How to Fix “Windows Cannot Repair This Computer Automatically” Error

You turn on your computer, expecting a smooth boot-up, but instead, you’re greeted with the dreaded “Windows cannot repair this computer automatically” error message. Don’t panic! This is a common Windows issue, and there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve it.

Understanding the “Windows Cannot Repair This Computer Automatically” Error

This error typically indicates a problem with your computer’s startup process. It could be caused by various factors, including:

• Corrupted system files: These files are essential for your operating system to run smoothly. Damage to these files can occur due to sudden shutdowns, power outages, or virus infections.
• Hard drive errors: Issues with your hard drive, such as bad sectors or failing components, can also trigger this error.
• Boot configuration data errors: Your computer uses boot configuration data to start Windows properly. If this data becomes corrupted, it can lead to startup problems.
• Recent hardware or software changes: Installing new hardware or software can sometimes conflict with your existing system configuration, resulting in this error.

Troubleshooting Steps

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to back up any important data you have on your computer. If you can access Safe Mode, do so to copy your files to an external drive.

Here are some proven methods to fix the “Windows cannot repair this computer automatically” error:

1. Restart Your Computer

It might seem too simple, but sometimes a simple reboot can resolve minor software glitches. Try restarting your computer a couple of times to see if the error persists.

2. Access Startup Repair

1. Boot from your Windows installation media: Insert your Windows installation DVD or bootable USB drive and restart your computer.
2. Select language and keyboard settings: Once the installation screen appears, choose your language and keyboard layout.
3. Click on “Repair your computer”: Instead of installing Windows, select the option to repair your computer, usually located in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
4. Choose “Troubleshoot”: From the options provided, select “Troubleshoot” to access advanced recovery options.
5. Select “Startup Repair”: This option will attempt to automatically diagnose and repair problems with your computer’s startup process.

3. Use System Restore

If Startup Repair doesn’t work, try using System Restore to revert your computer to a previous state when it was working correctly.

1. Access Advanced Options: Follow steps 1-4 from the previous method to reach the “Troubleshoot” screen.
2. Choose “System Restore”: This option allows you to restore your computer to a previous restore point.
3. Select a restore point: Choose a restore point created before you started experiencing the error.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: System Restore will guide you through the process of restoring your computer.

Note: If you don’t see the System Restore option or if it’s grayed out, it might be disabled on your computer.

4. Run System File Checker (SFC)

SFC is a built-in Windows utility that scans and repairs corrupted system files.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator: Access the “Advanced Options” screen (steps 1-4 from the Startup Repair method) and choose “Command Prompt”.
2. Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter: This command will initiate a system scan for corrupted files.
3. Wait for the scan to complete: The scan may take some time. Once it’s finished, it will report any errors found and attempt to fix them.

5. Check Your Hard Drive for Errors

A failing hard drive can cause various issues, including the “Windows cannot repair this computer automatically” error.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator: Follow the instructions in the previous method to access Command Prompt.
2. Type “chkdsk /f /r” and press Enter: This command will check your hard drive for errors and attempt to fix them.
3. Restart your computer: You’ll likely be prompted to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

6. Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

If your Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is corrupted, rebuilding it can potentially fix the issue.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

    bootrec /fixmbr
    bootrec /fixboot
    bootrec /rebuildbcd

3. Restart your computer: After executing the commands, restart your computer to see if the error is resolved.

Conclusion

Encountering the “Windows cannot repair this computer automatically” error can be frustrating, but with these troubleshooting steps, you can often fix the problem yourself. Remember to back up your data before attempting any of these solutions. If the issue persists, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance from a qualified computer technician. They can diagnose the issue more thoroughly and provide tailored solutions to get your computer up and running smoothly again.