windows 7 re-install help

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b0untypure1

1426 posts

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#55594 6-Jan-2010 18:37

hi guys, some of my registry files have gone missing =[
my plan to fix it would be to try a re-install of windows 7 using the boot disk.
my question is: will i lose all my files?
im currently on windows 7 64bit home pro and have the disc for it.
my copy has already been activated so when i go to reinstall windows it will still work???
will i lose my files?
please note, its a bootfile gone missing so i cant boot and save my files.

help would be apreciated
thanks

Damager

2125 posts

Uber Geek

#287583 6-Jan-2010 21:34

When you do a clean reinstall of windows 7, it backs up all of your data to a folder called windows.old.

I've just reinstalled on one of my laptops and all of my data was still there in that folder. Even when it says its a clean install, it doesnt reformat the partition, it just installs into the free space.

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freitasm

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#287596 6-Jan-2010 22:05

Is this key the one you sold to a friend? If it is then you can't activate it - your friend has the rights to use it now, not you. If you are requested to activate it, then it will decrease the number of allowed activations that your friend could use.

b0untypure1

1426 posts

Uber Geek

#287661 7-Jan-2010 06:52

no this is with a OEM windows 7 that came with my new PC.
all of my files are in a windows old folder, whats the best way to restore these files?

kontonnz

137 posts

Master Geek

#287662 7-Jan-2010 06:59

ummmm why reinstall? have you tried the recovery option from the control panel?

b0untypure1

1426 posts

Uber Geek

#287667 7-Jan-2010 07:39

the problem with the registry wouldnt let me boot, even in safe mode.
re install was the only way to get back into windows

kontonnz

137 posts

Master Geek

#287668 7-Jan-2010 07:59

the recovery point does not require windows 7 to be running; you only need to be able to access the boot options menu (f8 on boot) or you can use the install media (usb/dvd) to access the recovery options......

Damager

2125 posts

Uber Geek

#287688 7-Jan-2010 09:27

b0untypure1: no this is with a OEM windows 7 that came with my new PC.
all of my files are in a windows old folder, whats the best way to restore these files?

You dont restore them. It's just data now so you can delete the Windows folder that's in the Windows.old folder and reinstall your old programs.

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freitasm

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#287709 7-Jan-2010 10:06

Don't you ever make a backup? You should always have a backup.

Always. Make. Backups.

b0untypure1

1426 posts

Uber Geek

#287862 7-Jan-2010 18:25

thanks, yea guess i have learnt the hard way...once its back up and running ill definately backup or buy araid setup

Damager

2125 posts

Uber Geek

#287867 7-Jan-2010 19:07

Easiest backup is to create a boot disk/dvd with an image that has your OS, mobo and other necessary drivers, and some programs that you always load. For a boot dvd, then you'll want to keep it to 1 dvd for the sake of convenience.

If you want to backup a more comprehensive image, then create a bootable image to a USB of whatever size you wish eg 8GB image is more convenient than 2 DVDs or

create a partition specifically with a backup image, you can access this via the repair console from the boot options menu as noted by kontonnz.

Either way youll save yourself from lots of headaches in the future!

b0untypure1

1426 posts

Uber Geek

#287893 7-Jan-2010 20:40

cool thanks man =]
ill be taking it into the shop my next day off work.