Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020
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The System Recovery Options menu contains several tools, such as Startup Repair, that can help you recover Windows from a serious error. This set of tools is on your computer's hard disk and on the Windows installation disc.
Note: You can also create a system repair disc that contains the System Recovery Options menu. For more information, see Create a system repair disc. If you use a Tablet PC or other computer with a touchscreen, you might need to connect a keyboard and mouse in order to use Startup Repair and the other tools in the System Recovery Options menu.
What each recovery option does
|
System recovery option |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Startup Repair |
Fixes certain problems, such as missing or damaged system files, that might prevent Windows from starting correctly. |
|
System Restore |
Restores your computer's system files to an earlier point in time without affecting your files, such as e‑mail, documents, or photos. If you use System Restore from the System Recovery Options menu, you cannot undo the restore operation. However, you can run System Restore again and choose a different restore point, if one exists. |
|
System Image Recovery |
You need to have created a system image beforehand to use this option. A system image is a personalized backup of the partition that contains Windows, and includes programs and user data, like documents, pictures, and music. |
|
Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool |
Scans your computer's memory for errors. |
|
Command Prompt |
Advanced users can use Command Prompt to perform recovery-related operations and also run other command line tools for diagnosing and troubleshooting problems. |
Note: Some computer manufacturers might customize the menu by adding or removing recovery tools, or including their own tools.
To open the System Recovery Options menu on your computer
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Remove all floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs from your computer, and then restart your computer using the computer's power button.
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Do one of the following:
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If your computer has a single operating system installed, press and hold the F8 key as your computer restarts. You need to press F8 before the Windows logo appears. If the Windows logo appears, you need to try again by waiting until the Windows logon prompt appears, and then shutting down and restarting your computer.
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If your computer has more than one operating system, use the arrow keys to highlight the operating system you want to repair, and then press and hold F8.
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On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Repair your computer, and then press Enter. (If Repair your computer isn't listed as an option, then your computer doesn't include preinstalled recovery options, or your network administrator has turned them off.)
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Select a keyboard layout, and then click Next.
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On the System Recovery Options menu, click a tool to open it.
To open the System Recovery Options menu using the Windows 7 installation disc or a USB flash drive, or a system repair disc
If your computer's system is severely damaged and you can't access the System Recovery Options menu on your computer, you can access it using the Windows 7 installation disc or a USB flash drive, or using a system repair disc if you created one earlier.
To use this method, you need to restart (boot) your computer using the disc or USB flash drive.
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Insert the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive, or a system repair disc, and then shut down your computer.
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Restart your computer using the computer's power button.
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When prompted, press any key, and then follow the instructions that appear.
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On the Install Windows page, or on the System Recovery Options page, choose your language and other preferences, and then click Next.
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If neither the Install Windows page nor the System Recovery Options page appear, and you're not asked to press any key, you might need to change some system settings.
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If you're using the Windows installation disc or USB flash drive, click Repair your computer.
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Select the Windows installation you want to repair, and then click Next.
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On the System Recovery Options menu, click a tool to open it.
