS, and use FF or Opera instead.

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Fred,

Thanks for that info but that has never been a real problem. What *IS* a real problem is this:

Under Win XP, let us say you have a damaged Windows that wont even boot into Windows or possibly you have moved the XP itself to newer hardware that is completely different to the old HAL. In a lot of cases if you moved it (not all cases) the XP wont boot. So, you get a like disk (eg, Home or Pro, OEM or upgrade, whatever) and you boot from it and act like you are going to do a new install, at which point you get a “repair” option which then goes through and makes things right for the machine to boot (to cut it down to a nutshell). In Win Vista and 7 you cant. You cannot, to my knowledge, move Win 7 from, say, an old C2D using machine to an I7 using machine as is unless you use third party software that ignores HAL and allows you to then fix that up later (I am thinking of the newer offerings from Aronis in their True Image line here for example). THAT is the large problem that needs to be resolved – that MS give us the ability to boot off a Vista or Win 7 DVD and do a repair install. It just isnt possible as you have to be IN Windows to do that – or can someone tell me how if I am wrong?

Thanks for reading this.

Greg.

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When the article on “Backups” came out I did that. I had a problem. When your article on “Reinstalling” came out, since I had a few other small problems I decided to do that. Everything went relatively well. The other problems seem to be fixed. I still have the same problem with “Backup”. On the Backup page in Control Panel at the top I see the following message, “Check backup disk space” “The disk that your backups are being saved on doesn’t have enough free space.” However just below it shows that the external hard drive has 232GB. After backing up my Hard Drive (C) it shows the space used is 141GB. There are three things in blue on this page: “Manage Space”, “Turn on Schedule” and “Change settings”. Clicking on these, either right or left results in nothing. They seem to be inoperative. This leaves me with no way to set up scheduled backups. I have no idea how the computer decided to save the backup to the external hard drive (J) in my case since I see no way to specify that. Any comments would be appreciated.

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When the article on “Backups” came out I did that. I had a problem. When your article on “Reinstalling” came out, since I had a few other small problems I decided to do that. Everything went relatively well. The other problems seem to be fixed. I still have the same problem with “Backup”. On the Backup page in Control Panel at the top I see the following message, “Check backup disk space” “The disk that your backups are being saved on doesn’t have enough free space.” However just below it shows that the external hard drive has 232GB. After backing up my Hard Drive (C) it shows the space used is 141GB. There are three things in blue on this page: “Manage Space”, “Turn on Schedule” and “Change settings”. Clicking on these, either right or left results in nothing. They seem to be inoperative. This leaves me with no way to set up scheduled backups. I have no idea how the computer decided to save the backup to the external hard drive (J) in my case since I see no way to specify that. Any comments would be appreciated.

Probably starting a new topic on this specific backup issue could get you better help.

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This would be great if the Service Pack would uninstall. Mine doesn’t. When I highlight the Service Pack, 1) right-click does nothing and 2) the Uninstall at the top next to Organize disappears. I missing something here?

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Initially I could not use this upgrade method as I couold not uninstall SP1, (I had cleaned up the backup files after the SP1 install). I spent most of yesterday making a slipstreamed Win7/SP1 disk, created with RT7 Lite, which then reported, when trying to upgrade, that I needed a larger C: partition to complete the upgrade. After hours more work with partition tools, the upgrade method gave me the origingal message that my copy of windows is more recent than the upgrade and will not proceed, (this is the message I got originally because SP1 was installed)!!
12 hours wasted.

It looks like post #48 has the answer to my problem……re: compatiblity mode

J

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Initially I could not use this upgrade method as I couold not uninstall SP1, (I had cleaned up the backup files after the SP1 install). I spent most of yesterday making a slipstreamed Win7/SP1 disk, created with RT7 Lite, which then reported, when trying to upgrade, that I needed a larger C: partition to complete the upgrade. After hours more work with partition tools, the upgrade method gave me the origingal message that my copy of windows is more recent than the upgrade and will not proceed, (this is the message I got originally because SP1 was installed)!!
12 hours wasted.

It looks like post #48 has the answer to my problem……re: compatiblity mode

J

Doesn’t look like it. That’s for members who haven’t installed SP1 but have an SP1 disc. You should check the links to download a 7 with SP1 DVD.

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@ ruirib – Maybe I misunderstand but the member in post #48 seems to state that they have used Fred’s method on a SP1 version of Win 7 and used a slipstreamed SP1 DVD to “upgrade”.

I do not see that they had no SP1 installed initially.

Regards,
J

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@ ruirib – Maybe I misunderstand but the member in post #48 seems to state that they have used Fred’s method on a SP1 version of Win 7 and used a slipstreamed SP1 DVD to “upgrade”.

I do not see that they had no SP1 installed initially.

Regards,
J

I am sorry. I clearly misunderstood that post, not now, but when it was initially made. I think your presumption is right. I apologize for my wrong interpretation.

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@ ruirib — thanks, I needed to know that my next attempt was not going to be more wasted time.

J

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I’d been getting problems here and there and couldn’t install new hardware as no drivers would load. I found a clean win 7 sp1 iso and followed the advice in the article and everything now works brilliantly -I can now plug my kindle in and I have my printer back too. Thanks for the article that gave me the confidence to do this.:)

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I am prompted to add this after reading the references to slipstreaming SP1 into W7 to avoid having to delete SP1 as the early step in Fred’s article.

