Repair install for Windows 7 failed.

Question

I have a Dell Optiplex 990 with Windows 7 64-Bit. It is about a year old, and I have a problem. When I create a new user profile, logon with the new profile, and start Windows Explorer I get an error like "interface is not supported". Also, some icons on the desktop are blank squares.

I originally used Windows Easy Transfer to setup some profiles when I moved from my old Windows XP PC to the new one with Windows 7. (Not sure if this is related to the current problem.)

To check for system file problems, I used the command "sfc /scannow" and it ran and reported no problems with Windows files.

The last thing I tried was an "Upgrade" to Windows 7 using a Dell reinstallation DVD for Windows 7 64-bit SP1:

Reinstallation DVD
Windows 7 Professional SP1
64-bit
P/N D0V2K

This process took several hours, and the last dialog I saw said:

----
This version of Windows could not be installed.

Your previous version of Windows has been restored, and you can continue to use it. Before trying to install this version of Windows again, check online to see if it is compatible with your computer. Go to the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) and search for "upgrade advisor".
----

So I am back to where I started. I have avoided a clean reinstall because it takes several days to install all of the applications I use at work for software development.

Is there another diagnostic, similar to System File Check (sfc), that would check the registry for potential problems?

Are there any other diagnostic/check tools available?

By the way, I have done a full virus scan with two different scanners, and no problems were found.

DELL-Saharsh K · Answer

Hi Frank,

It appears to be an issue with the operating system.

Please share what data you transferred from the previous system to this one as Windows Easy Transfer supports following transfers:

Files and folders.
E‑mail settings, contacts, and messages.
Program settings.
User accounts and settings.
Internet settings and favorites.
Pictures and video.
Music.

It does not support programs and program files transfer, if they have been transferred it may lead to Windows corruption and you might have to reinstall it. Please refer the link http://bit.ly/aw7OGI for more clarification on this.

Also, you cannot repair the Windows using the OS upgrade media. You need OS installation media to perform 'Windows Repair'. Please refer to the below mentioned links to know how to create system repair disk and how to perform repair install:

Repair CD - System Repair Disk: http://bit.ly/5UKmoe
Windows 7 Repair Install: http://bit.ly/6hA6Ot

While researching for the issue online, I found this link http://bit.ly/a99VVY. The users have tried to re-register all the DLLs in regards to the 'Interface Not Supported' error following the steps on this link and it has been successful for them. You might want to try these.

Hope this helps. Do share the results.

OldGrouch · Answer

Thanks for your reply.

I had already found the link about Windows 7 Repair Install that you cited above, and that is what I tried.

I was under the impression that the reinstallation DVD I referred to above could be used for the repair install. If you are fairly sure that is not the case, I can obtain an official Windows 7 SP1 64-bit ISO from Microsoft via my MSDN subscription.

Is that what you would suggest (and retry the repair install)?

By the way, I tried the link about re-registering DLLs, but that did not correct the problem.

Regards,

Frank

OldGrouch · Answer

I tried the diagnostic startup, and I still see the problem.

theflash1932 · Answer

Be careful taking batch scripts from strangers.  Would be better to tell him the commands to build his own BAT file.

DELL-Saharsh K · Answer

Hi Frank,

It appears that we have tried all the viable troubleshooting steps. Performing repair install using the installation media is next option available. If that does not work, you would have to perform clean re-installation of the Windows.

Steps on how to install Windows 7 are on the link http://dell.to/15VrDxa. Also, for driver click the link http://dell.to/XyrgGq. Enter the Service Tag of the computer and choose the Operating System installed on the computer (32-bit or 64-bit). Please update the latest version drivers available

Note: Please backup all the data before performing the above mentioned steps as it can lead to data loss.

Please reply if you have any further questions.

Windows General

Repair install for Windows 7 failed.

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