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

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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.

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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/

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-01-10T21:24:58+00:00

    1 time it was Norton,issue/trial

    1 time it was a HP update/download for AMD 7240G graphic driver issue

    1 time HP support assistant crashed

    1 time Microsoft updating Issue and in the wrong order I finally burned my recovery discs

    In case something worse happens cost me $11.00 for DVD+R you need 6 or you can put it on

    USB 23G $30.00.   Have fun!

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-01-10T14:05:49+00:00

    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?

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-01-10T14:02:47+00:00

    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

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