Use DISM to Repair Windows 10 Image  

Alex 3 said:

Change of plans - for reasons unknown to me, the "reset" option no longer resolves the system file corruption.

Performing an in-place upgrade through the Media Creation tool does resolve the system file corruption issue.

I had been trying to work with the default recovery because it's going to be my dad's computer and I was trying to keep things stock, but it seems like a silly idea at this point, especially given that I was going to end up removing half of the HP programs before I gave it to him anyway.

The computer has a three year warranty with accident protection and I confirmed with HP (who did offer to take it back) that removing the recovery partition and setting it up from scratch with a W10 iso will not void the warranty (plus I have the default recovery on a usb to flash from if there is ever a hardware problem, which would be the only reason to put a warranty claim in anyway).

All that said, is there an appreciable difference between starting the set up from the in-place upgrade through Media Creation versus booting from a dvd iso of W10, deleting all ssd partitions and starting from scratch that way?

I apologize for taking this off topic with this last question, but you've all been very helpful and are already looking at this thread so I figured that this would be the best way to get your advice.

Alex

The in-place, from whatever source, will retain your apps and settings, and re-install all default Store apps. A clean, wipe-it-all-start-over, will obviously retain nothing. You may want to do a clean and add back in any apps/progs you deem necessary, including those you can get from HP. That way, you know your exact starting point, no guessing, no leftover bits 'n bytes from HP. Only what you purposely put on there. When you go to do the clean install, and get to the point of it asking where to install, delete every partition you see. All of them. ALL. You will end up with one unallocated partition. Install it there. Windows will create what it needs where it needs to. Nothing more, nothing less. If you set it up with a Microsoft Account, it will also install all default Store Apps.

Gotta go for the night. Check back tomorrow.......

@Alex 3

Use DISM to Repair Windows 10 Image - Page 51 - Windows 10 Performance Maintenance Tutorials

Now that we know it won't void your warrantee, I suggest a clean install from USB ISO and delete partitions during early install phase.

Before looking for keys > The machine should have digital entitlement already. Press the Windows key + I simultaneously > Choose Update & security > Choose activation. It will be listed at the top. If so, the machine is entitled indefinitely.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...-10-activation

I suggest to use the native Windows disk imaging for backup. It is sufficient. No need for 3rd party software to do so.

Create System Image in Windows 10 Windows 10 Backup Restore Tutorials

If you need any more info, I and others will be here to help.

I agree with TC (tomcat). Clean install would be my preference, just to have a nice clean OS without all the other "garbage". Here's the tut:
Clean Install Windows 10 Windows 10 Installation Upgrade Tutorials

And, remember to delete all partitions (select Custom Install) and install to one big un-allocated drive.

If you want to grab the W10 key before you start, use this tool:
ShowKeyPlus - Windows 10 Forums

But you shouldn't have to enter a key when reinstalling.

One last thing: I would make a Macrium image of the drive once you have it setup, before you give it to your dad. Then, if there are any problems in the future, you can always restore that image, and he'll be good to go, and you won't have to go through the entire setup all over again.

Please ask if you have any questions. Someone will be here to assist.

@Alex 3

I agree completely with simrick's suggestion for a backup plan. Macrium is the preferred, and most recommended application to ensure an error free and reliable backup. It's easy to use and multiple backups can be stored for archival restoration. Windows native backup (Windows 7 legacy carryover, not new for Windows 10) is extremely difficult to use for multiple backups. And even more difficult to restore. Yes, it can be done, but the process is not something any average user would understand.

Macrium is free. Tutorial: Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect Windows 10 Backup Restore Tutorials

Software download: Macrium Software | Macrium Reflect Free

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We've all said it, but I'll repeat.... delete all partitions during the install and install to the one remaining unallocated partition. Windows will do the rest.

Alex 3 said:

Thanks all!

I did the format and installation last night from an ISO of the most recent version of W10. I should have done that from the beginning (but then likely wouldn't have become a member of this great forum, so it worked out for the best).

Thanks for the info about Macrium, too. I checked out some of the information about it on one of the another TenForums threads and it looks good.

I've been using Acronis for years; do you believe that Macrium is a better product?

Alex

Alex, they are both fine products. We (at least me) tend toward Macrium. Probably because I'm biased using something that always works for me. :) But you use what's comfortable for you, and your Dad. It's free, so you can always give it a spin and see if you like it. Plenty here use it, so there's always gonna be someone around to answer questions.

Alex 3 said:

Thanks all!

I did the format and installation last night from an ISO of the most recent version of W10. I should have done that from the beginning (but then likely wouldn't have become a member of this great forum, so it worked out for the best).

Thanks for the info about Macrium, too. I checked out some of the information about it on one of the another TenForums threads and it looks good.

I've been using Acronis for years; do you believe that Macrium is a better product?

Alex

I'll just add this from another member here (OldMike65):

I HAD been a registered user/owner of Acronis since 2006, last version I bought and upgraded to was the 2016 release. But over the years I saw Acronis getting bigger and bigger, adding more Bloat ware then actually needed. Saw my computer taking forever to do a simple complete image backup. Even slowed up my boot time because of all their added additions they put in my startup process.

Then I found out about Macrium Reflect Free version. Did everything I needed, faster and better then Acronis EVER did, at least for the last 2 or 3 versions of their product. I deleted every trace of Acronis about 6 months ago, I only use Macrium Reflect ever since. Computer now boots faster like it should, I gained more space on the SSD. I always make the Macrium Rescue USB stick and keep it handy and updated. I will never go back to Acronis.
Just my 2 cents on Acronis vs Macrium Reflect. :)

Backup/Recovery tools - Acronis vs Macrium - Page 2 - Windows 10 Forums


and this from topgundcp:

I would not use Acronis even if it's free. Was a long time Acronis user and quit using it since version 2009 once I found out it modified the MBR and put services that were hard/impossible to get rid of even if I uninstalled Acronis.
Acronis Leftover Drivers? | Knowledge Base

Macrium free is all you need to do backup/restore and you don't even need to create CD/USB to boot from, you can set up to either:

1. Run as dual boot from HD/SSD with Windows
2. Solved FYI: Setup Macrium Rescue to boot from an Internal/External USB HD/SSD - Windows 10 Forums

Acronis True Image vs Macrium Reflect - Windows 10 Forums

And another detailed one here, which I will not quote due to length, but it is chock full of good information:
Acronis True Image vs Macrium Reflect - Page 2 - Windows 10 Forums

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No affiliation whatsoever with Macrium Reflect. I used to have Acronis and for the same reasons as "simrick" —referring to oldMike65's quote—, I switched one year and a half ago to Macrium (paid version) for both of my PCs. And it's worth every single penny. MR is fast and has saved my bacon so, so many times.