Unfortunately, this may not work on pre-Windows 10 systems.
First, make sure your activation is saved to your Microsoft Account. To check this, click Start, type Activation. It should say:
If not, as long as it’s a major brand with a Windows or Windows Pro sticker, you will be fine.
MAKE A BACKUP FIRST. Either use system image in History->Windows 7 backup or my favorite Macrium Reflect.
Recommended method of approach. Start small and try this fix first. If you are seeing unexpected issues on one computer, but not others…
Step 1 – Is C: Full?
I have been reminded of this very recently. No space, no error message or “unable to” messages.
Step 2 – Adobe Reader?
First, is it a printing issue? Is it Adobe Reader?? Occasionally, Adobe Reader will become corrupt and be unable to print. uninstall, reboot then reinstall. don’t forget to set thumbnails if you use them.
Step 3 – Shared DLLs and Environment
I know I’ve missed something, but I hope to put it here when I remember.
Start with cmd running as Admin.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannowStep 4 – Network Reset
There are some strange issues that require a network reset.. This is the soft solution. I couldn’t find a command line method to reset all adapters.. I recommend running this, then in device manager, remove all ethernet and wireless adapters.. Should regenerate VPN adapters also.
ipconfig /flushdns
arp -d
netsh interface ip delete arpcache
gpupdate /force
netsh int ip delete arpcache
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
netsh interface ip set address name="ethernet" dhcp
netsh interface ip set dns name="ethernet" dhcp
netsh interface ip set address name="Wi-Fi" dhcp
netsh interface ip set dns name="WiFi" dhcpStep 5 – Reinstall Windows as Upgrade — Refresh Install
This one is confusing, because each method does something different.. Download ISO, extract, run setup.exe and run install over windows. Some remote controls will not work after this, so be prepared. Most software will be unaffected, but this will restore the base environment to original files. Updates will be needed next. Do not do any optional updates first round, then reboot and continue. BIOS update last and by itself only.
— if BIOS update fails, some computers have a USB-boot recovery method, or dual-BIOS options.
Will add more soon…. hopefully..