After 10 years of loyal service, support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020. Of course, if you wish to keep using Windows 7, you can. The issue is that even though Windows 7 is stable, it can run into various problems, the most annoying of which is a system crash!
Find out how to repair your Windows 7 installation without data loss
Perform a full system backup
The first step to avoid all potential problems is to perform a full system backup. Prevention is better than cure, right?
Since the backup utilities of previous Windows versions were not very convincing, there is a solid market for third-party applications. Windows 7’s backup and restore feature is arguably the best backup tool to date.
To set up a backup in Windows 7, simply open Computer, right-click the local disk and select Properties. Then click the Tools tab and the Back Up Now button, and you’ll be able to keep your data safe.
Windows will search for a suitable drive to store the backup on your behalf, although you can also choose a location on your network. Note that if you back up to a network location, you will likely need the share’s password.
Of course, you can let Windows decide which data to back up, but it is safer to choose the files and folders yourself.
Using the System Restore setting
Windows’ System Restore feature can help resolve certain types of failures and other computer operating problems. Find out how it works, how to configure it, and how to use it when a problem occurs.
If something goes wrong on your system due to faulty software, whether an installed application or a driver that has disrupted something important, repairing and recovering your data can be difficult. The System Restore procedure lets you return your Windows installation to its last working state without loss.
To this end, Windows creates “restore points” at regular intervals. These restore points are essentially snapshots of your Windows system data and files. That is, your files, certain installed programs, your settings files, or your hardware drivers. It is entirely possible to create a restore point at any time, although Windows automatically creates one once a week. It can also create a restore point right before a major system operation, such as installing a new device driver.
As soon as a new application is installed or a Windows update is run, a restore point is created.
Creating restore points regularly will allow you to repair the system without loss, should a problem occur.
Note that you can use a command prompt to restore the system without loss, by running the rstrui.exe program
Using Safe Mode
Windows’ Safe Mode feature is an essential tool. For computers infected with malware, or crashing due to faulty drivers, this feature can be the only way to start the computer.
By starting the PC in Safe Mode, you have access to a minimal set of drivers and services. In Safe Mode, settings and software are configured to their defaults.
Windows’ built-in functions are then limited to the bare minimum needed. This makes it an excellent way to remove harmful software, such as malware, without loss. It also provides an environment in which it is easier to roll back drivers and use certain tools to repair the system without loss.
Using a bootable USB drive
To repair a corrupted Windows installation, perform a reinstallation, or apply updates, we need a copy of the original media that was used to install Windows. This guide will explain in detail how to obtain this media, put it on a USB drive, and boot from the USB drive to install or repair your copy of Windows, and recover your personal data.
For this, you will need the computer on which you want to repair Windows, as well as another computer with an Internet connection and Windows already installed, not forgetting a 4 GB USB drive, to store the ISO file data.
Download the Windows ISO image
An ISO file is a complete copy of the contents of a disc. The process used consists of copying an ISO file to a USB drive so that your computer runs it as if it were a DVD.
If you have your own ISO (or a Windows disc from which you can create an ISO), it is recommended that you use this method.
Making the USB drive bootable
There are several ways to make a USB drive bootable.
Download and install one of the following:
- Windows 7 USB DVD Download Tool
- Rufus
Both of these programs are very easy to use.
Using the drive
Insert the USB drive into the computer on which you want to repair Windows and recover your data without loss, then turn on that computer. Once the drive is detected, a Windows loading screen will appear automatically.
Otherwise, you will need to tell your computer to boot from the USB drive. On the startup screen (the first screen that appears as soon as you press the power button), look for something called “boot menu” or similar. Locate the key next to that word – most likely one of the following: F2, F8, F10, F12, or DEL. Once found, press that key as you turn on your computer. On the next screen, use your keyboard keys to select the USB drive.
From there, you will be guided through the Windows setup utility.
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