Most of Windows users don’t know the fact that Windows 7 automatically installs the Startup Repair tool onto the operating system partition and can easily be accessed without using the installation DVD or USB.
Though one can easily access Startup Repair by just pressing the F8 key during system boot, many users want to see the same option in the boot menu itself. And also, there are some users who are getting the following error while trying to access Startup Repair:
Windows was unable to locate the required installation file [boot.wim]. Verify that the installation source is valid, and restart the installation.
If you are looking for a way to get the Startup Repair option right at the boot menu or want to fix the above mentioned error, here is the procedure:
1. Download Windows Repair ISO from here. Different ISO are available for both x86 and x64 versions of Windows. So, make sure that you download the right one.
2. Extract the ISO (use 7-Zip) to a folder in your “C” drive or any other drive.
3. Download, EasyBCD (free) tool from here. Install and run the application.
4. In the left side, click Add New Entry button. Under Portable/External Media box, switch to WinPE tab. Here, select the Type as WIM Image and enter a name for the new Startup Repair tool. Next, you need to browse to the WIM Image file located in the folder where you have extracted the Windows Repair ISO.
For example, if you have extracted the ISO to C:\Startup Repair folder, then the path to WIM Image would be “C:\Startup Repair\sources\boot.wim”
5. Click Add Entry button to complete the procedure. Close the EasyBCD program, and reboot your machine to see a new entry in the boot menu.
How to use Startup Repair tool to repair Windows 7 startup issues guide may also interest you.
Windows Expatriate says
Where, then? Thanks…
Techland says
> Though one can easily access Startup Repair by just pressing the F8
Do a Google search for ‘Windows 7 F8 not working’ and you will be amazed on how many computers (including mine) this feature doesn’t work at all. And there seems to be no fix available.
Also: adding this entry to the Boot Manager display – but what if you you don’t want this display (I prefer thedefault state)? Is there a hotkey to get to this display like there is F8 for the other one just then when it is needed?
Robert says
If the option breaks the other way is to actually fix it. I’ve created directions that allow an individual to fix the entry and make it working after cloning the drive but it can work in other situations using the information I found as an aid.