Windows 7 SP/1: restoring system to healthy state after recovery

I am looking for a tool that compares files on the Win 7 installation disk and the current system state of a computer installation - and repairs files which are corrupted (like the dism /restorehealth in Win 8 I think).

Does this exist?

In the situation I have recovered the system to a new boot disk from a SSD with many sector errors, so stabilised the situation and generated a functioning but damaged system (sfc irrecoverable errors, etc). I need to check and repair the system without performing a re-install, preferably using info on the original install disk (it is a complex system structure with many legacy programs and a largely hand-written registry, so a re-install is not an option).

4

3 Answers

The alternative to dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth in Windows 7 is System Update Readiness tool as described by Microsoft. Download corresponding version to your Windows edition and run it, then run sfc /scannow to fix the system files.

What you want is the Windows System File Checker. It's prebuilt into the OS so all you need to do is open a command prompt and run:

SFC /scannow

You can read more about that program and its options on this site:

Microsofts KD (including screenshot's and a how to):

Or you can use the Fix it Center from Microsoft:

Any 3rd party application would have a half life of about 1 week due to Microsofts update schedule.

4

1. Given it's a system corruption problem (OR SUSPECTED) A RESTORE is hands down the best bet (and quickest).
2. SFC and DISM do not fix all problems.....in fact (for many of us they simply supply a bit list of things they could not fix) and it can take hours to track down solutions. (how time does fly).
3. If you can't get into your system at all then hopefully the "repair windows" option on your "media" can help solve that issue (but it is almost never the only issue).
4. If that fails and you do not have a system clone (AOMEI or other) then a reinstall is your only (time effective) solution despite the length of time it takes to reinstall the MS monster and your apps and data assuming you have a back of at least downloads, the desktop, received files and documents.

As they say.....been there done that (too many times).

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Sign up using Google Sign up using Facebook Sign up using Email and Password Submit

Post as a guest

Post Your Answer Discard

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy