Re-install W10 and keep your files/app data intact

[Wolfie]

BACK UP ALL YOUR FILES ON TO AN EXTERNAL DRIVE (OR OTHER PARTITION) BEFORE YOU START TO RESET YOUR PC!.

Hi all,

This is a quick run-down of how to reset W10 and keep your files/data intact, you will have to do a little work but you will find all your files, data and app settings in a folder called "Windows.old".

Reset via the on-board tool:

Open Settings > Updates & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC, you have two options, one is to do a direct reset of W10 without the need for any installation media, the second option is using a USB drive or DVD.

Option 1: Reset this PC, you will be given the chance to choose whether or not you wish to keep your files, if you choose "Don't keep my files", it will wipe all traces of your data and app settings, the obvious choice is to keep your files/data, the choice is yours.

Option 2: Advanced start-up will want you to put a USB stick or DVD in and upon reboot, you will have to go through the normal install process, it is important to know a couple of things before you start with this option.

1: Where it ask for your licence key, simply click on "I don't have a product key" (Your copy of W10 has a digital signature and the key is not necessary when doing a fresh re-install unless you are using a different version of W10!).

2: When you get to the following window, click on "Upgrade" and this will ensure that your files are left untouched and you won't need to search your back-up drives for your docs and pics Etc.

Despite the fact that Windows says it will keep not only your files but your applications too, this is sadly not the case and you will have to install your preferred apps again!. (App settings will be saved in the "Windows.old" folder under "User(s) > AppData > Local data"). The path given in brackets may vary depending so you may have to search around a little!:

The old user information will be saved in a folder called "User Profile" or something similar within the "Windows.old" folder. It contains your old bookmarks, pics, docs, and basically all your app settings for your re-installed apps which you will need to do on an app by app basis and re-apply them to the newly installed apps.

DO NOT SELECT YOUR C: DRIVE FOR FORMATTING OR DELETION WHEN USING THE SECOND OPTION!.

You can install a lot of apps in a couple of clicks here:

https://ninite.com/

I hope this is of use to you and please feel free to comment below if there is something written wrong or you simply cannot get your head around the info. Start a new thread if you wish to discuss any problems you may have.

Another alternative is to go back to an earlier point of restore on your PC, you need to make sure that System Restore is switched on and active as it isn't activated by default!. (It may be but you should check anyway):

https://www.windows10forums.com/articles/system-restore-in-windows-10.36/

Regards from Wolfie.

See also:

https://www.windows10forums.com/threads/how-to-upgrade-windows-10-to-the-latest-version.13015/

From Microsoft:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12415/windows-10-recovery-options

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10startfresh

 

[Dazzla]

Hey thanks, Wolfie that's very useful thanks for posting and the helpful info Kindest Regards Dazzla

 

[JustinC]

What if I bring this to the table?

https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/help/4000735/windows-10-reinstall

Is it going to be as helpful to the users as your set of instructions do?
It has noted every possibility that may exist in case you feel the need to install Windows on your system.

 

[Wolfie]

Is it going to be as helpful to the users as your set of instructions do?

Hi Justin,

it is certainly helpful and covers everything that the guide above covers including a system reset.

 

[Dazzla]

HI Wolfie Thanks for the Heads-Up, I am about to do a Clean Install or is it a Window 10 Install I have saved everything to My Ex HDD Toshiba 1 T with 4 partitions will check back and inform you of my pro when I have completed it all Regards Dazzla

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[TonyH]

Thank you all for your tips.
I have neither option available.
The reset and restore are exe files. Yes??
Therefore they do no longer function so this line of fix i a dud.
On the boot disks I have to boot into my broken OS, immediately after OS start up all exe files on the USB are also disabled.
This is hard to wrap around your heads and mine.
Defender declares my PC is free of viruses and malware.
I can display the contents of my Windows HDD in my Linux; but am not sure if I could replace Windows OS files and that would fix the problem.
I also would have to know which ones to replace, and where to get the undamaged ones including the missing "program(exe) file" that actually runs all the other OS exe. The one that the POPUP tells me to choose to run any program.
Would anyone have any idea in this direction?
The another solution is to obtain the Live installation Windows 10 DVD for new computer installation.
Like the OEM. Then the HDD can be formatted with clean installation.
Your help how to obtain this installation DVD would will be greatley appreciated
Thank you in advance.
Take care, stay safe
TonyH

 

[Wolfie]

Hi Tony,

click on the following link for a direct download of the Media Creation Tool.

https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209

If you don't want GB English, go to the following link and on the bottom left of the page, you can change the language.

Download Windows 10

Also, there are some tips here (US English with download button for Media Creation Tool).

Start fresh with a clean installation of Windows 10

Other than that, please start a new thread if you have problems formatting and installing Win 10.

 

[monkeylove]

Also, repair upgrade:

How To Perform A Repair Upgrade On Windows 10

How To Perform A Repair Upgrade On Windows 10

www.addictivetips.com