I've been digging through many fora for this obvious issue...cannot find.
Once I wipe out all the apps and data by a Re-install / Clean Install:
I got the data backed up, but there was backup of the apps.
How do I get the paid ones back?
Surely not >Store Support> whiny letter> ask for proof of purch > blah blah... for each and every one?
When you do a clean install, your apps are wiped out (assuming apps = the programs you had on there and paid for). A "data" backup will not include all the files and registry entries for programs you had that they need to be present and workable.
Usually, before I do a clean install, I use Belarc Advisor (an example) which will print a list of your programs and any product/registration keys you entered when you installed them. Then I laboriously go through the list, manually reinstalling the programs (leaving out any manufacturer crapware or other fluff programs) I want on my system and entering the keys I purchased.
If by "apps" you mean Metro Apps you purchased at the Store, that's another issue altogether which I haven't any experience in.
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