How do I reset the registry using the repair console in Windows 7?

I need to fix a Windows 7 machine that can only boot into Safe Mode. I cannot use a DVD or take out the hard disk, and there are no dates available for System Restore to restore to.

With Windows XP or Vista, I would've done the following:

1. Switch on, tap F8, select "Advanced Boot Options", then "Repair your System", then "Command Prompt"


2. cd c:\windows\repair
copy * ..\system32\config**
replace? [yes|no|ALL]

Is there any equivalent series of steps for fixing a Windows 7?

Answer

• Press F8 during boot




• Select "Repair my computer"




• Select the hard drive that windows is installed on




• Choose Command Prompt from the next menu




• Run these commands to make a temporary copy of your registry

  
  

  cd /d c:\windows\System32\config
  xcopy *.* c:\RegBack\
  cd RegBack
  dir
  




• Examine the last modified dates of the Software, System and SAM files. Were the files created before your problem started?




• If they were created before the problem started then type these commands:

  
  

  copy /y software  ..
  copy /y System  ..
  copy /y Sam ..
  

  
  

  (the two dots are part of each command)




• Reboot. If things don't work, you can restore the original registry by copying the files from C:\Regback to C:\Windows\System32\config.