In plain English
This is a way to fix an installed program by putting its software files back in place. The software is installed again on top of the copy already there, so missing or damaged program files can be replaced. It does this without removing the software first.
In context
Here, it means a maintenance action that reinstalls the software over the existing copy to replace missing or damaged program files without uninstalling it first.
- Situation
- Installing, updating, licensing, and checking compatibility for applications
- What it communicates
- offers a maintenance action for an existing installation
Meaning limits
The term itself does not establish whether any issue other than missing or damaged program files will be resolved.
Examples
“Rather than uninstall the program, the technician ran a repair installation over the existing copy to replace damaged files.”
“Support usually suggests a repair installation when the program is still present but some files are missing.”