Windows Repair

[Spooner]

Is there any way to run a repair on Windows 7 like one could on Windows XP?

When I change my mobo I have to redo my Windows and its getting annoying. I think you can use sysprep but is there a proper way to do it like you could with XP if your board fails completely cause if I have to reinstall all my crap again I'm gonna scream

 

[CataclysmZA]

Changing to a similar board with the same socket and chipset usually allows you to boot straight into the OS. Changing to a board with a different socket and chipset has always required a re-install, even during the XP days.

Why do you need to change boards often? Sysprep won't help you here because its typically used as an OS deployment tool for large-scale OS upgrades to multiple computers with the same hardware.

 

[Spooner]

I fix pc's and during XP days one just put the disc in on boot-up and after accepting the licence agreement (can't tell you a single word from that tbh) it would list the installed operating system(s). Then from there you just push enter (i think it was) then it would install all the default drivers that originally shipped with XP and from there it would boot and you could install all the new drivers.

If the mobo was in good order and you were doing an upgrade then you could run sysprep with OOBE and generalize then it would remove all the Hardware ID's and reboot. Once it restarts you change the board so when it boots up with the new board it will be an OOBE and install the new Hardware ID's.

But with Windows 7 it no longer has that step where it lists the currently installed operating system(s).

 

[Pulserider]

The repair feature is still available on Windows 7 but only on the Professional and Ultimate Edition.

 

[Quey_Quick]

I find that with a major upgrade like that its always better to do a fresh install.

I have had PCs freeze on me when just replacing boards, even with the same socket and chipset.

 

[Willy Strong]

If you can still boot into Windows, you'll go to Device Manager and uninstall all the manufacture supplied drivers for all the devices.

Like gigabyte, nvidia, realtek, atheros for all devices.
Make IDE/ATA controllers devices Standard Controllers. By right-clicking, update drivers, browse my computer, let me pick


Never restart untill you uninstalled all the drivers, as it will reinstall all driver after a restart...

 

[CataclysmZA]

If you can still boot into Windows, you'll go to Device Manager and uninstall all the manufacture supplied drivers for all the devices.

The only problem with that is when changing boards that are too different, Windows' kernel goes into a panic and shuts down because no drivers are available for it, which locks you out of the boot process and the OS doesn't proceed any further. Its not a design fault either, its actually engineered to do that.

Spooner, I'm afraid I can't help you here. I've never had to do a repair-install of Windows Vista/7/8, so even though I used to be handy with sysprep, its just not going to work the same anymore.

 

[ponder]

One way to do this would be to prep a image with a whole bunch of drivers preinstalled.

 

[W.Salie]

One way to do this would be to prep a image with a whole bunch of drivers preinstalled.

ok so when you change your motherboard that as they said which is to different then what?

I find that with a major upgrade like that its always better to do a fresh install.

I have had PCs freeze on me when just replacing boards, even with the same socket and chipset.

I agree here, a fresh installation is the best and win 7 dont take that long. I did a fresh installation the other day and it took me 40 mins to load win 7 and 20 mins to install all my other apps and drivers. So an hour of your time and you have a fresh installation that you know is not going to give you problems going forward. enjoy!