When a serious error occurs on your system, there are several recovery options available to you, though as anyone who has Windows 7 knows, the options in Microsoft's new operating system are different from those that have come in previous versions.

What to do when you need to repair Windows 7

Use this article as a way to navigate the repair process in Windows 7.  Specifically, we'll talk about making a System Repair DVD, a feature that is unique to Windows 7 and constitutes the best way to restore a damaged system after a major crash or a malicious attack.  Below are the three repair strategies available. 

• Using a OEM Recovery Partition – many manufacturers will provide a recovery partition for use by the end user. To recover your system this way the user must boot into the advanced options screen. You can find directions for booting into advanced options from the Windows 7 forum here.  Needless to say, this is a fairly technical option, and is a little tricky.
• Using a Windows 7 Installation Disc – to recover your system using the installation disc, insert the disc and restart your computer. You can also use your Windows 7 Installation disc to manually make a recovery disc. Make sure the BIOS is set to boot from CD or DVD or press F8 during boot process. But many people don't have an installation disk, receiving their copy of Windows 7 pre-installed on a computer.
• Using a System Repair DVD – those who did not receive an installation disc with their purchase can use a system repair DVD.  This is a feature whereby you insert a blank DVD+R and Windows will make a special repair disk that can be used whenever an emergency arises.

The majority of users today have purchased their PC’s with Windows 7 already loaded by the manufacturer. In these cases the user does not have a Windows Installation disc. The problem here is that the Windows Installation disc is not only used to install software but includes the full version Recovery Center provided by Microsoft.

The Recovery Disk

Microsoft has helped the user overcome this issue by creating a recovery disc that can be created by the user to repair Windows 7 files. The Windows 7 Recovery Disc allows the user to access a system recovery menu after a system crash. This menu has options for using System Restore, Complete PC Backup, automated system repair, and a command-line prompt for manual advanced recovery. Note: Windows 7 can be repaired but not re-installed.

To make a repair disk…

• Insert a blank DVD+R (the R is for "Recordable") into your computer's DVD or CD-ROM.
• Open the Start Menu
• In the Search Field, type "Create a System Repair Disk"
• When you see it, select it.
• This will open the automatic disk creator

• Click "Create Disk" and Windows will begin burning the repair image into the disk.

Once the process is finished, you'll have a disk that you can automatically boot from.  It will include, among other things, a template for how Windows 7 should look without any problems, viruses, or damaged internal structures.  It also includes a set of repair tools, specially designed to seek out other problems and eliminate them.

If you are among the many users who spent the money for a system featuring Windows 7 and you do not have a System Repair DVD, now is the time to make one. Waiting until your system has crashed will cause you significantly more time and frustration.

Making a Windows 7 Repair Disk Outside of WIndows

It's possible to make a repair disk outside of Windows, though this method requires a little more technical know-how.

Before making a recovery disc, you need to find out if you need a 32-bit or 64 bit ISO file. You can easily find that information here: Determine ISO File Size.

Once you have determined the file size you need to download, you can access the download file hosted by NeoSmart Technologies.

Download Windows 7 Recovery Disc Software

The file above is a Torrent download. Be sure to closely read the directions before proceeding. Once you have the Windows 7 Recovery Disc, if you have a system crash, put the CD in your drive and boot from it. Pressing F8 at startup, or changing the boot drive order in the BIOS will allow you to boot this way.