If you are absolutely clueless about how to reinstall Windows 7, you have landed on the right page. Read to know all about the Windows 7 reinstallation procedure.
Unarguably the best operating system version launched by Microsoft so far, Windows 7 is a delight. With the aesthetically designed Aero graphical interface, better support for multicore processors and multithreading, as well as a faster boot up, this version of Windows gives you no reasons to complain. Available in versions ranging from Starter edition to Ultimate, Windows 7 restored the faith of users in Microsoft's ability to deliver high quality software with the best user interfaces. In this Buzzle article, I show you how to reinstall Windows 7 without losing data, by recovering files from an image or using the recovery disk.
Before Running a Windows 7 Reinstallation
It may be a virus disrupting and corrupting your Windows 7 system files or an overused system with tons of flaws that have crept in its registry, that might force you to run a Windows 7 reinstallation. Your prime concern of course, should be your data, as all other program functionality can be restored, but data once lost is lost forever. So make sure that you backup your existing user data on an external hard drive, a USB flash drive or DVDs, before going for a reinstallation. Let us now dive in to a step wise explanation of reinstalling Windows 7, in the following lines.
How to Reinstall Windows 7?
There are two ways in which you can execute a Windows 7 reinstallation. One is by using an image backup and the second is by using the recovery disc. If you are using a netbook with Windows 7 starter installed on it, it will have an automatic recovery option on it, which can restore full functionality. Check out your user manual for details. Usually, all you need to do is press a button during boot up to run a full recovery, as an image is saved in advance by the manufacturer on the hard drive. For laptop and desktop computers, here is the step wise reinstallation procedure.
Step 1: Open Recovery Console in Control Panel
All administrative options in Windows 7 are found under 'Control Panel'. To recover Windows 7, you need to go to control panel through the 'Start' icon located on the bottom left of your Windows screen. Type 'recovery' in the 'search' box located at the top. Select the recovery option that will be listed below, which will open the recovery console.
Step 2: Choose Advanced Recovery Options
In case the damage done to your system is minor a 'System Recovery' option should restore functionality back in no time. Otherwise, if the damage is extensive, select the 'Advanced Recovery Options' by clicking on it.
Step 3: Choose From Image Recovery or Disk Recovery
If you have created a Windows 7 image previously, you need not go through the lengthy procedure of recovering from a disk. Choose the 'restore from image' option if you have one saved. It will restore full functionality after you have backed up your data. If you don't have a stored image, choose the 'Reinstall Windows' option and keep your recovery disc in readiness.
Step 4: Backup Files and Restart Computer
Once you have chosen the reinstallation option, you will be prompted to run a file backup first. Choose the 'Backup Now' option, if you haven't backed up data before. Once the backup is created, select the 'Restart' computer option when prompted.
Step 5: Insert Recovery Disc and Follow Instructions
On a system restart, you will be prompted to choose the keyboard type. After that, you will be asked to insert the recovery disc. After the disc is inserted, reinstallation will begin copying files. Enter your user name, PC name, choose recommended settings option, time zone and other settings when asked. Once you have chosen them, reinstallation is almost done.
Step 6: Recover File Backup and You Are Done
On successful completion of reinstallation, you will be prompted to recover files from backup. Click on 'Restore Files' to conclude the whole process. On restarting your computer, you will find the system restored to its normal condition. In short, your job will be done! You might want to check out this article explaining the installation of Windows 7 from USB.
This concludes our short tutorial on how to reinstall Windows 7 without losing your data. Creating an image or restore point is always a smart idea, as it allows you to recover the operating system quite easily. If you don't create one and your system crashes, there is always the option of using your Windows recovery disc, which can restore full functionality. Make sure that you backup your data before going for a reinstallation. Also, it is highly recommended that you have a DVD backup for all your software program setup files, which you can use after reinstallation. Just follow each step of the recovery wizard carefully and you should be home quite easily.
By Gray Pilgrim
