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
    2014-05-19T00:16:47+00:00

    When you are troubleshooting your computer and see the Recovery icon in the action center that says Refresh your PC without effecting your files, or reset it and start over, don't click on it, unless you want to delete all your files.

    What upsets me about the situation is the fact that the icon claims to not affect your files.  When I did click on it I wasn't given the opportunity to change anything, so I went through with it believing that I would only "refresh" my PC. 

    What makes the situation worse, is how we customers are treated by Microsoft when something like this occurs, instead of Microsoft just apologizing for the situation and changing the wording so others in this situation do not make the same mistake.

    Like I've quoted in the past "those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat the same mistakes".  There have been other companies, in the past who treated their customers poorly, and thought "We can because we are the only one they have to choose from".  As they patted their backs & money lined pockets, along came David.... and I think you know the rest of the story...... 

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-04-08T06:33:12+00:00

    YES YOU CAN RECOVER CERTAIN FILES.. I know I'm late responding, but Ive been searching solutions for hours tonight and found one.. When "Refreshing" it moves your program files to a folder in c drive name "Windows.old" c\ windows.old\ Program Files (x86)
    ect  everything vital should be in there.. Mine were..  Hope this helps you and other as well!

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-03-03T16:45:31+00:00

    Okay, I found that file, but is there anyway to recover those files. They are all listed, but when you try to click on them, nothing happens. What a crock "refresh" is

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