Shortly after it appeared I did two reinstall-repairs of W7 profeswsional, 32 bit and 64 bit. however, instead of deleting SP1, I used disks on which I had put W7 with SP1 already installed. From a post in the Lounge I had seen a reference to free downloads of all W7+SP1 , 32 and 64 bit, except Enterprise. (here is the link; http://techdows.com/2011/07/download-windows-7-integrated-with-sp1-iso-official-direct-download-links.html)

The actual processes took about 2 hours in each case, more than half the time being taken by “Gathering files,settings and programs” and “Transferring files, settings and programs”. There was one addidional delay with the 64 bit version – at the beginning there was a compatibility check, which reported that iTunes was incompatible and must be removed. I did so, and started again.

Coming back to the slipstream subject – over the years I have done a few, the latter ones using nLite and vLite. Searched the web to see if vLite would work with W7, but found it would not. The alternatives include this site: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/145343-slipstream-windows-7-sp1-into-installation-dvd-iso-file.html , using RT Seven Lite. There are two disadvantages – the first is that it appears to be a fairly lenghty process; the other rather more serious. The following is a quote from this site, (and it did not have an explanation that I found):
“You cannot use a slipstream Windows 7 installation disc to do
a repair install with on a currently installed
slipstream Windows 7 SP1.
You can use a Windows 7 SP1 installation disc (ex: Technet
(available), MSDN (available), or retail (when available)) to do a repair install with on a currently installed
slipstream Windows 7 SP1.”

Both operations were successful. They were done with unrestricted kleys – could there be a problem had I had OEMs?

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I know those listed products will find the keys for Windows, however, they also show up as spyware. I prefer two other programs that are also much more useful in additional ways. Both programs are also free utilities.
The first application is Belarc Adviser. Not only does it retrieve your Windows keys, but it pulls out most other product keys. The report also provides pages of detailed information that is very helpful to the computer owner and or a repair person to understand that specific computer.

The second application is Speccy. It doesn’t pull out as much information as Belarc, however, it pulls out the Windows key, and also goes deeper into component details, such as the exact brand, voltage, etc of installed memory modules. It pulls up the current temperatures of the motherboard, hard drive and CPU. It has a detailed SMART report on the hard drive.

Apparently these are better kept secrets than doing an in place upgrade of Windows XP, Vista, or 7. I have been using the above programs for troubleshooting, repairing, and upgrading computers for at least 8 years.

Cheers,

Dave Leippe

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Need some information. I read through all 7 pages of posts to this thread and did not see my situation. I have Win7 Home Edition without SP1 pre-installed on a ZT Desktop PC. I have been getting a number of BSODs at different times since it was purchased about 2 yrs ago, but have just lived with it during that time. The BSOD frequency is about 2 or 3 times per week. The ZT tech support (in New Delhli) folks have no answers other than reformat and reinstall Windows.

I attemted to use Fred Langa’s method of reinstall-upgrade but the OEM Recovery DVD that came with the computer does not offer me the choice for upgrading. The setup just proceeds to download the files when I click on “Install”. It also does not offer me the option to “get updated file from the internet”. It just starts installing. Well, I immediately cancelled out.

There was one screen that did appear that showed two partitions. C: (OS) and another smaller partition for System files. Does that mean I can not use the Fred’s method?

Please advise.

PS: I also have an unused Windows 7 Upgrade package purchased a while back that does not have SP1 included. Would this be helpful to me in any way to do Fred’s method of reinstall-upgrade?

Any assistance is most appreciated.

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Need some information. I read through all 7 pages of posts to this thread and did not see my situation. I have Win7 Home Edition without SP1 pre-installed on a ZT Desktop PC. I have been getting a number of BSODs at different times since it was purchased about 2 yrs ago, but have just lived with it during that time. The BSOD frequency is about 2 or 3 times per week. The ZT tech support (in New Delhli) folks have no answers other than reformat and reinstall Windows.

I attemted to use Fred Langa’s method of reinstall-upgrade but the OEM Recovery DVD that came with the computer does not offer me the choice for upgrading. The setup just proceeds to download the files when I click on “Install”. It also does not offer me the option to “get updated file from the internet”. It just starts installing. Well, I immediately cancelled out.

There was one screen that did appear that showed two partitions. C: (OS) and another smaller partition for System files. Does that mean I can not use the Fred’s method?

Please advise.

PS: I also have an unused Windows 7 Upgrade package purchased a while back that does not have SP1 included. Would this be helpful to me in any way to do Fred’s method of reinstall-upgrade?

Any assistance is most appreciated.

Please start a separate topic on your own issue. These threads are hardly the best place to ask for help with specific issues. In your own topic, you will get full attention, concerning your specific issue.

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Great article! My problem was that the backup routine corrupted, so I needed to reinstall. However when I tried to uninstall SP1, it acted like the uninstall was proceeding but it was not. I had to delete all of the updates installed subsequent to the SP1 installation prior to removing SP1 (about 140 updates). I would skip the reboot on each one until the current deletion barfed. Once SP1 was finally deleted, I rebooted again and the W7 reinstall proceeded as advertised. After the W7 reinstall, the system informed me that I had 142 updates. I backed up the system and then installed these updates and was informed that I was up-to-date. I checked the update list and SP1 had not reinstalled. I backed up the system at this point too. Further research on http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2505743 had me looking at the update history to determine if updates KB2454826, KB2534366, and KB2533552 had been installed (sort the updates by hitting the name bar for ease of locating) and determined that one of these updates was not installed. After finding and installing the missing update, the system informed me that I had six additional updates available (for a total of 149) one of which was SP1. A final backup completed this reinstallation.

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In a recent Newsletter you provided advice on fixing Windows problems via a non-destructive install. I have my original Win7 Professional (64) disk. Un fortunately, I upgraded online to Win7 Ultimate. When I attempt to do a non-destructive reinstall as per your article (using my original Win7 Professional (64) disk) I get blocked with a message stating that my disk does not match my OS. Any suggestions how I can overcome that problem?

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In a recent Newsletter you provided advice on fixing Windows problems via a non-destructive install. I have my original Win7 Professional (64) disk. Un fortunately, I upgraded online to Win7 Ultimate. When I attempt to do a non-destructive reinstall as per your article (using my original Win7 Professional (64) disk) I get blocked with a message stating that my disk does not match my OS. Any suggestions how I can overcome that problem?

Try downloading an ISO from here: http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads.12325/

Pick the one that matches your installation and use your Ultimate key with it.

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I have also some folders (like ‘users’ , ‘my documents’, etc.) on a separate D-partition and this non-destructive reinstall doesn’t work. These folders must sit on the same original partition, i.e. C. Moving these back to the C-partition wouldn’t help.

Is there a workaround or is a new re-install (with later on putting back all later -on installed programs) the only option?

My main question is this: For those of us with a second partition holding our data, i.e. My Documents, Favorites, pics, music, etc. (we have moved all data folders to the data drive) will the Win 7 No Format, non-destructive Reinstall leave my setup in place and just replace the system files still included on my C Drive, or will it place new folders for these data folders on my C Drive that I now have to move again to my D Drive?

Probably better tutorial – ‘How to Do a Repair Install to Fix Windows 7‘ – http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html (link posted earlier by ‘Dean-S’ user – here)

‘

[*]If you changed the default location of a user account’s profile folder, then you will need to change it back to the default C:Users location first.
[*]If you changed the default location of a user account’s profile folder, then you will need to change it back to the default C:Users location first. – http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/87555-user-profile-change-default-location.html
[*]If you changed the default location of a user account’s profile folder, then you will need to change it back to the default C:Users location first. – http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18583-user-folders-restore-default-location.html‘ (You can cut files from these folders and paste in other backup non-system folder create by You if You don’t have enough space on partition C and after that restore the default location of these user Folders.) [Sorry for my English.]

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I have discovered that installation of IE9 fails after performing an upgrade from Vista to 7 (at least for me…and a few others with whom I have consulted). It only apparently responds to a clean install. Will this fix solve that problem? I have delayes moving to IE9 for the sole reason that I don’t want to deal with the re-creation of my whole system.

As I mentioned earlier, I have been unable to do Repair Installs with Win7.
Regarding IE – Anyone who wishing to do repair Installs SHOULD ONLY USE the version of IE, that was in the original Install CD.
MS have threaded IE into the OS like a Goa’uld and everyone is letting them get away with it.
Thus when you do a Repair Install, it will try to fix IE, but it (your CD) knows nothing about the subsequent versions of IE
So uninstall your later versions of IE, and use Firefox to send a strong message to MS

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My main question is this: For those of us with a second partition holding our data, i.e. My Documents, Favorites, pics, music, etc. (we have moved all data folders to the data drive) will the Win 7 No Format, non-destructive Reinstall leave my setup in place and just replace the system files still included on my C Drive, or will it place new folders for these data folders on my C Drive that I now have to move again to my D Drive?

I have also some folders (like ‘users’ , ‘my documents’, etc.) on a separate D-partition and this non-destructive reinstall doesn’t work. These folders must sit on the same original partition, i.e. C. Moving these back to the C-partition wouldn’t help.

Is there a workaround or is a new re-install (with later on putting back all later -on installed programs) the only option?

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Will this method work with a disk made from the origional install disk with SP! slipped streamed into it using RT7 Lite?

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Will this method work with a disk made from the origional install disk with SP! slipped streamed into it using RT7 Lite?

This should work I would think as long as you have your original key.

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Will this method work with a disk made from the origional install disk with SP! slipped streamed into it using RT7 Lite?

It won’t work. I tried to repair a W7 x64 with a brand new W7 x64 SP1 dvd and windows didn’t take it. The message stated that you need to use the same windows version.

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It won’t work. I tried to repair a W7 x64 with a brand new W7 x64 SP1 dvd and windows didn’t take it. The message stated that you need to use the same windows version.

That sounds familiar. I have Win 7 Ultimate installed, but can’t seem to get SP-1 to install (nor IE9, and a couple of other updates say they’re installed but keep showing up anyway). I tried re-installing from my original disk, but it’s from an iso download and won’t do an in place upgrade. So I got a copy of a full windows 7 ultimate dvd, but it tells me it can’t do the upgrade because SP-1 isn’t installed. Oh, and the System Update Readiness Tool won’t install either. Any suggestions?

