How to restore windows 7 without losing data?

how to restore windows 7 without losing data

• I actually was testing something and accidentally changed the serial number of my window 7 64 bit. when that happened, the windows shutdown and every time I turn it on, it gives me some error message and windows can;t start at all... The error message is that there is an error in the system. so the system asks to check all times. when I get finished with the check, the windows restart and again do the same check on and on. unfortunately, I don't have a back up DVD and a recovery CD. There is an option though sometimes show up, which is an option stating that it can re-do the windows to the factory settings, but I'm scared that all my data and other software will be gone if I do that... any idea how to resolve this weird situation?? Thanks,

• Answer:

  I would try and do a start up repair from the pre load windows boot menu by hitting F8 on start up. failing that i would try a Repair Upgrade which will reset a lot of things in the OS but keep most of the data intact. I realize you mention you do not have a backup DVD or a recovery CD, but if you had a installation/upgrade DVD/CD you can do a repair upgrade on top of your existing installation. Guide for doing a repair install: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html EDIT: to address the concern of resetting your product key, you can do this by loading into safe mode via F8 on boot, you want to hit it just before the windows loading screen comes up. running cmd as administrator and typing: slmgr.vbs -ipk To activate windows after changing the key, type: slmgr.vbs -ato I assume this command may also work from the recovery console option during boot up from an install media.