Can I undo a refresh on windows 8, I have no restore points but would like to go back 24hours?

Are you crazy! You can't install programs like that. There is a set order application file, set-up files etc. Each program has registry keys that have to be put into your machine registry keys you can't drag a folder and drop it in C:\ and think that it is installed. During refresh all of your files were NOT deleted, if your name was in the file. Documents, pictures all libraries, etc. After windows retrieved last restore point. It moved your files temporarily to a folder. It reinstalls windows, All apps it was purchased with, All programs it was purchased with and all of YOUR programs and apps are in a folder on YOUR desktop underneath it says REMOVED apps.  The windows installer module will be running at nearly 100% first (at restoring point) it will begin with the installation of windows, programs, apps, default settings, that it came with  at time of purchase. Then ALL of YOUR personal files, this can take Hours and hours. YOU guys did not give windows a chance to reinstall YOUR personal files. Paid for programs and apps are on YOUR desktop, NOT gone forever, merely reinstall, with the product key that came with it. (And if you don't have that together either then that's your fault, product keys are given for a reason). I have had to refresh my HP pavilion g6-2225nr 4 times! And I never ran into this horrible situation that you describe. Microsoft shadow copy service has been around since XP, and it works. Before each refresh i studied up and did it, and you know what? It did exactly what it said it would and would NOT do. Yes, it was a lot of work, but it worked. I don't work for Microsoft, I am a little old retired lady that loves her computer and surfs every day

I am curious. Why did you have to refresh your computer so many times?

Thank you! It did drive me a little crazy not being able to see what was on the recovery drive. Also, thanks for the recommendation about the external hard drive. I still have not backed up anything. After reading this, I am going to do what you suggested tomorrow morning. Thanks again! Lisa

I am not the one that wrote they had lost any personal files. I like the free version on AVG, and that was gone, but I guess because of the refresh the free trial of Norton was reinstalled. Although when my free Norton trial is over I will probably go back to AVG.  I had downloaded a free trial of Office, but had not bought the software. I do use both IE and Chrome, and Chrome was gone, but of course IE was there. There was NO removed apps file on the desktop or anywhere else. I do not know why there was no removed apps file, but I am absolutely sure there was not. There may not have been a removed apps file because I had not bought any apps. Possibly? Chrome was nowhere. lol I actually am one of those that use IE more often.  I did have to reinstall Chrome. Windows 8.1 and most of the updates were gone, but I reinstalled 8.1. My BF did the refresh around 24-36 hours prior to me finding out, and it was done when I logged onto my desktop. There were ALL of the Windows updates waiting to be reinstalled/installed. I am tempted to do a refresh myself, because I am curious to see if the refresh would now go back to Windows 8 or 8.1, since 8.1 is now on the recovery drive. I wonder if each time you "refresh" you will go back to original "factory" settings/software, etc. or if there is a new "restore" point created. I did have to reinstall the software for my printer, but not my router, monitor, keyboard or mouse. Thanks for all of the information and advice! Have a wonderful weekend~