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That sounds familiar. I have Win 7 Ultimate installed, but can’t seem to get SP-1 to install (nor IE9, and a couple of other updates say they’re installed but keep showing up anyway). I tried re-installing from my original disk, but it’s from an iso download and won’t do an in place upgrade. So I got a copy of a full windows 7 ultimate dvd, but it tells me it can’t do the upgrade because SP-1 isn’t installed. Oh, and the System Update Readiness Tool won’t install either. Any suggestions?

Someone suggested running the Windows 7 SP1 DVD setup.exe under Vista SP2 compatibility. Definitely something to try. I haven’t done it yet because I don’t know the effect of the repair install on IIS, which I have with a lot of changes, to test different sites developed with different technologies. Will do it, sometime, however, as that is the only way to keep the OS updated, inthe long run.

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There is much information on the internet about “repair installaions”.

I think the real news that would interest people is how to repair the microsoft operating system (any version) without a cd or dvd? In otherwords, many computers and laptops and netbooks have pre-installed o.s.’s and no disks to boot up with.

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HI
Isnt it possible to slipstream w7 with sp1?
moshe Zik

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Will this procedure work with the reinstallation disk made with a utility that came with my laptop?

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A very interesting topic that will I know, generate many questions. Without any disrespect to Fred Langa, I believe my method is superior. It was learned over a long period of trials & errors but I think I’ve cracked it.
I start with a clean hdd, do a clean install, install all updates from Windows & Microsoft, install ‘DirectX’ (if it fails I start again) I then activate, install Acronis TIH 2010 and make my ‘Master’ copy. (System Image)
Next, I install my current favourite AV first, then Java, Adobe Flash Player & Shockwave Player, then finally all the few programs I need most often. I then run Disk Cleanup, defrag and make another backup ‘Master Plus’ (System Image).
I’m now free to do as I please, knowing I can restore to my ‘Master Plus’ image.
After about 3 or 4 months when many updates for everything have been added, I restore using my ‘Master’ copy, remake a ‘Master Plus’ image and start again.

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I start with a clean hdd

But Fred’s solution in non-invasive – everything except the opsys is retained. That’s worth a lot!!

Tom

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But Fred’s solution in non-invasive – everything except the opsys is retained. That’s worth a lot!!

Tom

Maybe so, I’m going to try Fred’s method ramorra, but will be backed up beforehand.

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Under normal circumstances it appears that a slipstreamed Windows SP1 DVD cannot be used for a repair install of Windows 7 (with or without SP1). See http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html for further information. However, I found a posting on the web that specifically states that if you follow the normal repair install steps and run the setup.exe file on the slipstreamed DVD under Vista SP2 compatibility mode, the repair install will work. I have not attempted this and cannot verify that is works. It would be great if someone can give this procedure a try and report back on the results.

John Switzer

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Using a slightly modified version (see below) of Fred’s article, I have just successfully completed the repair/re-install of an installed Windows 7 SP1 x64 system using a Slipstreamed Windows 7 SP1 x64 DVD (created with RT7 Lite). As I stated in my post #31, the secret is to run the repair/install (setup.exe on the Slipstreamed DVD) under Vista SP2 Compatability Mode. It does work.

Remember this is a repair/re-install of an installed Windows 7 system. It will not allow you to change to a different version of Windows 7. Also, you do not boot from the DVD, you run the repair/re-install from the DVD under the installed Window system.

In my case, the Slipstreamed SP1 DVD was created using the same DVD that was used during the original Windows 7 install. The only change to Fred’s article is to access the properties for the install.exe located on the Slipstreamed DVD and modify the compatibility mode to Vista SP2. This must be done prior to actually running the setup.exe program.

John Switzer

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Win7’s no-reformat, nondestructive reinstall

Thanks for the link.

With that said, it does not address the situation where you cannot log into any mode of Windows. If you boot the DVD, choose install, upgrade, it will inform you that you can only run the (now called) repair installation from the desktop (I would guess that safe mode would work).

Workaround for that?

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You do not boot from the DVD. You open the slipstreamed DVD from within Windows. Then execute the startup.exe file on the DVD in compatibility mode. The procedure is exactly as is described in the SevensForum document I referred to except for running startup.exe in Vista compatibility mode. I will be giving this a try once I have some time. I will report back what I find.

John

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It has come to my attention that this is not possible or recommended if using a Win7 Upgrade copy.

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	TOP STORY Win7’s no-reformat, nondestructive reinstall
	By Fred Langa You deleted a file yesterday; now you really need it back. Your Windows recycle bin is empty — what now? Your next-best option is the Restore Previous Versions tool — a truly great, automatic data-protection feature buried in Win7.

---

The full text of this column is posted at windowssecrets.com/top-story/win7s-no-reformat-nondestructive-reinstall/ (paid content, opens in a new window/tab).

Columnists typically cannot reply to comments here, but do incorporate the best tips into future columns.[/td]

[/tr][/tbl]

Is it me or the story title and the teaser are mismatched, here? Looks weird, even if the link is correct. It’s not the first time that happens, either.

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Is it me or the story title and the teaser are mismatched, here? Looks weird, even if the link is correct. It’s not the first time that happens, either.

That was a recycled article originally written for an earlier version of Windows.

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Has anyone done ‘Fred’s reinstall’ on a Win 7 Pro system (x64 in my case) that had originally been Home Premium and was upgraded to Pro by purchasing a Windows Anytime Upgrade (WAU) key? While comments that a WAU Pro key ‘should’ work are of some reassurance, much better would be to know it actually DID work for someone. [Any such successful use of a WAU key, for any upgrade path, would be good to know, if not a Home Premium to Pro instance.] Thanks.

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Just completed the in-place upgrade for windows 7 Pro with great results. My system had become sluggish and even unresponsive in some instances but now hums along like new. So far as I can tell I haven’t lost one of my close to 150 installed 3rd party programs. The only variation from Microsoft’ Support instructions on the same subject is that they recommend that all Windows features be unchecked and turned off before the in-place upgrade proceeds. I went ahead and did that although it might not have been strictly necessary. Contrary to a previous comment, the installation was successfully accomplished with a Windows 7 upgrade DVD. The in-place installation works with the upgrade version not only from my own experience but per Microsoft support.

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I am still using XP and so I read the link Fred gave to his older article in the Langa Letter. It was helpful. However, virtually none of the links in the article are working. Any chance we can get updated ones?

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I am still using XP and so I read the link Fred gave to his older article in the Langa Letter. It was helpful. However, virtually none of the links in the article are working. Any chance we can get updated ones?

Jeanette Hafke of InformationWeek very kindly restored the links to the BIG views of Fred’s graphics.

Hooray for Jean!!

Tom

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I thought I posted about 30 minutes ago, but I don’t see the post. So, try again…

I used the link in Fred’s article to do an XP Pro non-destructive re-install. I get to the point where he’s “Installing Devices”, at 34 minutes to completion, and he sits there, showing me the marketing messages every two minutes but not doing much else. On the two previous occasions he eventually give me a BSOD with a stop code of 0XDEADBEEF (!!) I expect a third BSOD soon!!

Help!!

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I used the link in Fred’s article to do an XP Pro non-destructive re-install.

Update – I’m now “Installing Network” at 32 minutes to completion. Been there for 40 minutes. Fingers crossed!!

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I have 2 questions here:

1) My system is an HP Pavilion Elite HPE 64-bit. I have never had an installation disc. I have what all HP systems get, a factory image partition to allow us to do a full reinstall or repair the OS. Is it possible to reinstall Win7 under these conditions using Fred’s method?

2) When I bought my new system it had Win7 Home Edition on it. I then bought the upgrade to Win7 Pro (no problems with upgrade). If I try Fred Langa’s reinstall method (no-reformat nondestructive) what is going to happen to my currently installed version? Will it revert to Win7 HE? Will it work at all?

Thx,
CP :rolleyes:

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Hi cindy5663,

Welcome to the Lounge.

Regarding 1, if you have a DVD matching the Windows version, the repair should go fine. You will need the original Windows key.

Regarding 2, it is very likely that you can only perform such a reinstall with a Windows 7 Pro DVD. In that case, you should need the 7 Pro key.

HTH

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Vista Ultimate version has a grayed out “Upgrade” on screen. I can’t go any further in the process.

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Hi cindy5663,

Welcome to the Lounge.

Regarding 1, if you have a DVD matching the Windows version, the repair should go fine. You will need the original Windows key.

Regarding 2, it is very likely that you can only perform such a reinstall with a Windows 7 Pro DVD. In that case, you should need the 7 Pro key.

HTH

I don’t have a DVD or CD for the OS and never have. I have the original Win7 HE key. I just need to know if this type of restore will work from the factory image partition. HP doesn’t send out DVDs with their systems but you get the ability to rebuild from the image partition.

There is no DVD to the Win7 Pro upgrade (called the Windows Anytime Upgrade). All I received was the Win 7 Pro key which set off the upgrade from Home Edition to Pro.

I’m getting the impression that I would most likely be better off just doing a full rebuild.

Thx,
CP :rolleyes:

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I don’t have a DVD or CD for the OS and never have. I have the original Win7 HE key. I just need to know if this type of restore will work from the factory image partition. HP doesn’t send out DVDs with their systems but you get the ability to rebuild from the image partition.

There is no DVD to the Win7 Pro upgrade (called the Windows Anytime Upgrade). All I received was the Win 7 Pro key which set off the upgrade from Home Edition to Pro.

I’m getting the impression that I would most likely be better off just doing a full rebuild.

Thx,
CP :rolleyes:

Hi CP

You haven’t indicated why you’re thinking of doing a Windows reinstall or rebuild. IMO reinstall/rebuild is a last resort solution to some problem or other, e.g a system seriously compromised by multiple malware infections – e.g. you’ve been Stuxnet’d 🙂

So what’s actually wrong with your HP Pavilion ?

You must have a 64bit retail Win7 DVD to do the reinstall via Fred’s procedure. The edition is irrelevant the DVD’s are all the same, its the license key that controls what edition gets installed.

If you can’t beg/borrow/sneak a suitable DVD from a friend, colleague, or the local computer shop, you could make your own DVD via a warez download, which you can then keep. You’d need to make sure that you got one that allows you to use the license number you got when you did the Anytime Upgrade. I cant suggest where you could get such a download, because its illegal; but only marginally so, because you’d be using the license key that you already own.

