Possible to backup software and restore?

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  1. Posts : 2,297
    Windows 10 Pro (64 bit)
       #11

    • Windows definitely needs that 'repair' option within the OS itself (maybe as part of the settings) without having to work out where to go to download ISO and ensure all the right options/languages selected. Given Windows 10 unpredictability this needs to be an easier option. Unfortunately nobody really wants to have to refresh/reset and then spend countless hours/days re-installing all their software. Long working hours and a wife who 'hates' the tech and the endless updates means I (and a reckon the average user) need easier and faster ways of restoring/repairing an OS and keeping all our programs (not just the data in the user folder)


    Taking an image is a good backup but of course, should the worst happen there is still the small possibility that it won't restore and Windows will throw a hissy fit.

    I've never done a repair myself but the paragraph below makes it sound like you need to nail it spot on or risk it not working or still losing everything and this is why MS needs to take a lot of the pressure off the average user. The language to choose is a little like Russian Roulette - does it mean the language setup in the regional options within Settings UI or does it mean a language chosen at some point during setup. I am sure on mine, even though I am in the UK the base language installed by my clot manufacturer was US English. And of course that's a grey area too if you are using English. When downloading the ISO how does one know what English to do go for English or English International - where does the UK fall into that??? Too many grey areas and too much risk ...

    "You will only be able to do a repair install of Windows 10 from within Windows 10. You will not be able to do a repair install at boot or in Safe Mode.You will need at least around 8.87 GB + what Windows is currently using of free space available on the Windows drive.
    The installation media (ex: ISO or USB) must be the same edition and build as your currently installed Windows 10. If it's not, then the repair install will fail.
    The installation media (ex: ISO or USB) must be the same language as your currently installed Windows 10. If it's not, then you will not keep anything.
    If you have a 32-bit Windows 10, then you must use a 32-bit ISO or USB.
    If you have a 64-bit Windows 10, then you must use a 64-bit ISO or USB."
    Last edited by Scottyboy99; 24 May 2016 at 08:03.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 38
    7, 10
       #12

    I use Rollback Rx to back up these sorts of settings, but if you re-format the PC it would be deleted off the drive.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 134,237
    Windows 11 Pro (x64) 23H2 Build 22631.3296
       #13

    HanginJang said:
    I use Rollback Rx to back up these sorts of settings, but if you re-format the PC it would be deleted off the drive.
    If you used a program like Macrium Reflect , free version, then store your image backup on a 2nd drive, or usb stick, it would not matter how many times you formatted your drive.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 42,735
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #14

    rowanrichards said:
    Okay, so, it looks like I'm going to have to refresh or reset Windows 10 at this point Is it possible to backup the program files, and/or registry settings for those programs and then restore afterwards? Thanks,
    Rowan
    Hi, Zinstall and Laplink PC Mover are designed to do exactly what I believe you're asking- at a price.
    Laplink PC Mover will allow you to automatically reinstall the programs you select using as reference a disk image of your current PC. You can even do this if, say, your programs are installed on D and your Windows on C. (Two images).

    Thus you would image your existing system, clean install Windows and check all is ok, then install Laplink, mount the ISO's and run Laplink. (I set up a set of empty iconised folders first).

    Laplink operates another way too without using a disk image. But the license is a bit expensive for one-time use only.

    As said above, fixing Win 10 with an in-place upgrade repair install (a fresh install of Windows but keeping all programs and most settings, but not language ... etc) can be very helpful.
      My Computers


 

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