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System Recovery Options

System Recovery Options

Sometimes there's a minor reason why Windows won't start: a corrupt, damaged, or missing system file can prevent a system from booting. Occasionally, system boot failure occurs due to a more extensive reason, such as multiple system file corruptions or extensive operating system damage. It makes sense that the tools that solve these kinds of problems are on a bootable disc or a designated OEM recovery partition. Microsoft places repair and recover functionality where you can easily find it—on the Windows 7 installation media—and most of what you'll need appears in the System Recovery Options menu.

You can access the System Recovery Options by booting the Windows 7 installation disc or triggering your manufacturer-specific RE. After that, select your language, time and currency, and keyboard preferences in the Install Windows Wizard that appears. When you get to the second screen of the wizard, sidestep the Install now button and click the Repair your computer link. The System Recovery Options dialog box will appear.

System Recovery Options include the following:

  • Startup Repair: Corrects boot-time startup failures. Startup Repair fixes minor issues, such as a corrupt or missing master boot record (MBR), but does not fix hardware failures or Windows installation problems. Startup Repair will scan your computer in search of simple startup issues and may prompt you to make changes and then reboot. Unsuccessful attempts result in a summary screen that provides technical support information.
  • System Restore: Returns the system to a prior state using restore points. System Restore is like a Windows "undo" button that places your system to an earlier point in time without affecting your personal files and data. It also uninstalls programs and drivers dated after the specified restore point.
  • System Image Recovery: Recovers the system with a previous system image. A system image captures the entire operating system, its applications, and your personal data. When you restore from a system image, it's all-inclusive: You can't choose individual programs or settings, and you can't use System Restore to "undo" changes.
  • Windows Memory Diagnostic: Identifies defective or faulty system memory. Random software errors can appear like a system issue but are actually a faulty random access memory (RAM) issue. You can eliminate the RAM as a culprit by running Windows Memory Diagnostic.
  • Command Prompt: Lets you run command-line programs to fix file or file system issues. The command prompt gives you access to some system utilities that aren't accessible in the GUI.

System Recovery Options cover a range of common resolution paths. But they aren't the last and final word in Windows 7 repair and recovery. The following sections offer additional tips for getting out of a Windows 7 skid.

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This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


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Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

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Do Not Track

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Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


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Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

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Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


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Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

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Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020