If you do a rebuild on a freshly formatted harddrive, I still think you’d be better off using a retail Win7 64bit DVD – then you won’t get the software bloat that HP loads up on its installs. You may want to get HP to confirm, in writing, whether a re-install from a retail DVD will effect future warranty claims (assuming the Pavilion is still under warranty), suppliers use every means possible avoid doing anything under warranty.

RP

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I don’t have a DVD or CD for the OS and never have. I have the original Win7 HE key. I just need to know if this type of restore will work from the factory image partition. HP doesn’t send out DVDs with their systems but you get the ability to rebuild from the image partition.

There is no DVD to the Win7 Pro upgrade (called the Windows Anytime Upgrade). All I received was the Win 7 Pro key which set off the upgrade from Home Edition to Pro.

I’m getting the impression that I would most likely be better off just doing a full rebuild.

Thx,
CP :rolleyes:

If what you have is a factory image on a hidden partition, then I suspect the non destruct reformat would not be an option available to you.
This is a common downside to purchasing your typical manufactured computers these days…even the OEM partitions are better than just image restore type of hidden partitions.

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Well, I’m stuck and could use some advice. I’m running 32-bit Vista-Business. I need to accomplish this “fix” on my existing Vista install so I can then run my Win-7 Upgrade. (yes, I’ve tried the Win-7 upgrade, but it freezes at about 92%; I’ve tried everything multiple forums recommend and nothing works!) Anyway, if I can repair my Vista install using this method, then I can do the Win-7 upgrade.

Specifically to my use of this method, the “upgrade” option on my Vista machine is “greyed out” and is NOT an option. I’m thinking that is has to do with the “SP’s” my Vista systems has updated. Anyone got any advice??? I could sure use it!

Jim Cotton / Atlanta

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Well, I’m stuck and could use some advice. I’m running 32-bit Vista-Business. I need to accomplish this “fix” on my existing Vista install so I can then run my Win-7 Upgrade. (yes, I’ve tried the Win-7 upgrade, but it freezes at about 92%; I’ve tried everything multiple forums recommend and nothing works!) Anyway, if I can repair my Vista install using this method, then I can do the Win-7 upgrade.

Specifically to my use of this method, the “upgrade” option on my Vista machine is “greyed out” and is NOT an option. I’m thinking that is has to do with the “SP’s” my Vista systems has updated. Anyone got any advice??? I could sure use it!

Jim Cotton / Atlanta

I don’t think Vista offers the same level of repair install as Windows 7 does. Many articles I’ve seen seem to suggest that it’s non-destruct reformat is just a clean install
with the inclusion of a “windows old” folder where all of your previous operating system’s data is kept. You would have to reinstall all of your programs and recreate all of your personal settings.

If someone is willing to disprove this please post.

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I don’t think Vista offers the same level of repair install as Windows 7 does. Many articles I’ve seen seem to suggest that it’s non-destruct reformat is just a clean install
with the inclusion of a “windows old” folder where all of your previous operating system’s data is kept. You would have to reinstall all of your programs and recreate all of your personal settings.

If someone is willing to disprove this please post.

Yea, that’s what I’m dreading. The “clean install, that is. Looking more and more like it’s the way I’ll have to go.

Jim

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I have followed Fred’s instruction and uninstalling SP1 first up, there is a message ” not all updates have been unistalled” The question is -do I proceed further or what needs to be done . Michael

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The Service Pack will not uninstall. I tried all day. When the computer restarts after the Service Pack is deleted, during shut down there is a message: Configuring Service Pack. Then when starting up after the restart there is another message: Failure configuring Service Pack, reverting changes.

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The Service Pack will not uninstall. I tried all day. When the computer restarts after the Service Pack is deleted, during shut down there is a message: Configuring Service Pack. Then when starting up after the restart there is another message: Failure configuring Service Pack, reverting changes.

Try this: http://www.webtlk.com/2010/07/16/how-to-easily-uninstall-windows-7-sp1-from-dos/

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It won’t let me uninstall. It says the service pack is required by my computer and will not perform the uninstall. Any other suggestions? My problem began after the latest updates for Netframework. The same updates installed over a 4 day period and I continually get blue screens.

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It’s quite possible that all, or many of those accumulated updates that postdate the service pack may need to be removed as well, …before removing service pack 1.
I havn’t done it so I can’t verify this.

Something to keep in mind though.

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Hi Fred,

I have read your article regarding Windows 7 in place reinstall with the
greatest interest, but one thing you probably forgot to address is that if one
has already deleted the reserved copy of SP1 in Disk Cleanup dialog box under
“Files to delete” in order to gain some free space (about 6 GB), it boils down
to being impossible to uninstall SP1. I certainly would appreciate your take on
the matter.

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If this method is to repair a broken OS, how does one get into it to remove SP1??? The only way I see is to delete the entire install, install WIN 7 from scratch, and re-image from a backup. In my case, before I can re-install a backup I must install the driver for my USB 3 external drive, so Windows can find the backup.

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If this method is to repair a broken OS, how does one get into it to remove SP1??? The only way I see is to delete the entire install, install WIN 7 from scratch, and re-image from a backup. In my case, before I can re-install a backup I must install the driver for my USB 3 external drive, so Windows can find the backup.

The USB 3 drive likely should work as USB 2 if no USB 3 port is available.

Regarding the SP1 status, trying to get a Windows DVD with SP1 could be a way out.

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If this method is to repair a broken OS, how does one get into it to remove SP1??? The only way I see is to delete the entire install, install WIN 7 from scratch, and re-image from a backup. In my case, before I can re-install a backup I must install the driver for my USB 3 external drive, so Windows can find the backup.

See http://windowssecrets.com/forums/showthread//139370-Win7-s-no-reformat-nondestructive-reinstall?p=812366&viewfull=1#post812366

This can be done with a WinPE disc.

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Links to apparently legal source of downloadable Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 iso file(s):

http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/

and of related interest is:

http://www.mydigitallife.info/create-windows-7-universal-iso-with-all-editions-selection-on-install-with-ei-cfg-removal-utility/

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Loonier, Welcome to the Lounge as a poster.

These links, or similar have appeared in several separate threads. For those using these links be advised if you can cannect they are very slow to download, I would assume because of the load on the servers and the number of downloads.

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This morning I tried to re-install Win 7 Pro as per Mr Langa’s instructions, and I ended with very unpleasant results:

[*] SP1 was NOT fully uninstalled, so I tried it again with the same results;
[*] then my attempts were abruptly halted and the reason is in the attached “Windows Compatibility Report.txt”.

Could Mr. Langa have a look at the attachment and also the reason for SP1 not fully uninstalling?

I am waiting with bated breath for a solution, as this PC is my daily work PC.

Thanks.

nospmas1939

28726-Windows-Compatibility-Report

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This morning I tried to re-install Win 7 Pro as per Mr Langa’s instructions, and I ended with very unpleasant results:

[*] SP1 was NOT fully uninstalled, so I tried it again with the same results;
[*] then my attempts were abruptly halted and the reason is in the attached “Windows Compatibility Report.txt”.

Could Mr. Langa have a look at the attachment and also the reason for SP1 not fully uninstalling?

I am waiting with bated breath for a solution, as this PC is my daily work PC.

Thanks.

nospmas1939

28726-Windows-Compatibility-Report

The main issue pointed out in the report is that the current windows version is more recent than the one you are trying to upgrade to. I would say that is a result from SP1 have not been uninstalled. I am afraid you won’t be able to proceed untill SP1 is uninstalled.

You can also try downloading an a Windows 7 with SP1 integrated from here: http://www.shaileshtripathi.in/2011/08/leaked-windows-7-sp1-integrated.html

Your current Windows key should work.

Please understand that a backup of your current installation is recommended, as things can always go wrong. The best backup strategy in such a scenario is to create a full image of your system.

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The main issue pointed out in the report is that the current windows version is more recent than the one you are trying to upgrade to. I would say that is a result from SP1 have not been uninstalled. I am afraid you won’t be able to proceed untill SP1 is uninstalled.

You can also try downloading an a Windows 7 with SP1 integrated from here:

http://www.shaileshtripathi.in/2011/08/leaked-windows-7-sp1-integrated.html

Your current Windows key should work.

Please understand that a backup of your current installation is recommended, as things can always go wrong. The best backup strategy in such a scenario is to create a full image of your system.

Thank you very much for your prompt and helpful reply, “ruirib”.

I am trying to find out what causes an ‘uninstall’ to choke and not fully erase itself from my system. Yes, I am aware that that was the main reason for my failure, but being as fussy as I am, regarding quality of downloads and security, I cannot fathom why or what caused it to happen.

Also another ‘Thanks’ for the Slipstreamed versions of Win 7 – I was about to go to “theeldergeek” to see if he had any instructions to perform that same function. You have saved me hours of work!!!

Keep well,

nospmas1939

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If you want to try another way to uninstall SP1, have a look at this link: http://www.webtlk.com/2010/07/16/how-to-easily-uninstall-windows-7-sp1-from-dos/

Maybe it will work.

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Thanks again ‘ruirib’. Have tried your suggestion and I got the following [negative] reply:

“Installer encountered an error: 0x80073712.
The component store has been corrupted.”

I will run the command and see what happens, otherwise I’ll do a complete clean reinstall. Stay tuned!!!

Regards

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If sfc cannot fix it, it’s either a reinstall with the SP1 DVD or a clean reinstall, as you put it. Hope it goes well.

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If the reinstall is necessary you can download the Win 7 iso with SP1 already slipstreamed. Just burn the iso to DVD, then insert the DVD and reboot to start the reinstall. This might cut down the time necessary to perform the reinstall. In this case your original key should unlock the correct version of Win 7 for you.

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Hello

Registered to the forum – just to inform you – that this “repair” install was unable to fix a broken Windows Firewall.
A user in our company had his PC infected with malware – and it broke Windows Firewall..

This “repair” install didn’t fix the problems.

We are now going to perform a fresh install – to bring things back in order..

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There is no option to uninstal/change SP1 on my system, therefore using my disc will not allow me to reinstal because the system says I have a more recent version already installed. How can I get rid of SP1, please?

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There is no option to uninstal/change SP1 on my system, therefore using my disc will not allow me to reinstal because the system says I have a more recent version already installed. How can I get rid of SP1, please?

You should try an official Windows 7 SP1 disc, which you can download from here: http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/

You can use it with your existing windows key.

