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

Anonymous
2013-01-21T18:18:26+00:00

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.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures

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.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2015-04-01T21:19:11+00:00

@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.

Was this answer helpful?

3 people found this answer helpful.
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2013-01-21T18:23:43+00:00

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/

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.
0 comments

110 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2013-09-13T08:47:33+00:00

    Your "answer" is - beside condescending - also incorrect. There were not 3 separate warnings, but only 1 (ONE) dialog window (assuring me no files etc. would be deleted)!

    BTW, since I had completely removed Internet Explorer (and replaced it with Google Chrome) after buying the laptop it now looks as if the refresh option is/was just a clever way of "forcing" me (at least temporarily) back to using IE (which I absolutely hate). Is it just me, or does anybody else see a "Microsoft pattern"???!!!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2013-09-13T08:34:09+00:00

    Brian~

    same problem here. Windows 8 refresh deleted all my Google Chrome Browser settings and BOOKMARKS (nightmare) as well as my MS Office 2013 software as well as SkyDrive files etc.

    So, WHERE exactly do I find this folder you mention (root:/Windows.old)?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-09-13T07:54:58+00:00

    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

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments