Cannot uninstall update

No, the idea is to keep personal data OFF C:
So either on another partition on the system disk, or on another disk.

The folders I mentioned exist on either of those NOT C:

No performance overhead - especially not if a SSD is used.

I posted a question and just deleted it because I figured out the answer. Now I have another question. As I'm looking at the MR menu for imaging, I see that one of the partitions is my C: drive, one is WINREtools, and the rest, as far as I can see, are wasted space. I'm assuming I shouldn't removed the one marked WINREtools, but the other small ones can be reclaimed. Is that correct?

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dalchina said:

No, the idea is to keep personal data OFF C:
So either on another partition on the system disk, or on another disk.

The folders I mentioned exist on either of those NOT C:

No performance overhead - especially not if a SSD is used.

How difficult is it to separate the OS and the data by repartitioning a disk that already has a lot of data? The OS, I'm sure, is not scattered everywhere but is restricted to a certain area of the hard drive, but is it typically in one particular area? How would I go about doing that--or do I need to backup all my files to another drive, delete them from the original, and proceed from there?

1. A UEFI installation typically consists of 4 (four) partitions created when you clean install Windows.

the rest, as far as I can see, are wasted space.

Feel free to delete partitions you don't like the look of by all means.. but then please don't ask for help with the consequences!

2. Macrium Reflect normally by default when you click e.g. Backup, Windows selects the 4 partitions automatically:


Example of mine.

You can add other disks and partitions as you wish or image those separately or back them up by other means.

How difficult is it to separate the OS and the data by repartitioning a disk that already has a lot of data?

For example: you could move lots of your personal data off C: to some storage (temporary or permanent depending on what space you've got and where).

Then shrink C: and to what's necessary to create contiguous unallocated space on your system drive (assuming you have a big system drive).

Then create a partition in that empty space.

Then copy your personal data into that partition.

Just an example.. the exact actions depend on your own situation, and whether you have more than one internal disk.

You need a partition manager e.g. Minitool Partition Wizard.

Careful backups and care when copying, moving and deleting data are essential.

dalchina said:

1. A UEFI installation typically consists of 4 (four) partitions created when you clean install Windows.

Feel free to delete partitions you don't like the look of by all means.. but then please don't ask for help with the consequences!

2. Macrium Reflect normally by default when you click e.g. Backup, Windows selects the 4 partitions automatically:


Example of mine.

What's the function of the four partitions? One at least is unformatted and one is FAT32, one is C: and the one in red is...what? I assume that one shouldn't be touched.

I have to get my Windows repair done soon (before I even try to reclaim space) because the effects of the security update not deleting are becoming a major problem. I've had to reboot three times to be able to type something for 5 minutes. Once the cursor starts jumping around (why I wanted to uninstall the update), it opens things, changes the desktop, makes it almost impossible to even shutdown. While it seems quiet, I'm going to image the disc as is.

You can research the function of those using Google or maybe ChatGPT.

e.g.
What is an EFI partition?

The red indication has nothing whatsoever to do with its priority. It simply shows it's almost full. Just as Windows does with the right view.

MR image just finished. Ready to download the ISO for the repair install.

I started the repair install and was notified that all my programs would need to be reinstalled, and there's a bunch of them, including several Microsoft programs. I'm having a hard time figuring out how this is going to be a lot less work than a clean install. Seems to me the only difference is that it will save the data, but I can do a separate backup and save my data. Am I missing something?

Sounds like you're doing the wrong thing to start a repair install which, like any upgrade, keeps progs data and accounts

There is a full tutorial - in the searchable Tutorials section.

The iso file you use must
- be the same as your base language
- be of the same major build
If unsure- get a new one with the MS media creation tool (tutorial available).

First major step- you log in as normal.

Scores of times I've posted this: e.g. see either (a) or (b) here:
Update Question.. Help Please

I went through the entire tutorial 2 or 3 times before posting. As I went through it again, I realized I should have just paid attention to the written part, as the video threw in a lot of unneeded information, and that's where I got waylaid. Anyway, the process is completed, and so far, so good. Some of my personalization (icon size, video settings) was reset, but that was easily taken care of.

The only thing that hasn't resolved is that my touchscreen won't work. I have the Dell drivers in a separate folder. I'll have to figure out how to reinstall them. Then I'll be finished, and the next time I have a major problem Windows 11, here I come.

I repeated the repair install, but this time disconnected from the internet. Once it was completed, I paused updates for 35 days. So far, no problems with the bouncing cursor, but I've been staying offline. The only time I saw the "bouncing cursor", was when I went online for about 10 minutes, rebooted, made sure my internet connection was closed, and I've been using the laptop for two days without problems.

Still deciding whether to do a clean install and update to Windows 11, but in the meantime, I'm backing up my file system.