Windows 8 has operating system repair features that are much easier than previous versions of Windows. You can use the “Refresh” feature to reinstall Windows without losing any personal files. You can also use the “System Restore” feature to restore Windows to the last date when it was still working fine. Just like Refresh, System Restore will not delete personal files either. If Windows is too problematic to fix, you can use "Factory Reset" as a last resort that reinstalls Windows while erasing all the contents of the hard disk (hard disk).
Step
Before Starting
Step 1. Know the different procedures available
There are three options that you can run when Windows has problems, namely: Refresh, System Restore, or Factory Reset.
- Refresh will reinstall Windows files without affecting personal data. Do a Refresh if your computer crashes or freezes.
- System Restore will return your computer to the state it was in when it was last working properly. Perform a System Restore to restore Windows if a program or driver causes the computer to malfunction. This feature can also be used to repair computers affected by viruses. Unfortunately, System Restore is not available on Windows 8 RT.
- Factory Reset will erase all the contents of the computer. This feature is suitable when the other two procedures cannot solve the problem you are facing, including viruses and malware. Performing a Factory Reset every six months will help maintain your computer's performance in the long run.
Method 1 of 3: Refreshing Windows 8
Step 1. Copy your data
While this process won't affect your private directory, it's a good idea to take precautions rather than regret later.
Step 2. Understand what will be lost in this process
Windows will reinstall its operating system files, including any apps you downloaded from the Windows Store. All programs installed from online sources or DVDs/CDs will be deleted and you will have to reinstall them later. Your personal files (located in the Documents, Pictures, Downloads, or whatever directory you created) and computer settings will not be lost.
If you're using Windows 8.1 from a Windows 8 update, Refreshing will revert Windows to version 8. You'll need to download and install the Windows 8.1 update again after the Refresh process is complete
Step 3. Make a recovery image if you don't want to reinstall the programs on the desktop
Windows has a “custom refresh image” feature that you can use instead of the default refresh feature. By creating an image, all the programs you have installed, including those sourced from the internet or disks, will not be lost. This feature is optional, although some users who have already updated their Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 will still need to create a custom image to keep the image they are using is valid. This step can be helpful after you install a new program or reinstall Windows.
- Press Win+X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
- Type mkdir C:\recoveryimage and press Enter. You can change the name and location of the directory to whatever you want, but make sure it has at least 5 GB of free space. The more programs installed, the larger the Windows image file size. Try to use a flash drive (USB drive) or external hard disk as the image storage media.
- Type recimg -CreateImage C:\recoveryimage and press Enter. Change the location of the file according to what you typed earlier.
- Wait for Windows to finish creating the image file.
- When the process is complete, the new image you created will replace the default Windows image when you refresh.
Step 4. Swipe the screen from right to left or hover the mouse cursor at the top right of the screen to open the Charms bar
Step 5. Tap or click Settings, then Change PC settings
Step 6. Select "Update and recovery", then "Recovery"
Step 7. Select "Get started" located under "Refresh your PC without affecting your files" to confirm that you want to refresh
Step 8. Wait until the refresh is complete
This process will take about half an hour. Once the refresh is complete, the computer will automatically restart and Windows will load as usual. You can reinstall all the missing programs or even update to Windows 8.1 after Windows opens.
You will find a document that lists the programs that were deleted in the process of refreshing on the desktop
Problem solving
Step 1. If your computer is still having the same problem as before it was refreshed, you may have to use the factory reset feature
Step 2. Perform the steps below if the Refresh and Reset feature cannot be used
A corrupted registration file can cause damage to the refresh function. This fix will restore the recovery function, but you will only be able to do a factory reset afterwards and Refresh will no longer work.
- Open the Charms menu, click Power while holding down Shift, and select Restart.
- After the Advanced Startup menu appears, select "Troubleshoot", then "Advanced options".
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Choose Command Prompt. Type the commands below in order, pressing Enter to end each line:
- cd %windir%\system32\config
- ren system system.001
- ren software software.001
- exit
- After restarting Windows, reopen the “Troubleshoot” menu and select “Reset Your PC“. After that, follow the procedures provided.
Method 2 of 3: Performing a System Restore
Step 1. Copy your data
While a system restore won't erase your data, it's a good idea to take precautions rather than regret later when something unexpected happens.
