Retrieving Windows old files

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  1. Posts : 11,062
    Windows 10 Pro version 22H2 0n one desktop and running Window 11 Pro 22H2 on unsupported desktop
       #1

    Retrieving Windows old files


    Had a disaster yesterday when an update crashed my main desktop. So I ended up doing a clean install and worst of all have been a bit lazy backing up my stuff.

    So what I would like to know is there any way of retrieving those old files from the previous installation??

    Any ideas please.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Retrieving Windows old files-old.png  
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  2. Posts : 4,453
    Win 11 Pro 22000.708
       #2

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...3-952bc5ceb1c8

    It's for Windows 8.1, but it ought to be the same for 10.

    Short version: the files are just there, in the windows.old folder, under your username.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 11,062
    Windows 10 Pro version 22H2 0n one desktop and running Window 11 Pro 22H2 on unsupported desktop
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks bobkn as the tutorial has not worked for me. The problem began with an update that stalled and I had to reinstall Windows and I think it might have wiped my documents which is all I am interested in.

    But anyway I shall give you suggestion a try.
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  4. Posts : 11,062
    Windows 10 Pro version 22H2 0n one desktop and running Window 11 Pro 22H2 on unsupported desktop
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Thanks mate but that didn't work on the machine I was only interested in documents anyway and I have reinstalled all the apps I was using but thanks for your reply much appreciated
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  5. Posts : 42,734
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #5

    Just wondering if you really did a clean install of the current build, how is it you have Windows.old?

    Further, before you did that you could have backed up the files.. e.g. booting your PC from a live boot disk...

    I also note you have Aeroglass- incompatible with Win 10 since build 1903.
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  6. Posts : 4,453
    Win 11 Pro 22000.708
       #6

    dalchina said:
    Just wondering if you really did a clean install of the current build, how is it you have Windows.old?

    Further, before you did that you could have backed up the files.. e.g. booting your PC from a live boot disk...

    I also note you have Aeroglass- incompatible with Win 10 since build 1903.
    A point I missed. Windows.old is only created from an upgrade. It shouldn't exist with a clean install. I wonder what was actually done?

    Given an upgrade install (including a "repair" install, also known as an upgrade-in-place), the files in windows.old should endure for 28 days.
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  7. Posts : 59
    Windows 10
       #7

    If you happen to have Backup and Sync from Google and are syncing documents, they should be in Google Drive.
    Or perhaps One Drive.
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  8. Posts : 11,062
    Windows 10 Pro version 22H2 0n one desktop and running Window 11 Pro 22H2 on unsupported desktop
    Thread Starter
       #8

    To be honest with you all I installed from the original DVD I bought (version 1806) and via updates it got it back to version 21H2 which I don't understand because all of my other machine are 21H1 version.
    Am not sure of what Aeroglass is as I don't know what it is supposed to do so if it is incompatible with 10 then how do I get rid of it?
    I just know that some stuff like my old desktop setup (icon) were there when the install finished.

    In the pic is where my C: drive is at right now. In hindsight I should have used a brand new hard drive and a fresh copy of 10 on a USB stick.

    Oh and the upgrade I don't know what it is all about either as I have never done anything from an upgrade just installed it from the DVD ??

    I suppose I should have added that I am running Open Shell because I like the old style 7 start button and set up and transparency TB from Github.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Retrieving Windows old files-old2.png  
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  9. Posts : 16,782
    Windows 10 Home x64 Version 22H2 Build 19045.4170
       #9

    Perhaps this will help
    Restore Files from Windows.old Folder - TenForumsTutorials

    Best of luck,
    Denis
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 11,062
    Windows 10 Pro version 22H2 0n one desktop and running Window 11 Pro 22H2 on unsupported desktop
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Thanks Denis I shall give it a go though the current install seems to be in such a pickle and I only want just soem of the documents.
    John

    Well I tried but it seems that all of the later documents have all been deleted but it was worth a try eh?
      My Computer


 

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