Is there any way to "refresh" Windows without having to re-install all your programs?

Discussion in 'Windows 10' started by DeathStalker77, Oct 8, 2020.

  1. DeathStalker77

    DeathStalker77 MDL Addicted

    Nov 8, 2009
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    I know there is an option to keep your documents and stuff. My system keeps locking up for no apparent reason. Have run sfc /scannow with no issues found. All drivers updated. Bringing up Task Manager shows no programs "Not Responding", but I have to do a hard reset.

    I'd rather not go through the hassle of a complete wipe and fresh install.

    Any ideas?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Enthousiast

    Enthousiast MDL Tester

    Oct 30, 2009
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    Run setup.exe from a mounted ISO on the running install, will be an inplace/repair upgrade which keeps all files and apps.

    When you are on 19042.xxx you first need to uninstall the 20H2 EP, else you can't do an inplace upgrade.
     
  3. DeathStalker77

    DeathStalker77 MDL Addicted

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    I'm on v19041.508

    I don't have the option to upgrade to 19042 either.
     
  4. Enthousiast

    Enthousiast MDL Tester

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    On 19041.508 you simply can perform an inplace upgrade using a 19041.508 ISO.
     
  5. DeathStalker77

    DeathStalker77 MDL Addicted

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    Ok, I'm trying that.
     
  6. DeathStalker77

    DeathStalker77 MDL Addicted

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    #6 DeathStalker77, Oct 8, 2020
    Last edited: Oct 8, 2020
    (OP)
    There is no option called "inplace/repair upgrade" - I do have an option to "Keep personal files and apps"

    Is that the one I should choose?

    Thanks!
     
  7. Enthousiast

    Enthousiast MDL Tester

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    The inplace upgrade is started when you start a setup.exe from a running install of the same build.

    And yes, that is the option which allows you to keep files and apps, as you desired.
     
  8. DeathStalker77

    DeathStalker77 MDL Addicted

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    Ok, that's what I'll use the :)
     
  9. case-sensitive

    case-sensitive MDL Expert

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    Make a backup first ?
     
  10. nosirrahx

    nosirrahx MDL Expert

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    Always. The data you do not want to lose should be backed up no matter what, even if its just sitting there.

    That said, this procedure has never broken a system I have personally worked on. Its a pretty decent way to correct OS issues that other methods fail to correct.
     
  11. DeathStalker77

    DeathStalker77 MDL Addicted

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    Ok, it finished and I got the following essage - it said it set Windows back to the way it was, then

    0xC1900101 - 0x20017
    The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during BOOT process.
     
  12. DeathStalker77

    DeathStalker77 MDL Addicted

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    And everything is delayed in opening, even task manager takes several minutes :(

    Think I'll try re-running it in Safe Mode to start.
     
  13. DeathStalker77

    DeathStalker77 MDL Addicted

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    Tried running it in Safe Mode and it says "You cannot upgrade Windows while running in Safe Mode"
     
  14. DeathStalker77

    DeathStalker77 MDL Addicted

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    I hope the DISM worked.
     
  15. DeathStalker77

    DeathStalker77 MDL Addicted

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    DISM *seems* to have restore the program start speed. We'll see whether the system still locks up randomly. I'll post an update in a couple days (or sooner if it locks up again).
     
  16. case-sensitive

    case-sensitive MDL Expert

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    I said make a backup because its never worked for me ........ same with system restore ........every time i finshed up with a system that i couldnt trust ......... because as you saw ...... things change ...... and me as a meer moron have no idea what else it changed ? ......... and in the time you've done what you've done you could have done a clean install and now have a clean system that you can trust . Now your in a position like a doctor that sees a sickness , doesnt know what the full extent is ........ and are trying to cure it by throwing ' silver bullets ' at it .

    BUT ...... anyway ........ are you storeing things that you dont want to loose on ' C ' ? ....... If so why ?