How to Perform a Startup Repair in Windows Vista

Fix Windows Vista issues with Startup Repair

Updated on March 14, 2023

What to Know

Insert the Windows Vista DVD and reboot your PC. Press any key to force the computer to boot from the DVD.
Select Repair your computer on the Install Windows screen, then choose the Windows Vista installation.
If Startup Repair finds a problem, the tool will suggest a solution or solve the problem automatically.

This article explains how to use the Startup Repair tool when Windows Vista doesn't start properly. The Startup Repair tool replaces important operating system files that might be missing or damaged.

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Boot From the Windows Vista DVD

Screenshot of the Press any key to boot from CD or DVD message while booting to a disc — Windows Vista Startup Repair - Step 1.

To begin, boot from the Windows Vista DVD.

Watch for a Press any key to boot from CD or DVD message similar to the one shown in the screenshot above. Then, press a key to force the computer to boot from the Vista DVD.

If you don't press a key, your PC will try to boot to the operating system that's currently installed on your hard drive. If this happens, just restart your computer and try to boot to the Windows Vista DVD again.

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Wait for Windows Vista to Load Files

A screenshot of Windows Vista loading files — Windows Vista Startup Repair - Step 2.

No user intervention is required here, and no changes are made to your computer during this step. Just wait for the Windows Vista setup process to load files in preparation for whatever task you might want to complete.

In our case, it's a Startup Repair, but there are a lot of tasks that could be completed with the Windows Vista DVD.

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Choose Windows Vista Setup Language and Other Settings

A screenshot of Windows Vista startup repair asking for the language and other settings — Windows Vista Startup Repair - Step 3.

Choose the Language to install, Time and currency format, and Keyboard or input method that you'd like to use in Windows Vista.

Select Next.

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Select the Repair Your Computer Link

A screenshot of the Windows Vista Startup Repair Your Computer Link — Windows Vista Startup Repair - Step 4.

Select Repair your computer on the bottom-left of the Install Windows window.

This link will begin the Windows Vista System Recovery Options.

Do not choose Install now. If you already have Windows Vista installed, this option is used to perform a clean installation of Windows Vista or a parallel installation.

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Wait for System Recovery Options to Locate Windows Vista on Your Computer

A screenshot of Windows Vista Startup Repair locating your computer — Windows Vista Startup Repair - Step 5.

System Recovery Options will now search your hard drive(s) for any Windows Vista installations.

You don't need to do anything here but wait. This Windows installation search shouldn't take more than a few minutes at most.

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Choose Your Windows Vista Installation

A screenshot of Windows Vista startup repair asking for Your Windows Vista Installation — Windows Vista Startup Repair - Step 6.

Choose the Windows Vista installation that you'd like to perform the Startup Repair on.

Select Next.

Don't worry if the drive letter in the Location column does not match the drive letter that you know Windows Vista is installed on in your PC. Drive letters are somewhat dynamic, especially when using diagnostic tools like System Recovery Options.

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Wait While Startup Repair Searches for Problems With Windows Vista Files

A screenshot of Windows Vista startup repair searching for problems — Windows Vista Startup Repair - Step 7.

The Startup Repair tool will now search for problems with important Windows Vista files.

If Startup Repair finds a problem with an important operating system file, the tool may suggest a solution of some kind that you have to confirm or may solve the problem automatically.

Whatever happens, follow the prompts as necessary and accept any changes suggested by Startup Repair.

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Wait While Startup Repair Attempts to Repair Windows Vista Files

A screenshot of Windows Vista startup repair fixing problems — Windows Vista Startup Repair - Step 8.

Startup Repair will now attempt to repair whatever problems it found with Windows Vista files. No user intervention is required during this step.

If Startup Repair didn't find a problem, you won't see this screen.

Your computer may or may not restart several times during this repair process. Do not boot from the Windows Vista DVD on any restart. If you do, you'll need to restart immediately so the Startup Repair process can continue normally.

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Choose Finish to Restart to Windows Vista

A screenshot of Windows Vista startup repair finishing up — Windows Vista Startup Repair - Step 9.

Select Finish once you see the Restart your computer to complete the repairs window to restart your PC and start Windows normally.

Not using Windows Vista? Every modern Windows operating system has a similar operating system file repair process.

Startup Repair Wasn't Enough?

It's possible that Startup Repair didn't fix whatever problem you were having. If it determines this itself, it may automatically run again after your computer restarts. If it doesn't automatically run, but you're still seeing problems with Vista, repeat these steps to run Startup Repair again manually.

If it becomes apparent that Startup Repair isn't going to solve your problem, you do have some additional recovery options, including a System Restore.

You could also try a clean installation of Windows Vista.

However, if you've tried a Startup Repair as part of another troubleshooting guide, you're probably best served by continuing with whatever specific advice that guide is giving as your next step.

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