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You should try an official Windows 7 SP1 disc, which you can download from here: http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/

You can use it with your existing windows key.

Downloading now, Thank you.

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Actually, it seems the anytime upgrade key won’t work for that: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/clean-install-of-win7pro-using-anytime-upgrade-key/7e1cf098-f2bf-41c9-b3fa-858b985fd75b

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It seems you would have to reinstall your original Win 7 version, then do the Anytime Upgrade, then install SP1 and other updates.

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:mad:When I get to the section that I have to pick upgrade or install windows 7 i pick Upgrade. I get a massage that my copy of windows does not allow upgrades.
anyone else seen this problem.

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More info is needed. What version of Windows are you attempting to upgrade? What version of Windows are you attempting to upgrade to? These questions would be versions and bitness of versions. I realize the title does say Win 7, but are you upgrading from a version of Win 7 to another version of Win 7 or from XP or Vista to Win 7. From Home Premium to Pro or Ultimate, from 32 Bit to 64 Bit. There are many different variables that you would have to provide before any answer could be provided.

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	TOP STORY Win7’s no-reformat, nondestructive reinstall
	By Fred Langa You deleted a file yesterday; now you really need it back. Your Windows recycle bin is empty — what now? Your next-best option is the Restore Previous Versions tool — a truly great, automatic data-protection feature buried in Win7.

---

The full text of this column is posted at windowssecrets.com/top-story/win7s-no-reformat-nondestructive-reinstall/ (paid content, opens in a new window/tab).

Columnists typically cannot reply to comments here, but do incorporate the best tips into future columns.[/td]

[/tr][/tbl]

Fred:
If there is an answer to this I’m sure you have it.
I have used the “no reformat repair install” It didn’t work for me. W7 hangs at the pulsating windows splash screen. It is a new install, dual booting with XPP.
If I choose to go to XP at the first boot menu, I can go there and it works just fine. ( so I think it is not a hardware problem)
If I choose the default W7 ( and it did work for the first week) , Now I can’t get past the splash screen. If left for some time an error message appears telling there is a hardware problem. The problem started after the computer was left running over night and it shut down on its own.
Your help is much appreciated.

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Fred:
If there is an answer to this I’m sure you have it.
I have used the “no reformat repair install” It didn’t work for me. W7 hangs at the pulsating windows splash screen. It is a new install, dual booting with XPP.
If I choose to go to XP at the first boot menu, I can go there and it works just fine. ( so I think it is not a hardware problem)
If I choose the default W7 ( and it did work for the first week) , Now I can’t get past the splash screen. If left for some time an error message appears telling there is a hardware problem. The problem started after the computer was left running over night and it shut down on its own.
Your help is much appreciated.

HarvM,

I think you should start a new topic, about your issue, in the Windows 7 forum. It’s the best way to ensure a fast response to your specific issue.

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HarvM,

I think you should start a new topic, about your issue, in the Windows 7 forum. It’s the best way to ensure a fast response to your specific issue.

Just what I was thinking
follow the new post in Windows 7 forum . search tags Hangs, fix boot

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Win7 Service Pack 1 cannot be uninstalled. Does anyone know what to do now, by chance? Would greatly appreciate any help.

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Download a copy of Windows 7 with Srvice Pack 1 from here.
…And look into performing drive image backups for future reference.

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Please forgive my ignorance, but after it is downloaded, what do I do next? Install it? Won’t that be a new installation? I was hoping to do the “no-reformat, nondestructive install.” Not going to be possible?

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Apologies , please create a separate thread in the appropriate Windows forum.
You’ll get better attention, and a more specific response.
Thanks
C

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ATTN: Fred Langa,…. an Update for your MOST excellent article!

The Method of “Uninstalling Windows Service Pack 1 (SP1) will no longer work, at lrast on my computer.
I got the following info from one of Microsoft’s FINEST techs, and I am assuming that it should work, but I have NOT done a re-install yet so I cannot officially verify it yet, but here goes:

You can uninstall service pack from the command prompt by using the following steps

[*]Click the Start button , and then, in the search box, type Command Prompt.
[*]In the list of results, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator. If you’re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
[*]Type the following: wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:976932
[*]Press the Enter key.

You do not have to remove service pack 1 if you can use an installation file which has integrated service pack 1 in it to perform a repair install on the computer.
I hope that this might help!

P.S. from some of what I have read above it might be best to uninstall Internet Explorer first.
Thanks.

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Save yourself a world of pain. If you have an encrypted system drive, such as with TrueCrypt, decrypt the drive first. Don’t just enter the password, decrypt the entire drive.

If you enjoy formatting discs, reinstalling Windows and downloading backups, don’t bother.

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To all,

I’m adding this note to several threads, because I don’t feel it’s been adequately discussed:

For a successful reinstall, one needs to ensure that
a.) All libraries (reparse points) are pointing to the original locations on the C: drive, and
b.)The C: drive must have free space equal to the Windows partition size + 9 GB.

Zig

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To all,

I’m adding this note to several threads, because I don’t feel its been adequately discussed:

For a successful reinstall, one needs to ensure that
a.) All libraries (reparse points) are pointing to the original locations on the C: drive, and
b.)The C: drive must have free space equal to the Windows partition size + 9 MB.

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