Fix 'Startup Repair cannot repair this computer automatically' in Windows 10/8/7/Vista

"Startup Repair cannot repair this computer automatically"

Startup Repair is a Windows built-in tool that can check and replace the missing or damaged system files on your computer. Generally, this tool is applied when your computer cannot boot properly. However, many users have encountered an issue while using this utility, which is "Startup Repair cannot repair this computer automatically". This is the error message in Windows 7 or Windows Vista. In Windows 10, it's equivalent is "Automatic Repair couldn't repair your PC".

If you click "View problem details" in Windows 7/Vista, you will the information below. (The problem signature might be shown different variables from the ones above on different OS.)

Problem Event Name: StartupRepairOffline
Problem Signature 01: 6.1.7600.16385
Problem Signature 02: 6.1.7600.16385
Problem Signature 03: unknown
Problem Signature 04: 21200442
Problem Signature 05: AutoFailover
Problem Signature 06: 65
Problem Signature 07: CorruptFile
OS Version: 6.1.7600.2.0.0.256.1
Locale ID: 1033 

Then why did Startup Repair fail to work? Generally, when you receive the error message, it may indicate:

• There is a problematic device attached to your computer
• The file system of your system disk is damaged
• The MBR (Master Boot Record) of the hard drive is corrupted
• There may be virus attacks, disk write errors or power outages on your disk

...

6 Fixes for "Startup Repair cannot repair this computer automatically" in Windows 10/8/7

If you cannot specify the cause of why Windows Startup Repair failed, never mind trying the simple fixes first.

Method 1. Remove Peripheral Devices

Based on the information given by Microsoft, if you have recently attached a device to your computer like a camera or portable music player, you can remove the device and restart your computer. Sometimes, Windows cannot repair the computer automatically due to the device connected.

If this tip doesn't work, don't get upset. There are many other ways for you to try.

Method 2. Run Bootrec.exe

Bootrec, also called bootrec.exe utility, is a tool provided by Microsoft in the Windows Recovery Environment. Bootrec.exe can be used to fix the Master Boot Record (MBR), Boot Sector, Boot Configuration (BCD), and boot.ini. If it's the corrupt MBR or BCD that caused the problem, the solution is to correct the MBR or BCD record with the help of bootrec. By the way, this method requires a Windows recovery disk. Since you are using it when you perform a startup repair, you can run bootrec.exe following the steps below. (Running bootrec.exe is also helpful in solving the "Windows is loading files" loop.)

In Windows 7:

Step 1. Restart your computer and press "F8" once you see the Windows logo.

Step 2. Among the advanced boot options, choose "Repair Your Computer".

Step 3. In the system recovery options, choose "Command Prompt".

Step 4. Enter the commands below in order:

Method 3. Run CHKDSK

As mentioned, bad sectors and file system errors on your hard drive may be the reason why you receive the error message "Startup Repair cannot repair the computer automatically". Running CHKDSK is able to check and repair your disk errors including bad sectors and file system errors.

Step 1. Restart your computer and press "F8" once you see the Windows logo.

Step 2. Among the advanced boot options, choose "Repair Your Computer".

Step 3. In the system recovery options, choose "Command Prompt".

Step 4. Enter the command below:

"C" is the drive letter of your Windows installation drive.

Method 4. Run Windows System File Checker Tool

Windows System File Checker Tool can check and repair missing or corrupted Windows system files on your computer. Besides, using this tool doesn't need the Windows installation CD. All you need is to boot into the Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

Step 1. Restart your computer. Once it starts, press "F8" in 1-second intervals until you see the Windows logo.

Step 2. Then you will see the menu of "Advanced Boot Options".  Under it, choose "Safe Mode with Command Prompt".

Step 3. In Command Prompt, enter the following command:

Step 4. Restart your computer.

Method 5. Perform System Restore

If you've created a Windows system restore point as a system backup on your Windows 10/8/7 PC, you have the chance to fully restore your PC to its original state, at least to the previous state. System Restore is a feature in Microsoft Windows that allows users to revert their computer's state (including system files, installed applications, Windows Registry, and system settings) to a previous point in time. Thus, it can be used to recover from system malfunctions or other problems. 

Procedure 1. Restore Important Data from the Dead PC

When you are stuck with "Startup Repair cannot repair this computer automatically" or '"Automatic Repair couldn't repair your PC" error message on Windows PC, don't rush to perform System Restore. Performing a system restore will take your PC back to an earlier point in time, called a system restore point. Restore points are generated when you install a new app, driver, or Windows update, and when you create a restore point manually. Restoring won't affect your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was made. Therefore, we highly recommend you to try powerful data recovery software - EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard with Bootable Media to get your data out of the current 'dead' PC:

Notice: This will require a second healthy computer for help.