Step 2. Find out what happens during the System Restore process
System Restore will restore your computer settings to the state they were in on a specific date. All programs installed between that date and the day you performed the restore will be deleted, and any changes to computer settings and registrations will be lost.
Step 3. Swipe the screen from right to left, or hover the mouse cursor over the top right corner of the screen to open the Charms bar
If you do a System Restore because Windows can't be loaded by the computer, do a system restore through the Command Prompt
Step 4. Select "Settings", then "Control Panel"
Step 5. Type "recovery" in the Control Panel search box
Step 6. Select "Recovery", then "Open System Restore"
The System Restore feature generally takes some time to open. Select Next > to see the available restore point options.
Step 7. Choose the restore point you want to use
System Restore will show you the most recent automatic restore points, as well as those you created manually. You can check the "Show more restore points" box to view restore points that are not displayed.
Each restore point has a short description of the changes that occurred. This explanation can be used to narrow down the restore point options to choose from if you know what's causing the computer problem
Step 8. Click the "Scan for affected programs" link after selecting a restore point
This will let you know which programs should be reinstalled after the system restore process is complete.
Step 9. Click “Finish” and wait until the recovery is complete
This process can take a few minutes, and the computer will restart automatically when all is done.
Step 10. Run a test on the computer
When you're done, use your computer to make sure it's performing better. If the computer's performance becomes increasingly low, you can restore the computer's condition by using System Restore again.
Problem solving
Step 1. System Restore does not fix the error. In general, this happens because the restore point used is damaged. Run System Restore again and try to use another restore point. If the same problem reappears, you will most likely have to do a factory reset. Follow the instructions in the next section to perform a reset.
Step 2. The computer still has symptoms of being infected with a virus after a system restore
Some viruses can infect the restore points that you create. If you have tried all the restore points and the same problem has not gone away, try to do a factory reset. Follow the instructions in the next section to perform a reset.
Method 3 of 3: Reset on Windows 8
Step 1. Copy your data
Doing a factory reset will erase all the contents of your hard drive, so make sure you've copied all important files on other media.
Step 2. Understand what happens when you do a factory reset
Factory reset will reinstall Windows while erasing all your data and settings. Everything will return to the factory default state. This process is best used on computers that you want to recycle or give away, or when you want to improve computer performance, and also to solve virus problems.
Step 3. Connect your computer to a power source (if necessary)
If you are using a laptop or tablet, connect the device to a power source during the factory reset process. This process takes a long time, so running out of steam in the middle of the process can cause serious problems.
Step 4. Swipe the screen from right to left, or hover the mouse cursor over the top corner of the screen, to open the Charms bar
If you did a factory reset because your computer won't load Windows, see the Troubleshooting section at the end of this section
Step 5. Tap or click “Settings, then “Change PC settings“
Step 6. Select "Update and recovery", then "Recovery"
Step 7. Click "Get started" located under "Remove everything and reinstall Windows"
Step 8. Insert the Windows 8 installation disc (if prompted)
Depending on how Windows was installed on the computer, Windows may ask you to insert an installation disc before the computer can be reset. If you don't have one, create a Recovery disc.
Step 9. Select the drive you want to reset (if prompted)
If your computer has more than two drives, you have the option of deleting only the drive on which Windows is installed or all of them.
Step 10. Choose between quick or full cleaning
If you are doing the reset for personal reasons, select “Just remove my files". If you are cleaning your computer for giving away, selling, donating, or recycling, choose "Fully clean the drive". This option is recommended to prevent someone from getting old files. You are using a special program. The full cleaning option will take longer, but is a safer option.
Step 11. Click "Reset" and wait for the process to complete
In general, a quick cleaning process will take about 45 minutes to an hour, and a full cleaning will take several hours. During the process, your computer may restart several times before it finishes.
Problem solving
Step 1. Windows cannot load
If you need to reset but Windows won't load, go to the Advanced Startup menu.
- Restart the computer and keep pressing the F11 key until the menu opens.
- Select "Troubleshoot" in the "Choose an option" menu.
- Select "Reset your PC" and follow the steps provided.
Step 2. Factory reset failed to reinstall Windows. Usually this happens because there is something wrong with the recovery partition on your hard disk. If this happens, you will need to install it by loading Windows using a Windows 8 installation or recovery disc. In general the process is the same, the difference is that you need to enter more information compared to a reinstall without a disc.
