@Shawn yes make the users wrong for not understanding Windows 8's arcane messages. Microsoft can do no wrong (sarcasm.)
Raul Freitas
tech wizard
(not a Microsoft apologist)
For the record Windows 8 is worse than both Vista and ME.
This browser is no longer supported.
Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.
I've recently got a new computer with Windows 8, I was having trouble with it and decided to refresh to clean up all the bits and pieces I'd added to start again. The windows office package was installed recently by partner before he went away as he bought two licences and it has now gone.
Can I undo the refresh in any way? I have tried and tried but it seems there were no restore points. Very grateful for any advice as have just managed to get some work for first time this year and need word, excel etc.
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
@Shawn yes make the users wrong for not understanding Windows 8's arcane messages. Microsoft can do no wrong (sarcasm.)
Raul Freitas
tech wizard
(not a Microsoft apologist)
For the record Windows 8 is worse than both Vista and ME.
No restore points = no going back. I don't think that you can go back anyway, certainly there is no easy way.
Your other stuff will have to be re-installed..
If you are going to need Refresh in the future, make a CUSTOM Refresh image that better reflects what is installed and running. The new image is not perfect but better than the default Refresh..
http://www.howtogeek.com/108944/how-to-create-a-custom-refresh-image-in-windows-8/
I have to agree with PatrickCrotty and others on this one. I just made the mistake of relying on what the dialog box said when I clicked on "Refresh" and it told me that I wouldn't loose anything that I didn't want to. When I clicked on continue I thought it would take me to a window where I could choose what I wanted to keep because that is what I was led to believe by the wording. Now I'm having to jump through hoops so I can try to reinstall important programs.
So maybe instead of snarking at your customers, who purchase your product, and making us feel belittled, why not take our frustration into consideration. Either reword Refresh so we know that everything will be deleted, or make it so that we are able to undo Refresh. This would go a long way in making things better for your customers, and in the end put Microsoft in a more positive light
What the refresh screen said was that my files, documents and photos would not be affected. That's why I chose the refresh option. I understand about the apps and programs and am not complaining. Refresh doesn't do what it tells you it's going to do.
Looks like this may turn out to be a real costly lesson. I don't feel sorry for anyone in this position for the following reasons
!) As Shawn stated you ignored the three separate warnings about what it would do, ignored the Restore option (that's been around for 12 years).
By the way The folder on the desktop will only contain a list of Apps and Programs that need to be reinstalled. Hope this helps and if you need further assistance post and we will be glad to assist you.
The above opinion is mine and mine alone and doesn't necessarily reflect that of Microsoft, it's employees, or any other member of this forum.
"When we try to pick out-anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." -John Muir