Step 1. Create a bootable disk

Prepare an empty USB. If you have important data on it, copy the data to another device. When you create a bootable disk, the data on the USB will be erased. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard WinPE Edition will help you create a bootable disk.

• Connect the USB drive to PC, launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard WinPE Edition.

• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard WinPE Edition will recognize your CD/DVD device or USB drive automatically. You can also export the ISO file.
• Select the USB drive and click "Proceed" to create a bootable disk.

Step 2. Boot from the bootable USB

• Connect the bootable disk to PC that won't boot and change your computer boot sequence in BIOS. For most users, it works well when they restart their computer and press F2 at the same time to enter BIOS.
• Set to boot the PC from "Removable Devices" (bootable USB disk) or "CD-ROM Drive" (bootable CD/DVD) beyond Hard Drive. Press "F10" to save and exit.

Step 3. Recover files/data from a PC/laptop hard drive that won't boot

When you boot from the USB, you are able to run EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard from the WinPE bootable disk.

• Select the disk you want to scan to find all your lost files. 

• Click Scan to start the scanning process.

• Recover data from the computer or laptop.

After the scan completed. You can preview all recoverable files, select the targeted files and click "Recover" button to restore your files. You'd better save all of the recovered data to another place to avoid data overwriting.

Procedure 2. Perform a System Restore

If you have enabled the System Restore on your computer and created a system restore point, you can fix "Startup repair cannot repair this computer automatically" in Windows 10/8/7/Vista be performing a system restore:

For Windows 10/8/8.1 users:

Step 1. Reboot your Windows 10/8 PC into Advanced Startup, and click "Troubleshoot".

Step 2. Select "Advanced options", choose "System Restore". 

Step 3. Click on the Administrator Account and enter your password, click "Continue" to move on. 

Step 4. Choose your system restore point created previous and follow the on-screen guidelines to complete the whole process.

For Windows 7/Vista Users:

Step 1. Insert your Windows installation CD or disc.

Step 2. Press any key when "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD" message appears.

Step 3. Select a language, a time and currency, and a keyboard or input method, and then click "Next".

Step 4. Click "Repair your computer".

Step 5. Select your Windows installation drive, which is usually C:\ and click "Next".

Step 6. In the System Recovery Options Dialog Box, click on "System Restore".

Step 7. Follow the System Restore Wizard instruction and choose the appropriate restore point.

Step 8. Click "Finish" to restore the system.

Finally, restart your computer and copy your restore data back to your PC. You should be able to use your computer and data again.

Method 6. Repair Startup Error Without System Backup

If you don't have a system backup, fixing "Startup Repair couldn't repair your PC" error will be more complex. You can:

Procedure 1. Restore from the Problem PC

You can directly follow the detail guidelines above to rescue your data with the help of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard with Bootable Media. It fully allows you to recover data when PC won't boot or start in Windows 10/8/7/Vista.

Procedure 2. Clean Install/Reinstall Windows OS

When you don't have a system restore point on your PC, the best way to remove 'Startup Repair' error on Windows 10/8/7, etc. is to perform a clean install of Windows OS. You can directly turn to Microsoft for online assistance (and Windows 7/Vista users are recommended to try this way). Or you can refer to the article about how to clean install Windows 10.

How to Prevent "Startup Repair cannot repair this computer automatically" Error

After restoring your PC back to life and rescuing all precious data, it doesn't mean that your PC and data are safe now. Virus attack, system failure, system crash, data loss, and other unknown issues may occur anytime. How to prevent these issues from happening? That's quite difficult! Is it possible to protect your System and data securely from these disasters? Sure!

Powerful Windows system backup software - EaseUS Todo Backup can help. It provides System Backup, File Backup, Disk/Partition Backup, System Clone, and other more advanced features to help you fully protect your PC from these issues.  It will help you prevent and protect your computer from 'Startup Repair failure' error or similar issues. Making a backup is always the best way to prevent complete data loss.

The Bottom Line

"Startup Repair cannot repair this computer automatically" is a relatively complex issue related to Windows. Although there are solutions to the problem, it may be difficult for you to apply since these operations are seldom taken during your daily use. If you don't want to try it yourself, you can send your computer to professionals for manual repair.