4 Ways to Fix Startup Repair is Checking Your System for Problems

Are you stuck with the message “Startup Repair is checking your system for problems”? There’s no need to panic. Effective solutions are available to help you resolve the issue and get your system back on track.

Posted by @Hedy January 23, 2026 Updated By @Hedy January 16, 2026

Have you ever encountered a PC that refuses to boot properly? This problem can arise for many reasons, and this guide addresses the most common ones. It presents practical, proven solutions that apply to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

In many cases, the system gets stuck on the message “Startup Repair is checking your system for problems.” Windows 7 users experience this issue most frequently, and the methods shared here are designed to resolve it efficiently. If the damage is severe and the fixes fail, the guide also explains how to safely recover your data.

How to solve startup repair is checking your system for problems

When your computer starts acting up, or you see the message “Startup Repair is checking your system for problems,” don’t panic. There are reliable solutions you can follow when other fixes fail. These methods are straightforward and easy to implement, allowing anyone—regardless of technical skill—to resolve the startup errors and get their system back on track.

Solution 1. Run CHKDSK on the Boot Drive

CHKDSK, short for “Check Disk”, is a built-in Windows utility designed to automatically detect and repair disk errors. It can recover corrupted data, fix file system issues, and ensure your drive operates smoothly. This tool is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11.

Step 1: Insert a Windows 7 installation disc into your CD/DVD drive and boot from it.

Step 2: When prompted with “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD”, press any key to continue.

Step 3: Click “Repair your computer”. The Startup Repair will launch to scan your PC. From the list, select the operating system you want to repair.

Step 4: Choose “Command Prompt” from the System Recovery Options menu.

Step 5: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

chkdsk /f /r c:

This command scans the C: drive for corrupted, missing, or improperly installed files. It also inspects the entire drive for errors and attempts to repair them. Additionally, CHKDSK can help verify the integrity of your system files to ensure Windows runs correctly.

Solution 2. Disable Automatic Restart

Automatic restart can sometimes mask the underlying cause of the “Startup Repair is checking your system for problems” error in Windows 7. While this step won’t fix the boot issue directly, it allows you to identify the exact problem by preventing the system from restarting automatically when an error occurs. This option is usually found in the Advanced Boot Options menu under “Disable automatic restart on system failure”.

Step 1: Restart your PC as usual and wait for the BIOS screen or manufacturer logo to appear.

Step 2: Immediately begin pressing F8 repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.

Step 3: Select “Disable automatic restart on system failure” from the list and press Enter. Your system will now boot without automatically restarting, allowing you to see any error messages that reveal the root cause of the problem.

Solution 3. Rebuild the BCD Using Bootrec Commands

A corrupted or misconfigured bootloader is often a key reason behind the “Startup Repair is checking your system for problems” error. Rebuilding the Boot Configuration Data (BCD), along with repairing partition boot sectors and the Master Boot Record (MBR), can resolve this issue effectively.

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt from the Windows Recovery Environment.

Step 2: Enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /rebuildbcd

These commands repair the MBR, rewrite the boot sector, and rebuild the BCD. Once completed, your system should boot normally without triggering the Startup Repair loop.

Solution 4. Perform a System Restore

Windows 7 includes System Protection by default, allowing you to restore your computer to a previous state. If you’re facing the “Startup Repair is checking your system for problems” error, System Restore can roll back your system to a point before the issue occurred, potentially resolving the problem.

Step 1: Access the System Recovery Options screen, following the same steps outlined in Solution 1.

Step 2: Click on “System Restore”.

Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and complete the process. Your computer will revert to the chosen state, often resolving startup errors without affecting personal files.

How to recover data if the methods fail to fix this issue

When your computer fails to boot and displays “Startup Repair is checking your system for problems,” accessing your files can become impossible. Attempting untested commands may worsen the issue or even lead to permanent data loss. To protect your important files, using a reliable recovery tool is essential. PartitionAssistant Recovery is highly recommended. It safely recovers lost or inaccessible data, allowing you to scan files and preview them before restoring only what you need. The software is fully compatible with Windows systems, ensuring a secure and efficient recovery process.

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Step 1. Install and launch PartitionAssistant Recovery, then select the disk or partition where the lost files were originally stored.

Step 2. Start scanning the selected drive. The software offers Quick Scan and Deep Scan modes, ensuring a thorough search for missing data.

Step 3. After the scan completes, all recoverable files will appear. Choose the files you need and click Recover.

Step 4. Select a safe location to save the recovered files and wait for the process to complete..

Conclusion

Dealing with the “Startup Repair is checking your system for problems” error can be frustrating and exhausting. Waiting endlessly is not an option—but there is a way forward. The solutions provided here cover multiple methods to fix the issue. If none of them work, your final option is to recover your important data using PartitionAssistantRecovery—your best chance to regain access to files stored on your computer.